Causes of Neck and Back Pain

Degenerative Disc Disease

This is a condition of the body which causes deteroration of the intervetebral disc. This is a gradual process that compromises the spine. The disc space starts to thin, therefore putting more pressure on the nerves and the surrounding structures. This can cause stiffness in the back, limited range of motion and pain.

Herniated Disc

Occurs when the nucleus (gel-like structure of the disc) breaks through the annular fibers of a disc. Injury to the disc may result in pain, numbness and tingling into the legs and arms, or loss of muscle strength.

Spinal Stenosis

Condition where the size of the spinal canal where the nerve exits out of is reduced. This can be a result of arthritic changes to the spine and may lead to compression of the spinal cord. Symptoms include pain, tingling/numbness, and weakness into the extremities.

Sprains/Strains

Can result from overuse of the joints and muscles, therefore putting strain on muscles and ligaments. Trauma and lack of muscle conditioning can also put sprains and strains on muscles and ligaments.

Headaches

At the Chiropractic Center safe, effective, and natural therapies have been successfully utilized in treating headaches. Different types of headaches include tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches.

Tension Type Headaches

Most common type of headaches. Pain is usually felt in the back of the neck and on the scalp. These usually are caused by stress and can become chronic, with some people suffering daily headaches.

Migraine Headaches

Pain is often severge and disabling, causing throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Some people may experience nausea and vomiting with the headache and sensitivity to light and sound.

Cervicogenic Headaches

These headaches originate in the neck and result from structural changes in the neck, including the joints, ligaments, muscles, and spinal discs. The symptoms include neck pain which radiates to the back of the head and may radiate to the forehead and back of the eyes.