Information

Spine Fact

Studies have Shown:

An estimated that back pain afflicts over 31 million Americans and is the number one cause of activity limitation in young adults. Within a given year, up to 50% of U.S. adults suffer from back pain.

  • Americans spend at least $50 Billion each year on lower back pain and it is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States.
  • Low back pain is the second most frequent reason for visits to the physician.
  • 80% of people over the age of 30 will experience back problems at some point in their lives. 30% of those will have recurring problems.
  • Each year, there are approximately 916,000 spinal surgeries performed in the US.
  • Back pain accounts for almost one fourth of all occupational injuries and illnesses.
  • In the United States, back surgery rates increase almost proportionately with the supply of orthopedic and neurosurgeons.

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Back pain can be caused by many different diseases and conditions. Some of these conditions can be very serious but fortunately they are for the most part uncommon. These serious conditions include; cancer, tumors, neoplasm, inflammatory arthritis and infection. Several common conditions that can cause back pain are listed below.

Neck Pain

Disorders of the neck are a common source of pain. The neck has a great deal of functionality but is also subject to a lot of stress from posture and activity. Common sources of neck pain and related pain syndromes can be caused by whiplash, a cervical herniated disc, cervical spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, or cervical adenitis.

  • Whiplash, strained muscle or other soft tissue injury
  • Cervical herniated disc
  • Cervical spinal stenosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Vascular sources of pain, like arterial dissections or internal jugular vein thrombosis
  • Cervical adenitis

Common Causes of Back Pain
Fractures

Fractures can occur anywhere in the body. The vertebral bodies which help support the weight of the upper body can break resulting in a compression fracture. These types of fractures can be very painful and even disabling. A fracture can be the result of impact, stress, or a trivial injury.

It is important for your chiropractor to determine the nature of these fractures. Some fractures can be caused by dangerous or serious conditions such as cancers, malignancies, or advanced osteoporosis. These are called pathological fractures. Other types of fractures may occur through traumatic events.

Dislocations

Dislocation is a condition where a joint has been disrupted and has separated to the point where the two adjacent bones are no longer aligned or touching. When a joint is dislocated the spine becomes unstable and is unable to protect the spinal cord or nerves. This is a serious injury and can be treated by your chiropractor through many different spinal therapies.

If you are suffering from a joint that has become displaced or misaligned you should contact your physician immediately.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a natural condition of the body that causes deterioration of the intervertebral discs. This is a gradual process that may compromise the spine. Although DDD is relatively common, its effects are usually not severe enough to warrant significant medical intervention. The intervertebral disc is one structure prone to degenerative changes associated with aging. Long before Degenerative Disc Disease can be seen radiographically, biochemical and histologic (structural) changes occur. Over time the collagen (protein) structure of the annulus fibrosis weakens and may become structurally unstable. Additionally, water and proteoglycans(PG) content decreases. PGs are molecules that attract water. These changes are linked and may lead to the disc’s inability to handle mechanical stress.

Herniated Disc

Herniation of the nucleus pulposus (HNP) occurs when the nucleus (gel-like substance) breaks through the annulus fibrosis (tire-like structure) of an intervertebral disc (spinal shock absorber). Injury to the disc may result in pain, numbness, tingling or loss of muscle strength. Disc injuries in the neck region may affect the arms or hands while disc injuries in the low back may affect the legs or feet. People between the ages of 30 and 50 appear to be vulnerable because the elasticity of the disc and water content of the nucleus decreases with age. A herniated Disc may also be referred to as a “Slipped Disc” because the central position of the disc appear to bulge out. A slipped disc may result in the release of inflammatory chemical mediators, directly causing severe pain.

Some other well known terms associated with a herniated disc include: sciatica, disc disease, disc protrusion, which may all be more accurate than the term “slipped disc”.

A Herniated Disc can take place in any portion of the spine, most commonly causing pain in the lower back and legs, causing sciatica. Fredericksburg Chiropractors can assist you in the treatment and therapy of a herniated disc.

Sciatica

Sciatica involves multiple symptoms, most notably pain caused by compression or irritation of nerve roots that inflame the sciatic nerve. Pain from sciatica can radiate throughout the lower back, buttock, legs, and feet. Sciatica may also cause numbness, muscular weakness, tingling, or difficulty controlling legs. Spinal disc Herniation is the most common cause for sciatica.

Treatments for sciatica are available at Fredericksburg Chiropractor. Please contact your physician to address any symptoms that you may be having due to sciatica, or other pains.

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