Posts Tagged ‘anatomy of spine’

Do Disc Problems Cause Back Pain

Low back pain is a common health challenge that at some time affects more than 80% of the population, making it second in prevalence only to the common cold. However, unlike the common cold, back pain is often perplexing to most of its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving that mystery.

Anatomy

To understand back pain, it is important to understand the anatomy of the spine. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that join vertebrae to one another and serve to dictate the motion of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are comprised of a form of dense cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The discs act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is connected to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. In a canal found between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

Most back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of healthy exercise and other poor lifestyle-related factors. These cumulative factors produce stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, some may injure their back just by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already at risk and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the challenge. When this happens, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractorcan help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Prolonged sitting, particularly in a unsuitable position causes increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine. Eventually the lower spine loses its customary function and no longer can accommodate for the normal day-to-day stresses in ones life. Finally, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, letting the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. Regrettably, if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition isn’t managed properly, surgery may be needed to remove the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc challenges, including sciatica, can be resolved. If you are experiencing any of the conditions defined above, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic attention.

Spondylosis

Repetitive damage to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may result in increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine. Bone spurs are formed when the cartilage around the joints is negatively affected by stress that engenders calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae. These spurs can compress adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition known as Spondylosis – is a form of arthritis that is likely to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. Nevertheless, determinants such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic treatment and overall chiropractic management is extremely beneficial in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as aiding Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.


Sacroiliac Problems

Another common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints connect the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. Disturbances from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and move to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can produce a functional long and short leg. Those with this syndrome will feel pain particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and exhaustion. Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in ameliorating sacroiliac problems. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only produce pain, but they can also endanger the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and produce nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is a change of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities more often than notoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is most often associated with nerve dysfunctionin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also becorrelated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause trauma to the spine and lower back. Often these traumas cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this occurs a person can encounter considerable pain and immobility. In order to prevent long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is vital. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and expert treatment for any of the above-mentioned problems of the spine and lower back.

Published by Relief For Back Pain

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