Sep 13, 2009

Causes of Back and Neck Pain

The Causes of Back and Neck Pain and Chiropractic Treatment


My Chiropractic Office in San Diego California is like many across the United States.  While chiropractic care helps many different conditions, it is often viewed as treatment for back pain and neck pain.  Determining the specific causes of neck pain and back pain for each chiropractic patient is vital prior to the onset of any treatment.

When dealing with back and neck pain, it is important to have your pain evaluated by a professional.  Simply dismissing back or neck pain as typical and unimportant can be a very bad mistake.

Many conditions can cause back and neck pain, ranging from injury to infection to simply twisting the wrong way.   Traumatic injuries such as those sustained in an automobile or other type of accident can damage muscles, joints, ligaments, and vertebrae.
Overuse or under use of the back muscles is by far the most common cause of back pain that manifests as tightening or spasm of the muscles that connect to the spine.   Inflammation and swelling often occur in the joints and ligaments, especially in the cervical and lumbar regions, as people age.

A herniated disc occurs when the nuclear pulposus, the inner material of the disc, pushes through a tear in the annulus fibrosis, the outer material of the disc causing nerve root compression.   The cervical and lumbar regions of the spine have the most mobility and the discs there are more likely to wear down or be injured.  Ninety percent of disc herniations occur in the lower two lumbar vertebrae.

Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, can cause spinal cord irritation and injury. Conditions that cause spinal stenosis include infection, tumors, trauma, herniated disc, arthritis, thickening of ligaments, growth of bone spurs, and disc degeneration.  Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs in older individuals as a result of vertebral degeneration.

A pinched nerve, or radiculopathy, occurs when something rubs or presses against a nerve, creating irritation or inflammation.  Radiculopathy can result from a herniated disc, bone spur, tumor growing into the nerves, and vertebral fracture, and many other conditions.

Sciatica is a certain type of radiculopathy that involves inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Pain is experienced along the large sciatic nerve, from the lower back down through the buttocks and along the back of the leg.

A spinal tumor that originates in the spine (primary tumor) or spreads to the spine from another part of the body (metastatic tumor) can compress the spine or nerve roots and cause significant pain.

Infections of the vertebrae (e.g., vertebral osteomyelitis), the discs, the meninges (e.g., spinal meningitis), or the cerebrospinal fluid can compress the spinal cord and result in serious neurological deterioration,  if it is not diagnosed and treated immediately.

Facet joints allow movement of the spine.  The facet joints are formed by two adjacent vertebra and direct or guide movement of the spine.   As facet joints degenerate, they may not align correctly, and the cartilage and fluid that lubricates the joints may deteriorate.  Bone then rubs against bone, which can be very painful.

These are just a few of the conditions that can cause back pain and neck pain.  Thankfully, most cases of back pain and neck pains are related to mechanical causes and can be readily addressed by a trained chiropractor.  The point is, however, pain is a warning signal that should not be ignored.  The best place to have your back and neck pain evaluated is with a chiropractor.

Bio Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California.  He recieved 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.  Click the following links to find out how we can help you start feeling better today! 

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Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
http://jonespainrelief.com

Chiropractic, neck pain, San Diego, back pain, chiropractor, treatment

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