CAUSES OF BACK AND NECK PAIN
Muscle Strain
Some research studies note that 80 percent of back and neck pain is caused by muscle strain. Unlike muscles in the legs, which are long and resistant to spasm, the back is composed of short extensor muscles that bridge from vertebra to vertebra. Because these muscles are shorter, they are more prone to spasm.
Most neck pain is muscle-related, caused by strain from holding the head in one place for an extended period.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can first appear in childhood. Sometimes it is caused by differences in leg length that may not even be noticed, and in some cases it is not known why scoliosis occurs, but it does tend to affect women more than men. The curvature of the spine needs to be assessed because in some cases, extreme curves can place pressure on internal organs, which can shorten lifespan if not treated.
Arthritis
If you have constant back pain that is more of a steady ache than a sharp, acute pain, you are probably suffering from arthritis. Arthritis results from wear and tear on the cartilage side of the joints. When the joints get worn, they can become painful and swollen. Chirorpactic care can, in many cases, significantly reduce the effects of arthritis without medication. It can also slow the progression of the disease. Herniated Disc
Between the bones of the spine are discs, which act as shock absorbers and ball bearings providing flexibility and cushioning. The shock absorbing discs resemble jelly donuts, each having a jelly-like center. As we age, the outer rings naturally become less flexible and more brittle, with the rings separating from one another leading to tiny channels in between the rings. With a fall or heavy strain, these ligaments can rupture, allowing the nucleus of the disc to flow through the channels to the exterior of the disc and place pressure on the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord. The result is back pain and possibly arm or leg pain. The good news is that a herniated disc doesn't necessarily mean a person needs surgery. In many cases, special techniques that RightSPINE physicians employ can make the symptoms from a small to moderate herniation go away. Interventional pain management techniques performed at Pain and Wellness Center can be successful for more significant problems.
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