The Central Nervous System (CNS)

The central nervous system (CNS) is perhaps the most important part of the body.  Composed of the brain and spinal cord, this essential system is responsible for working with the peripheral nervous system to send and receive signals throughout the body.  It is the nervous system that allows us to detect pain, gives us mobility, and provides the sense of touch. 

Generally speaking, the CNS is the hub of the nervous system as a whole. The brain processes the signals that it receives from various nerves throughout the body and then transmits responses by way of the spinal cord through a complicated system of nerve cells, also known as neurons. When the transfer of these signals is interfered with because of nerve compression, regular function is interrupted and the body will respond with a number of potential symptoms, including:

• Localized pain at the site of compression
• Pain that seems to radiate along the affected nerve
• Unexpected muscle weakness or fatigue
• Other stiffness or soreness
• A sensation of heat or the feeling of pins and needles
• Numbness and tingling

Treatments for Nerve Compression

Nerve compression can commonly be traced to injury and also regular spine deterioration. Over the years, the spinal anatomy begins to degrade – particularly in the mobile and weight-burdened cervical and lumbar segments.  Vertebral joints can become arthritic, the intervertebral discs that cushion the spine become worn, and bone spurs develop, all leading to nerve compression and pain.

If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to conservative, nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, pain medication, and heat therapy, contact Laser Spine Institute to schedule a consultation and a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.  We would be happy to give you more information on the CNS and tell you more about our revolutionary, minimally invasive outpatient procedures.