Back pain is a common problem for many people. In fact, studies show that some 80 percent of the population will suffer from back pain at some point in their life. It is also the second most common cause for patients to visit the doctor’s office. You’ll want to choose the right type of doctor–one that can identify and treat the root cause instead of masking the pain with medication.
The neck contains the cervical spine, which starts at the base of the skull and goes down to include seven small vertebrae (C1-C7). The cervical spine supports the weight of your head and can move in nearly every direction. This flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to injury and pain.
Anatomical structures of the shoulder are highly complex and interconnected. This means that a shoulder injury rarely causes pain in just one area. Instead, it often affects multiple muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage. Shoulder pain and injuries can be caused by a variety of things, but no matter the cause, everyone wants the same result – the pain to go away. If you have been experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort for more than a couple weeks without improvement then chances are it won’t just get better on its own. For shoulder pain causes, early diagnosis is critical to recovery.
Our lower backs are engineered to provide support, strength, and flexibility to our upper bodies. That is also why our lower backs are so sensitive to injury and pain. Lower back pain can be the result of a variety of things and can range from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. Some 31 million Americans report having lower back discomfort or pain at any given time and 80 percent of the population will suffer from lower back pain at some point during their life.
You may be familiar with the terms herniated and bulging discs, and while many people use them interchangeably, they are actually two separate conditions. A herniated disc results when a crack in the tough outer layer of the cartilage allows some of the soft inner cartilage to protrude out of the disc. This is also referred to as a ruptured disc. A herniated disc is more likely to cause pain and results from compression of the nerve or nerve root.
The hip provides stability for the entire body and is the largest weight bearing joint that withstands repeated motion. Despite its strength and durability, it can become damaged or wear down due to use, age, and trauma. Some hip and upper leg pain is merely annoying, but more severe pain can affect activities and even be debilitating. Hip and leg pain are common complaints that can be the result of a variety of issues.
