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Low Back Pain

Low back pain (or lumbago) is very common, affecting 80% of the population at some time in their lives. It accounts for more sick leave and disability than any other medical condition. Back pain is often described in many ways from sharp to aching pain, affecting the left, right, upper back and lower back. The type and location of the pain may help your chiropractor identify the cause of your back pain. Back pain can be acute, subacute or chronic depending on its duration. There are many causes of back pain, such as sprains and strains, herniated discs (“slipped discs”), degenerative disc disease, postural changes and many more.

Neck Pain

Neck pain is very common and effects two thirds of the population at some point in there lives. There are numerous causes for neck pain such as disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, postural changes and whiplash. Patients suffering with neck pain may also experience; shoulder pain, arm pain, pins and needles, numbness and weakness into the arms or hands due to pressure on the nerves in the cervical spine.

Headaches

There are many different types of headaches including; tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches and sinus headaches. Tension headaches account for almost 90% of all headaches. Pain can radiate from the neck, back, eyes, or other muscle groups in the body and is often described as a constant pressure, as if the head were being squeezed in a vice. Cervicogenic headaches are headaches caused by the cervical spine (neck). They typically cause pain on one side of the head and can be provoked by neck movement, awkward head positions or pressure on tender points in the neck. The headaches can last hours or days, and the pain is usually described as either dull or piercing.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a term commonly used to describe neck pain following an injury to the soft tissues of your neck (specifically ligaments, tendons, and muscles). Whiplash is usually associated with motor vehicle accidents. However this type of injury can be sustained in other ways such as; falls from ladders, horses, bicycles or sporting activates. Various symptoms can be related to whiplash due to the complexity and combination of tissues commonly injured. Symptoms often associated with whiplash pain include; neck stiffness, muscle spasm, mid back and shoulder pain. Due to possible pinched or damaged nerves in the cervical spine symptoms may also be experienced in the left/right or both arms such as; arm pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness.

Slipped Disc

What is an Intervertebral Disc? Each disc consists of an annulus fibrosus; an outer ring of fibrocartilage, and a nucleus pulposus; an inner gelatinous substance. Discs are attached to the adjacent vertebra above and below in the cervical (neck), thoracic and lumbar spine. The discs form strong joints, allowing various movements of the spine and absorb shock. Slipped disc is a poor description; they cannot slip because they are attached to the bone above and below. The term ‘slipped disc’ often means disc damage such as a bulge or tear.

Back Pain in Pregnancy

During pregnancy a woman goes through many physical and chemical changes. Whilst pregnant, the increasing weight and size of the baby puts stress on the spine’s three natural curves. As a result, changes in posture occur that can cause back pain or leg pain. Pregnancy may also exacerbate a pre-existing complaint or cause a new one. In the weeks following labour and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state-to prevent muscle tension, headaches and other issues. Continuing care after birth can also help with the aches and pains associated with carrying heavy car seats or feeding your baby (pain and tension across the neck, upper back and shoulders).