1. Common Causes
2. Back Pain
3. Neck Pain
4. Dr. Sharda's Health Tips

Common Causes
The causes of back pain are nearly as numerous as terms used to describe the symptoms. Back pain is a primary reason people seek medical attention. Considering that almost 80 percent of the adult population will encounter some form of back pain, it could be said that back pain is a universal epidemic. Back pain recognizes no age, economic, or ethnic barriers.

Herniated Disc
A disc herniation is a disc rupture. This may occur if the nucleus pulposus (gel-like center) erupts through the annulus fibrosus (protective disc wall) or if the annulus fibrosus fragments. The progression to an actual herniation varies from slow to sudden onset of symptoms.

There are four stages:
1. disc protrusion,
2. prolapsed disc,
3. disc extrusion, and
4. sequestered disc.

Stages 1 and 2 are referred to as incomplete, where 3 and 4 are complete herniations.

Disc Degeneration
One of the most common disorders in the lower spine is disc degeneration, or osteoarthritis in the spine. The spine is made up of bones, or vertebra, and softer, gel-like discs. As the body ages, the discs in the spine dehydrate, or dry out, and lose their ability to act as shock absorbers. The bones and ligaments that make up the spine also become less pliable and thicken. Degeneration in the discs is normal and is not in itself a problem. The problem happens when these discs began to pinch and put pressure on the nearby nerve roots or spinal cord.

Sciatica
The term 'sciatica' is commonly used to describe pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. The pain may be sharp, dull, burning, or accompanied by intermittent shocks of shooting pain beginning in the buttock traveling downward into the back of the thigh and leg. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in the lumbar spine.

Lumbar Spine: Sciatic Nerve

1. Sciatic Nerve; 2. Sacrum; 3. Hip

Compression Fracture
A compression fracture is a common fracture of the spine that may range from mild to severe. Each vertebral body is separated from the other with a disc. When an external force is applied to the spine, such as from a fall or carrying a sudden heavy weight, the forces may exceed the ability of the bone within the vertebral body to support the load. This may cause the vertebral body to crush. This is known as a compression fracture. If the entire vertebral body breaks, this is considered a burst fracture.

Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis results when the small neural passageways termed 'foramen' narrow. The narrowing of the foramen may compress and entrap nerve roots. Nerves react to pressure by swelling, which further reduces foraminal space. Stenosis can cause excruciating pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in the involved extremity (e.g. leg, arm). Stenosis can also occur with compression from a disc, osteophytes (e.g. bone spurs), and ligaments.

Scoliosis
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve laterally to the left or right and affects children and adults. Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional disease. To understand this concept, consider that in some cases, as the spine abnormally curves, the involved vertebrae are forced to rotate. At the thoracic level, vertebral turning impacts the rib cage and may result in rib prominence on the opposite side of the curve. Deformity is the primary complaint. Back pain from scoliosis is uncommon.

Spinal Infections (Osteomyelitis)
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection usually caused by bacteria. In the spine it is commonly found in the vertebrae, although the infection can spread into the epidural and/or intervertebral disc spaces. Typically, symptoms include persistent and severe back pain exacerbated by movement, swelling, fever, sweating, weight loss, and malaise.

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Backpain
If you injure parts of your back, you may feel pain. You may not remember the injury - but your back does, and the pain is trying to tell you something.

Back pain is actually very common - about three in four adults will experience back pain during their lifetime, especially low back pain. Most back pain comes <b>from nerve interference due to mechanical problems, or from</b> sprains and strains caused by stressful movements, and with a bit of medical attention, those will get better. Occasionally, back pain requires more demanding medical help and possibly even surgery. But remember, even severe pain may not require severe treatment, so always check with your doctor.

Back pain may be acute or chronic. Acute pain lasts four to six weeks, but chronic pain is persistent, long-term pain - sometimes lasting throughout life. At times, people with chronic pain can also have episodes of acute pain.

Back pain comes in many forms. It may be sudden and sharp - or it may be dull. Pain may occur with movement, and it may even occur with coughing and sneezing. You may also have numbness in your arms or legs. (Leg symptoms are often referred to as sciatica caused by a pinched nerve.)

It's important to treat your back pain properly. Seek medical attention if your back pain persists - and seek immediate attention if you have any of the emergency signs listed in the red box below.

Warning Signs You Need Help

• Pain is getting significantly worse
• Pain affects every day activities
• Severe symptoms
• Groin or leg weakness or numbness
• Arm or hand weakness, tingling, or numbness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

There are a variety of reasons for back pain. To get the best treatment, you first need to know the origin of the problem. This article will help you understand back pain and some of its causes. You will read about treatment options and discover prevention tips to help you avoid injury

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Neckpain
Neck pain is bothersome and it has a variety of causes. It could be a stiff neck from sleeping funny or it could be a serious neck injury. Typically, neck pain is the result of muscle strain, and one side of the neck may hurt more than the other. Muscle strains tend to improve within one week or so. However, if the pain persists longer, call your spine specialist, as it may be another condition that needs medical treatment.

Symptoms may include:

• Neck soreness on one or both sides
• Burning pain
• Tingling sensations
• Stiffness
• Pain around the shoulder blades
• Arm complaints (pain, numbness, or weakness)
• Pain that moves around your body (for instance, down an arm)
• Trouble walking or writing
• Trouble swallowing or talking
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Tiredness
• Unintentional weight loss

It is important to treat your neck pain properly. Seek medical attention if your neck pain persists - and seek immediate attention if you have any of the emergency signs listed in the red box below.

Warning Signs You Need Immediate Help
Neck pain is one of the symptoms of meningitis, a relatively rare but very serious contagious infection. You need urgent medical care if you have neck pain with:

• High fever
• Sensitivity to light
• Irritability
• Severe tenderness with neck movement

Neck pain also can be due to injury. A severe neck injury could be life-threatening. You may need emergency medical treatment if you have neck pain with:

• Numbness
• Weakness
• Tingling symptoms

There are a variety of reasons for neck pain. To get the best treatment, you need to know the origin. This site provides information on various treatment options and prevention tips to help you make wise choices.

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Click below to watch Dr. Sharda's Health Tips:
1. Learn about Low Back Pain
2. Learn about Headaches
3. Learn about Chiropractic