SPECIAL TO NWA MEDIA
Problems with the spine affect nearly 80 percent of American adults.
According to the American Pain Society, back pain is fifth among reasons people visit a doctor, a common reason for workplace absences and the most frequent cause of work-related disability.
The neck and back are intricate structures made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and discs. Pain can arise from problems with any of these parts. A common cause of neck and back pain is muscle strain, in which the muscles, particularly those in the back of the neck and lower back, become fatigued. Left untreated, this type of strain can cause chronic pain and permanent damage.
“Muscle strain can occur from carrying around a heavy purse, from leaning into a computer at work, hunching over a table or desk at home, carrying around a child and improper or heavy lifting,” said Dr. Angel S. Perez, a neurologist at Northwest Arkansas Neuroscience Institute.
Perez said other causes of neck pain include:
• Worn joints: Like all other joints in the body, the joints of the neck and back experience regular wear and tear.
• Nerve compression: Problems in the vertebrae can reduce the amount of space available for nerves to branch out from the spinal cord.
• Degenerative back conditions: The natural aging process can cause changes in the spine that result in a loss of regular function. Repeated strains, sprains and overuse of the back can cause damage to the discs of the spine.
• Injury: Neck and back pain can also be caused by injuries such as whiplash, which stretches the soft tissues of the neck beyond their limits.
Certainly, factors such as age and family history can increase the risk of neck and back problems and are uncontrollable, Dr. Perez said. But some avoidable factors include:
• Poor diet: Spine health can be adversely affected by a diet low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with insufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk for spine problems, as well as many other health troubles.
• Obesity: Being overweight is a factor in the development of neck and back pain.
• Sedentary work: Remaining in the same position for long periods of time can lead to problems.
• Improper footwear: Running in worn-out footwear, wearing shoes with insufficient support — like flip-flops — or wearing heels too high for too long can all cause neck and back problems.
• Poor posture or improper lifting: Shifting your weight to one side, crossing your legs for prolonged periods and heavy lifting are all major causes of back pain.
• Overexertion: No matter what activity you are engaged in — whether at work, at the gym, on the golf course or on the dance floor — overdoing it can lead to problems.
• Stress, depression and anxiety: Emotional problems all have a negative impact on your physical health.
Perez recommends making an appointment with a primary-care physician to discuss any symptoms such as aches, pain, tenderness or decreased range of motion. Be sure to keep a detailed log of all symptoms, when they start and how you manage the discomfort. Your doctor can review your symptoms as well as your personal and family medical history, perform a physical examination and order appropriate tests and screenings.
If necessary, your primary-care physician can refer you to a specialist for your neck or back pain. “It is important to make an appointment with your primary-care physician first,” Perez said, “so he or she can refer you to the right specialist.”
Northwest Arkansas Neuroscience Institute, affiliated with Washington Regional Medical System, offers these medical specialties:
• Neurology: Our neurologists provide consultative, diagnostic and therapeutic services for treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Clinic subspecialties include memory and cognitive disorders, neuromuscular disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, seizure disorders, movement disorders, stroke, multiple sclerosis, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and headaches.
• Neurosurgery: Neurosurgery involves the surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of the brain, nervous system and spine. Our board-certified neurosurgeons provide diagnostic, consultative and therapeutic services to patients with all types neurological problems for which surgery is indicated.
• Rheumatology: This type of doctor specializes in diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They diagnoseand treat arthritis and related conditions, such as lupus and osteoporosis.
• Pain Management: This covers a wide spectrum of conditions, including neuropathic pain, sciatica, postoperative pain and more. Research has led to the development of newer, more effective treatments for people who have pain. Most kinds of pain have become treatable through methods including medications, nerve blocks, physical therapy, electrical stimulations, surgery and psychological support.
More information about Northwest Arkansas Neuroscience Institute is available by calling (479) 463-3000 or online at wregional.com.
Leave a Comment