Back and Neck
Whether they're caused by injury, repetitive stress, or natural wear and tear that comes with age, back and neck issues are extremely common — and can be severely limiting and painful for those that suffer from them. At the Center for Regenerative
Sports & Spine Care, we provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide array of back and neck disorders, including:
- Annular tear: An annular tear involves damage to the tough outer layer of a spinal disc, often related to repetitive strain or gradual degeneration. Because the outer disc contains pain-sensitive nerve fibers, even a small tear can create persistent neck or back discomfort.
- Cervical radiculopathy: Pressure on a nerve in the neck can lead to cervical radiculopathy. Symptoms often extend beyond the cervical spine itself, producing pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness traveling into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
- Costochondritis: Inflammation along the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone is known as costochondritis. The resulting chest wall pain may feel sharp, tender, or pressure-like, especially during deep breathing or upper body movement.
- Facet cyst: Facet cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form near the small stabilizing joints of the spine as those joints become irritated over time. Larger cysts may crowd nearby nerves and contribute to stiffness, localized pain, or radiating symptoms.
- Flatback syndrome: Flatback syndrome changes the normal alignment of the lower spine by reducing its natural curve. This shift often places extra demand on the surrounding muscles, making prolonged standing or walking uncomfortable.
- Lumbar disc herniation: A lumbar disc herniation places disc material beyond its normal boundary in the lower spine, where it may irritate nearby nerves. Many people experience a combination of lower back pain and symptoms extending into the hip or leg.
- Lumbar radiculopathy: Irritation affecting a nerve in the lower spine is referred to as lumbar radiculopathy. Sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness may travel down the leg depending on which nerve is involved.
- Myofascial pain: Tight, irritated bands within muscle tissue are a hallmark of myofascial pain.
These trigger points can limit movement and create discomfort that spreads into surrounding regions of the body.
- Scoliosis: Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine. Uneven
spinal alignment may gradually influence posture, muscle balance, and how force moves through the back and hips.
- SI joint pain: The sacroiliac joints help connect the spine to the pelvis and transfer force through the lower body. Irritation or instability in this region may lead to pain in the lower back, buttock, groin, or upper leg.
- Slipped rib syndrome: Excessive movement of the lower ribs can lead to slipped rib syndrome. Many individuals notice popping, clicking, or sharp pain during twisting, reaching, or certain breathing motions.
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing around the spinal nerves or spinal cord is the defining feature of spinal
stenosis. As available space decreases, symptoms such as pain, heaviness, weakness, or discomfort while walking may become more noticeable.
- Spondylolisthesis: Forward shifting of one vertebra over another is known as spondylolisthesis.
This change in spinal positioning can affect stability and contribute to back pain, nerve irritation, or fatigue with activity.
- Spondylosis: Age-related wear involving the discs, joints, and supporting tissues of the spine is commonly
described as spondylosis. These degenerative changes may contribute to stiffness, reduced mobility, and ongoing neck or back discomfort.
- Straight neck syndrome: Loss of the neck’s normal curvature is associated with straight neck syndrome.
Without that natural curve, the muscles and joints of the cervical spine often absorb greater mechanical stress throughout the day.
- Thoracic radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of a nerve in the mid-back can produce thoracic radiculopathy.
Symptoms may wrap around the chest or ribcage and are sometimes mistaken for problems involving the heart, lungs, or abdomen.
- Thoracic disc herniation: A thoracic disc herniation places pressure on structures within the mid-back portion
of the spine. Depending on the location, patients may experience localized pain, rib discomfort, or radiating symptoms around the torso.
- Torn discs: "Torn discs" is a broad term often used to describe damage involving the outer fibers
of a spinal disc. These injuries may lead to inflammation, instability, and pain that becomes more noticeable with bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting.
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