Many people have back pain or neck pain at some time in their life. While muscle sprain, muscle strain or bad posture from work accidents are easy to point to, there are also times when the causes of back pain or neck pain can be more related to the nervous system as a whole. Nervous system problems create a disconnect between how the nervous system transmits information about your internal body from the spinal cord and brain to the outside body, and vice versa, to impact how you perceive your back pain or neck pain. If you have a true neurological basis for your back or neck pain, you would want to investigate the best treatment options and how they will differ from typical musculoskeletal interventions.
The connection between the nervous system and pain
Consider your spine as the roadway for nerve signals that flow the brain through the spine then controlled or taken away from the body and gives you the body’s input returning to the brain. When direct messages are being blocked by pressure, injury, or disease being transmitted to the peripheral nerves, you can have sensations that are sharp, burning, or tingling. Herniation of the disc, narrowing of the spinal canal – spinal stenosis, irritation of the spinal nerve, pressure from a tumor or foreign body – compression, can all be issues that irritate the spinal nerves more directly and cause pain, and can impact your ability to move normally and participate in daily living.
Most common neurological conditions that can cause back pain and neck pain
- Herniated Disc – A slipped or ruptured cushion between your spinal bones that can press on nearby nerves causing severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the back, neck, arms, or legs.
- Spinal Stenosis – is the narrowing of the spinal canal. That can push on the spinal cord and nerves which leads to discomfort or delays ambulating.
- Pinched nerve – When a nerve is constricted by bone or tissue, pain can radiate to other areas of the body.
- Degenerative disc disease – Discs can lose flexibility and height, leading to nerve aggravation over time.
Signs/Symptoms to watch for
Neurological origins of pain may come with signs/symptoms that go beyond just feeling sore. Some of you may also have tingling, numbness, weakness of muscles, or shooting pain into or down your arms or legs. If you lose your bowel or bladder control, go to your healthcare provider IMMEDIATELY.
Treatment options:
Treating back pain originates from a determination of the cause of the pain. A pain care clinic may suggest physical therapy, medications, nerve blocks, and in some cases surgery. Early diagnosis can often lead to faster recovery time and severity of the dysfunction.
Locating the Proper Expertise
When you’ve tried everything to manage your pain and believe it may be nerve related, search for a pain clinic near me, so you can be connected with professionals. A neurologist or spine doctor will often order tests, such as an MRI or nerve conduction study to determine the cause.
Take Away Messages
Pain in the back and neck that you believe might be associated with neurological concerns, should not be taken lightly. If you recognize your symptoms and receive care that is appropriate, you can protect your spine and achieve mobility or restoration of function that will lead to improvement of your lifestyle. Taking early action is the best way to avoid the long-term effects of damage and getting back to your normal activity in comfort.
