Chronic Back Pain
Chronic Back PainOne of the most common ailments and the leading cause of physicians visits is Low Back Pain. While there are a number of different reasons you can experience pain in your back, generally an injury, accident, or muscle strain will cause pain throughout the region. More severe cases can include structural issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
Chronic Neck Pain
Chronic Neck PainThere are a number of factors that can cause chronic neck pain including being involved in an car accident, muscle strain or sprain, arthritis, or a “pinched” nerve. While most pain goes away with restful sleep, massage and minor medication, some will experience more significant trauma and suffer chronic pain as a result. This pain level requires a more proactive treatment approach.
Herniated/Bulging Disc
Herniated/Bulging DiscGenerally, most herniation will happen in the lumbar spine (lower back) or cervical spine (neck area). When the disc is compressed, it will press on nerves which in turn can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body that the nerves affect.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc DiseaseThe spine can receive small cracks to the outer shell of the disc which can cause the disc to bulge, starting the degenerative process. These changes are greater in those who smoke cigarettes and engage in hard physical labor such as heavy lifting. Additionally, being overweight can cause additional strain on the body which makes the spine prone to degenerative disc disease.
Sciatica
SciaticaSciatica is caused by a herniated disc that is causing pain and numbness in the buttock that extends down the leg and is located in the lower back. This is the most common symptom of a herniation as it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pain most often occurs on one side and may get worse after sitting, walking, bending, or even standing.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal StenosisWhen the spinal canal starts to narrow, that is called spinal stenosis. It can be caused by a number of factors including excessive bone growth, thickening of the tissue canal, or a herniated disc. This narrowing can put pressure on the cords or nerves surrounding the spinal cord. Generally, this condition is caused by degeneration of tissue as a part of aging and most often occurs in people over the age of 50.
Pinched Nerve
Pinched NerveA “pinched nerve” is the result of an injury or damage to a set of nerves from an injury or sprain. When the spinal column is compressed, constricted or overstretched, it can affect the nerves in the surrounding area. In more extreme cases, a herniated disc can bulge out onto the nerve causing pain and other symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of a pinched nerve are: numbness, the feeling of pins and needles, or a burning sensation radiating from the injured area.
Headaches
HeadachesThough headaches can be caused by a number of different things, they have one thing in common — they hurt and cause pain. In more extreme cases, they can lead to symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Chronic headaches can include cluster, tension, and migraine headaches.