Neck Pain & Headaches
Headache associated with Pain pain is a common medical condition. Headache can come from a number of health conditions and can involve any of the tissues in the neck, upper back, shoulders and head itself.
Common conditions causing Headaches associated with neck pain are neck injury such as motor vehicle crash, whiplash, after sleeping with wrong posture, poor work or desk posture, neck strain, repetitive motion, pinched nerve (cervical radiculopathy), skull suture misalignment, decreased blood flow, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, or , virus infection of the throat, leading to lymph node (gland) swelling, meningitis (often accompanied by neck stiffness), fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica, etc… Depending on the condition, sometimes neck pain is accompanied by symptoms such as upper back and/or lower back pain.
In reviewing the medical history, the doctor will note the location, intensity, frequency, duration , aggravating/relieving factors, and radiation of the pain.
Further testing of undiagnosed neck pain can include X-ray evaluation, CT scan, bone scan, MRI scan, myelogram, and electrical tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity test (NCV).
After careful diagnosis, you will be recommended customized treatments such as chiropractic, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage, Class IV laser, Customized 3D orthotics, Therapeutic activities, etc… otherwise we will refer you out to specialists such as orthopedic, neurologists, ENT specialists, emergency physicians, podiatrists depends on your health conditions.
Lower Back Pain
The muscles and ligaments in the back can stretch or tear due to injuries or overuse. Symptoms include severe stiffness, tightness, sharp/radiating pain, numbness/tingling down to legs, as well as muscle spasm.
Scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis are all conditions that cause abnormal curvatures in the spine.
These are congenital abnormal curvature causes pain and poor posture because it places pressure on:
- muscles
- tendons
- ligaments
- vertebrae
The discs in the back are prone to injury. This risk increases with age. The outside of the disc can tear or herniate.
A herniated disc, which is also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the cartilage surrounding the disc pushes against the spinal cord or nerve roots. The cushion that sits between the spinal vertebrae extends outside its normal position.
This can result in compression of the nerve root as it exits from the spinal cord and through the vertebral bones. Disc injury usually occurs suddenly after lifting something or twisting the back. Unlike a back strain, pain from a disc injury usually lasts for more than 72 hours.
Sciatica can occur with a herniated disc if the disc presses on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve connects the spine to the legs. As a result, sciatica can cause shooting pain in the legs and feet. This pain usually feels like burning, or pins and needles.
Spinal stenosis is when the spinal column narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
Spinal stenosis is most commonly due to degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae. The result is compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord by bony spurs or soft tissues, such as discs.
Pressure on the spinal nerves causes symptoms such as:
- numbness
- cramping
- weakness
You might feel these symptoms anywhere in the body. Many people with spinal stenosis notice their symptoms worsen when standing or walking.
There are a number of other conditions that cause lower back pain. These conditions include:
- Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints.
- Fibromyalgia is long-term pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, and tendons.
- Spondylitis is inflammation of the joints between the spinal bones.
- Spondylosis is a degenerative disorder that may cause loss of normal spinal structure and function. Although aging is the primary cause of the condition, the location and rate of degeneration is specific to the individual.
Additional health conditions that can cause lower back pain include:
Kidney and bladder problems
- pregnancy
- endometriosis
- ovarian cysts
- uterine fibroids
- cancer
Sciatica
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Shooting/radiating pain in the rear thigh or leg
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- A constant pain on one side of the rear
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes.
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the sciatica pain might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have lower extremity weakness, numbness in the upper thighs, and/or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Sciatica is caused by irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine.
Additional common causes of sciatica include:
- Tilted/ Rotated pelvis(causes abnormal tension/spasm of pelvic muscle)
- Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back)
- Degenerative disc disease (breakdown of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae)
- Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one)
- Pregnancy
- Muscle spasm in the back or buttocks
Other things that may make your back pain worse include being overweight, not exercising regularly, wearing high heels, or sleeping on a mattress that is too hard or too soft.
Shoulder Pain
Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive and drug-free approach that can effectively relieve shoulder pain. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and other techniques to help restore proper joint alignment, improve muscle balance, and reduce inflammation. This can help alleviate shoulder pain and improve range of motion. Chiropractic care can be a great option for those seeking natural and holistic shoulder pain treatment.
Acupuncture is an ancient form of therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to help alleviate pain and promote healing. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for shoulder pain, as it can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and release natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. Acupuncture can also help improve range of motion and flexibility in the shoulder joint.
Massage therapy is another non-invasive and drug-free option for relieving shoulder pain. It can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain and stiffness. Massage therapists can use various techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy, to target specific areas of pain or tension. Regular massage therapy sessions can help improve your shoulder pain symptoms over time.
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