Common Spine Conditions You Need to Know About
By Sara Butler
Back pain can strike just about anyone at any time. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, about 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point. If you’re one of those 80 percent, then you know how difficult it can be to treat back or neck pain. The first step to treating it successfully is understanding what is causing the pain in the first place. The chiropractors at The Joint have found that there are a handful of conditions that cause back and neck pain.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can pinch the nerves that travel through it, causing pain. This condition is one of the most common conditions that cause back and neck pain, especially in older patients. But it’s also something the chiropractors at The Joint can work with you to treat so you can reclaim your life and reduce your pain and discomfort.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Almost every single person has some kind of degeneration in the discs of their spine as a result of natural wear and tear over a lifetime. It’s a very common condition in older people, but it’s not something that produces symptoms in everyone. If you’re worried about degenerative disc disease or you’ve ever been told you have it, then consult with a chiropractor at The Joint to find out more about your treatment options.
Bulging Discs
The discs that cushion the bones go through a lot day in and day out. Repetitive movements can often cause the wall of the disc to become weak and begin to bulge, which can press on a nerve and cause pain. Many people may have bulging discs and never have one symptom, but when the disc bulges and pinches a nerve in the process, you may have symptoms you can’t ignore. Get to The Joint for an evaluation if you suspect a bulging disc.
Sciatica
Your sciatic nerve is the largest in your body, branching out from your lower back to run down both of your legs. If it becomes irritated it can cause a lot of pain -- a condition called sciatica. Sciatica is usually a symptom of other spinal conditions, such as bulging disc or spinal stenosis, that can cause tingling, numbness, burning, or pain down your leg all the way to your toes. If you experience this, see a chiropractor!
So many things can impact the health of your spine, which is why working with a chiropractor is so important.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Albuquerque, N.M.