Herniated Disc Causes – What You Can Do To Avoid Disc Damage

Herniated Disc CausesOftentimes, a herniated disc causes discomfort that stems from damage to the outer shell of one of the flexible cushions that separate the stacked vertebrae of the spine. Each intervertebral disc has a tough outer covering called an annulus fibrosus, and this outer layer surrounds a soft inner core. The top one-third of the annulus fibrosus has nerve endings, and if there is a tear in the annulus fibrosus, the nerve endings can become irritated and painful. In addition, the tissues of a torn disc can impinge  on a nearby nerve root, resulting in pain, numbness, weakness, or a pins and needles sensation in the extremities. So, you may ask, what causes a disc to tear in the first place? There are actually many factors that can lead to a herniated disc. While some causes, such as improper lifting techniques, are avoidable, others, like simple genetics, are not. Read more

Neck Pain from Heavy Breasts

heavy breasts and neck pain causesAt first glance a 1996 court ruling about breast size might appear to have little to do with neck pain, but the ruling in this case supported the notion that breast reduction surgery is medically necessary to relieve neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain in some patients. So how do heavy breasts cause neck pain, if at all, and what can you do about it? Read more

Preventing Future Deaths from Football Neck Injury

football neck injury malcom floyd

Malcom Floyd is out indefinitely after serious neck injury last week.

A tragic accident in a preseason scrimmage last week resulted in the death of high school footballer, De’Antre Turman, from a broken neck. This week, San Diego Chargers’ wide receiver Malcom Floyd also suffered a neck injury while playing football which saw him stretchered off the field.

Are neck injuries, and even fatalities, a simple fact of footballing life? Is enough being done to stop them happening? Read more

Relieving Neck Pain, Arthritis, and Spinal Degeneration

inflammation arthritis neck pain Ankylosing-SpondylitisNeck pain can be a result of arthritis and spinal degeneration so what can you do to ward off the effects of wear and tear on the spine? Or, if you have already accumulated that wear and tear, how can you give your body the best shot at repairing the damage and possibly even reversing spinal arthritis to relieve neck pain? Read more

Migraine, Neck Pain, and Fibromyalgia

migraines and neck pain and fibromyalgiaRates of fibromyalgia in the US stand at about 1-2%, with women disproportionately affected, or at least more commonly diagnosed with the condition. Fibromyalgia, neck pain, and migraines often occur in combination, with many people initially putting the pain and tension down to stress and failing to get a proper diagnosis from their physician. Read more

Causes of Neck and Shoulder Pain

neck and shoulder pain causes phone posture

Is there an obvious culprit for your neck and shoulder pain?

Chronic neck and shoulder pain can be the result of a number of different conditions but it is vital to find out what’s causing your pain so as to treat it most effectively. Oftentimes, pain in the right side of the neck and shoulder can be attributed to a postural preference. In other cases, cumulative damage in the bones, ligaments, and discs in the neck can result in chronic neck and shoulder pain, as can autoimmune diseases, and acute neck trauma. If you’re suffering from ongoing neck and shoulder pain then figuring out the cause is half the battle to relieving the pain. Read more

Is Your Pillow Causing Your Neck Pain?

waking up with neck pain pillows for reliefMany people suffer from neck pain on a daily basis, often waking up with pain that then throws off the whole day. Simultaneous neck and shoulder pain can make it difficult to engage in normal everyday activities, including self-care, childcare, and work. Instead of throwing money at drugs that mask the pain, there may be a simple solution to neck pain, you just have to sleep on it. Yes, neck pain relief could be as simple as getting a better pillow. Read more

Volleyball and Neck Pain

beach volleyball and neck painThe sun is shining, you’re in your best beach attire, you’re working up a sweat (and a tan) with some beach volleyball and neck pain strikes. Don’t end up sitting this season out; make sure to avoid injuries by following these simple steps to have fun in the sun and do some great smashes over that volleyball net. Read more

Neck Pain from Breastfeeding

breastfeeding with neck pain lying downThe trials and tribulations of new motherhood are wide-ranging but one particular problem that is often overlooked is shoulder and neck pain when breastfeeding. For some women this can be so intensely painful that they end up in the emergency room, are prescribed strong analgesics and anti-inflammatories, and often give up on breastfeeding because it becomes impossible. Luckily, there are chiropractors and breastfeeding specialists who can offer good advice to mothers struggling with neck and shoulder pain related to feeding their infant. Read more

Early Treatment for a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Treating a Pinched Nerve in the NeckSometimes a pinched nerve in the neck can arise when an anatomical abnormality in the upper, or cervical, spine – such as a bulging disc, herniated disc, calcified ligament, or bone spur – places pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root. Nerve compression can cause symptoms of localized pain, radiating pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The severity and frequency of your symptoms will vary from those of other patients, but it doesn’t mean that living with those symptoms will be any less difficult. There are some initial steps you can take to help relieve your symptoms and make getting through each day a little easier. Read more