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As you can see, there are many causes for back, neck, knee, and joint pain. Our first goal is to properly diagnose the cause so that we can treat it effectively. To do this, we employ a range of sophisticated tools, including X-Rays (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Myelogram discography, EMG/Nerve conduction studies, and bone density testing. These allow us to image and evaluate the bones, joints, nerves, and soft tissues so that we can offer our patients the combination of treatment they need to get the relief they deserve. While pain is commonly due to physical trauma, including car accidents, falls, and other types of injury, there are many other causes. At Cherry Health Center, we treat a large range of conditions, from sprains and strains to serious chronic conditions.
Disc Herniation or Bulging Discs
Herniated disks, also known as ruptured or slipped disks, can cause significant discomfort and irritation. While the entire disk does not rupture or slip, only a small area of the crack is affected. Unlike a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain as it protrudes farther and can irritate nerve roots. The lower back is the most commonly affected area by herniated discs.
Here are some common symptoms of a herniated or slipped disc:
1. Pain that occurs on one side of the body
2. Sharp pain in the leg, hip, or buttocks, accompanied by numbness in other areas such as the back of the calf or sole of the foot. The same leg may also feel weak. These symptoms often indicate a slipped disc in the lower spine.
Other symptoms to watch out for include:
1. Pain when moving the neck or deep pain near or over the shoulder blade. You may also experience pain that radiates to the upper arm, forearm, and fingers, along with numbness along the shoulder, elbow, forearm, and fingers. These symptoms commonly occur with a slipped disc in the neck.
The pain from a slipped disc is often worse:
- After standing or sitting
- At night
- When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
- When bending backward or walking more than a few yards
If you experience any of these symptoms, it could be indicative of a slipped disc. Our team of Doctors at Cherry Health Center can help!
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease occurs when the spinal discs gradually wear down. These rubbery cushions, which lie between the vertebrae in your spinal column, play a crucial role in absorbing shocks and facilitating comfortable movement, bending, and twisting. While everyone's spinal discs degenerate naturally with age, some individuals experience a quicker degeneration that can lead to chronic pain. However, there are treatment options available to ensure you can maintain an active lifestyle.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a painful condition that stems from inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This is your body’s largest nerve — in fact, it’s about the diameter of your little finger! Sciatica can be caused by misalignment of your spine or, less frequently, from prostatic cancer. In many cases, however, it is due to structural problems which lead to pinching or agitation of this large nerve as it exits the lower spine.
There are some serious causes for sciatica, however, so you should always seek medical treatment if you experience symptoms related to the condition. Typically, this includes pain from the lower back and buttocks and down the back of one or both thighs. This pain can be intermittent or sharp throbbing, and it often gets worse when sitting.
Treating sciatica starts by accurately diagnosing the cause. Once it’s been determined that the root cause is indeed physical, we can then work to resolve it safely and effectively. This includes a series of treatments, from reviewing the alignment of the spine and hip to using trigger points and other techniques to return the sciatic nerve to a natural, non-inflamed state. Cherry Health Center can help you get relief from the pain and inconvenience caused by sciatica.
Stenosis
Stenosis, a condition characterized by narrowing, can exert pressure on your spinal cord or the nerves connecting to your muscles. While it can develop in any segment of your spine, spinal stenosis predominantly occurs in the lower back, known as the lumbar area. Its symptoms may include a gradual decline in leg strength and excruciating pain, significantly impacting one's ability to work and enjoy life. At Cherry Health Center, we have assisted numerous individuals with this condition in maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways. Even though normal curves exist in the spine, causing it to appear straight from behind, children and teens with scoliosis experience an abnormal S-shaped or C-shaped curve in their spine. Sadly, scoliosis cannot be completely cured. However, there are treatments available that can help "correct" the curvature, reducing the angle and improving spinal alignment. This substantial condition should always be addressed by a team of doctors, such as Cherry Health Center, who utilize a comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Fractures / Dislocations
A spinal fracture, also known as a dislocation or fracture of the vertebrae (backbone), can happen at any point along the spine. Common causes include injuries from car accidents, falls, sports, or high-speed impacts. It is crucial to understand that a spinal fracture, often referred to as a "broken back," is a traumatic event that can have serious consequences. However, it is important to note that it doesn't have to signify the end of life as you know it. By seeking proper treatment, you can regain your balance and find hope amidst the aftermath of a spinal fracture.
Bone on Bone
Bone-on-bone knee pain, resulting from advanced arthritis, can vary in intensity and sensation from person to person. Generally, it manifests as a dull and achy discomfort. However, some individuals experience a sharp pain that oscillates between these qualities. As knee arthritis progresses, the knee joint becomes increasingly unstable, causing a significant escalation in pain. In some instances, the pain is mild, but in others, it becomes severe enough to lead to falls. If you are experiencing bone-on-bone arthritis and are starting to fall, it is crucial to consider reaching out us for advanced knee treatment before pursuing surgery.
Auto Accident
If you've been in a car accident, it's crucial to understand why neck and back pain occur afterward. This pain is often caused by the forceful whipping motion resulting from the impact, commonly known as whiplash. Whiplash can affect your neck down to your lower back, and the severity of the pain can vary. It's normal to experience some soreness after a car accident, but if you feel discomfort in your neck or back, it may be a sign of whiplash. Don't ignore these symptoms as even minor whiplash can linger for weeks, restricting your ability to turn your head or move your neck freely. We don't want pain to disrupt your life. Contact us today and benefit from the collaborative expertise of our Doctors, Chiropractors, and Physical Therapists working together to assist you.
Facet Syndrome / Synovitis / Capsulitis
When an individual experiences inflammation in the facet joint, the fibers of the capsule tend to stretch, resulting in pain and restricted movement. This typically affects side bending, rotation, and extension abilities. Facet arthritis can impact other areas such as ligaments, synovium, muscles, and discs. Thankfully, there are numerous non-surgical treatment options available to effectively manage facet syndrome. These include anti-inflammatory and pain medications, weight reduction, physical therapy, traction, and more. Seeking proper medical guidance and undertaking a comprehensive treatment plan can help alleviate the symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Osteoarthritis / Degenerative Joint Disease
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, causes the breakdown of joint tissues over time. It is the most common type of arthritis, primarily affecting older individuals. One of the hallmark symptoms is joint pain, accompanied by a brief period of stiffness after rest or inactivity. Occasionally referred to as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is prevalent due to the cumulative wear and tear on joints throughout a person's lifetime. As a progressive condition, osteoarthritis often leads to chronic pain, which can significantly impact daily activities. Moreover, the pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis can contribute to depression and disrupt sleep. Although there is no cure, appropriate treatment options can effectively manage the symptoms and support an active lifestyle.
Numbness & Tingling
There are several conditions that can lead to numbness and tingling sensations. Some examples include multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, stroke, and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The severity, frequency, and location of these symptoms often vary depending on the underlying cause. They may affect different parts of the body, such as the legs, feet, hands, fingers, arms, or even the face.
There can be various reasons for experiencing numbness and tingling, including prolonged sitting or standing in the same position for a long time or sustaining a nerve injury. For instance, a neck injury can result in numbness anywhere along your arm or hand, while a low back injury may cause numbness or tingling sensations along your leg or foot.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek professional medical assistance. Cherry Health Center can treat such conditions and can provide the necessary care.
Pulled Muscle or Ligament / Tech Neck
If you're experiencing pain, particularly in the back of your neck that worsens with movement, or if you notice that the pain peaks a day or so after the injury instead of immediately, you may be dealing with a neck strain or sprain. Other accompanying symptoms include muscle spasms and pain in the upper shoulder, as well as a headache in the back of your head. Typically, most neck strains or sprains heal on their own within a few days, and the pain can range from mild to severe during the healing process.
Tech neck refers to the persistent pain, soreness, or stiffness felt in the neck or shoulder area due to improper posture while using electronic devices like phones or computers. When we constantly look down at our devices, it causes strain in the neck muscles and forces our shoulders to hunch forward. It's crucial to be mindful of our posture to avoid these issues and maintain a healthy neck and shoulder region.However, if the pain intensifies or fails to subside within a few days, it's important to schedule an appointment. Our team of experts will provide the necessary care to get you back on track.
Headaches / Migraines
Headaches and migraines can seriously disrupt daily life, leaving you unable to function normally. Many people struggle with pain from these of these issues daily, taking medication just to get by. While the reasons for headaches and migraines can be complicated, one of the most common is misalignment of the spine. When your spine is out of alignment, the muscles of your neck become tense and can negatively affect the nerve and blood supply to the brain. This can create a great deal of pain throughout your neck and shoulders, as well as painful headaches. If not treated, the problem worsens, as does the pain you’re forced to live with. Cherry Health Center is proud to help residents of Springfield and the surrounding area break free from the cycle of pain.
Sports Injury
Whether you are suffering from a recent sports injury or dealing with a long-term, chronic injury, Cherry Health Center can help you overcome the pain. One of the many treatments our patient athletes find beneficial for sports injuries, or pain, is kinesiotaping. Kinesiology is the study of the mechanics of body movements. It involves tape that is placed on the body to support muscles and joints. It can help a muscle rest, wake up a muscle that needs to work after an injury, and improve circulation. Kinesiotaping is unlike other athletic taping because it allows the body to move through its full range of motion while being treated. The kinesiotape can be used not just for support, but for also decreasing swelling and inflammation in any given area. Not only does kinesiotaping aid in treating your current sports injury, but it can help prevent future injuries as well.
Pregnancy / Maternity Chiropractic
When you visit a maternity chiropractor during pregnancy, it can have a wonderful impact on your little one. By aligning your pelvis, not only will you benefit, but your baby will too! Aligning your pelvis can actually provide more room for your little bundle of joy as you progress through pregnancy, ensuring their utmost comfort. It's important to take proactive measures by seeking a chiropractor to prepare your body for childbirth, as it can greatly contribute to a smoother and easier process for both you and your baby.
