Friday, October 9, 2009

Back and Neck Pain Explained

 Back and Neck Pain Explained 5

My chiropractic office, similar to many other practices all over the US, offers relief from back pain or neck pain. More than just a solution for back and neck pain, chiropractic care may alleviate symptoms or improve many ailments.

 Never self-diagnosis back pain or neck pain; instead you should always seek professional advice and treatment. Ignoring the discomfort in your neck and back might make for more complex medical problems.

 Some of the various conditions that cause back pain and neck pain can include everything from injury and infection to twisting or turning "the wrong way". Muscles, joints, ligaments, and vertebrae can undergo considerable trauma and resulting injury from auto and other types of accidents.

 The most common cause of back pain that manifests as tightening or spasm of the muscles connected to the spine is overuse or under use of the back muscles. As we grow older, inflammation and swelling often develop in our joints and ligaments, especially in the cervical and lumbar areas.

 A herniated disc happens if nucleus pulposus, the substance inside the disc, comes out of a torn annulus fibrosis, the substance outside of the disc, compressing the nerve root. Because the cervical and lumbar areas of the spine have the greatest range of motion, the discs here have a greater exposure to injury and repeated stress. The bottom two spinal vertebrae experience ninety percent of all herniated disc injuries.

 One cause for aggravation and damage to the spinal cord is a condition known as spinal stenosis. Narrowing of the spinal canal, known as spinal stenosis, can result in damage or irritation of the spinal cord. As the vertebrae deteriorate with age, we are more likely to develop stenosis of the spine.

 When something rubs or presses against a nerve creating irritation or inflammation, a pinched nerve, also known as radiculopathy, occurs. The causes of radiculopathy vary. Some causes of radiculopathy are bone spurs, herniated discs, fractures of the vertebrae, tumors, and a host of other diseases and conditions.

 Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is known as Sciatica, a certain type of radiculopathy. The pain is felt along the big sciatic nerve, which goes from the lower back to the behind area and down the back of the leg.

 Compressing the spine or nerve roots can cause significant pain and can be an indicator or symptom of a spinal tumor that originates in the spine (primary tumor) or reaches the spine from a different part of the body (metastatic tumor) can press on the spine's nerve roots and be very painful.

 Vertebrae infections (osteomyelitis), discs, meninges (spinal meningitis), or cerebrospinal liquid can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause severe neurological deterioration, if there isn't a diagnosis or it isn't treated quickly.

 Facet joints are formed by two adjacent vertebra and direct the movement of the spine; these joints are often areas that are affected by arthritis. As the joints deteriorate, they get out of alignment, and the cartilage and fluid that should keep our joints "greased" may deteriorate as well. Bone rubbing against bone can be very painful.

 Back pain and neck pain
can be caused by many things and not just these few examples. Chiropractors often relieve uncomfortable back pain and neck pain, because the associated causes are usually mechanical in nature. In conclusion, neck pain and back pain are warning signals from your body that should not be ignored.


Writers Bio

Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.

Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.

Call Steve Jones at

(619) 280 0554

San Diego Chiropractic


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