Almost 80 percent of Americans can expect to need back and neck pain relief at some point in their lives, according to the American Chiropractic Association. More often than not, the pain can be traced to the most common cause of neck and back discomfort – a strained muscle. This kind of pain generally will fade as the injury heals and can be managed using over-the-counter pain medicine.
However, when back or neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms – including tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness – it can be an indication of a compressed nerve root. When disorders occur in the spinal anatomy – the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, or spinal ligaments – the space occupied by the nerve roots can become compromised, and a pinched nerve can result. The conditions that may lead to a pinched nerve include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Muscle strain
- Whiplash or fractures
- Herniated disc
- Osteoarthritis
- Facet disease
- Bone spurs
- Spinal stenosis
A doctor usually will attempt to manage the symptoms associated with these conditions by developing a program of conservative, or non-surgical, treatment that can include physical therapy, rest, prescription pain medication, or cortisone injections. If back and neck pain relief is not achieved after weeks or months of conservative treatment, a doctor might suggest surgery as an option.
The surgeons at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offer an alternative to traditional back or neck surgery. At LSI, gentle, endoscopic techniques are used to perform minimally invasive, outpatient procedures to help you rediscover a life without pain. Contact LSI to learn more about our back and neck pain relief center, or for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.
