Common Causes of Back Pain

The first and most important thing you should know about back pain is that your pain is a result of a structural problem, and until that is fixed, the pain will continue. Your spine is composed of several bones called vertebrae, and in between each vertebrae are fibrous discs filled with a gel-like substance
called the nucleus pulposus, which provide flexibility and cushioning to the spine. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord, and from the spinal cord extend a vast and intricate network of nerves that weave around and grow away from the spine like branches on a tree.

With the surrounding tissue being so dense with sensitive nerves, it is easy for the spine to shift and cause pressure on these nerves. Accidents and numerous other activities, like lifting a very heavy box, can throw the spine out of alignment, resulting in anything from minor discomfort to excruciating pain that lasts for months on end. Sometimes the trauma may actually tear or rupture the disc wall. With all the stresses that we humans put ourselves through, most of us, will at sometime in our lives, experience a shift in our spine. Sometimes our spine is able to put itself back in place after a day or so, and sometimes, the trauma is too severe for the body to re-adjust itself.

 Disc Degeneration

Disc degeneration is caused by a drying out of the disc area or dehydration. With age, poor diet, an excess of smoking, or other compressive forces, the discs will dry and potentially narrow, putting pressure on nerves. Ddisc degeneration brings the vertebrae closer together, resulting in a gradual wearing of the bone. Arthritic spurs, or osteophytes, may form, which may also press on the nerve root. Without treatment, the pain may worsen over time. Many spine experts have seen first hand how the negative vacuum pressure created in the disc by decompression therapy, can actually help the disc attract moisture from surrounding tissue, re-hydrating and revitalizing degenerated discs.

 Bulging Discs

Functioning as a shock absorber to the vertebrae, discs undergo tremendous stress, often resulting in a bulging disc. Many times a bulging disc is mistakenly referred to as a “slipped disc.” That term is actually incorrect, implying that spinal discs are loose cushions set between the vertebrae that can “slip” out of place. In reality, discs are secured in place and surrounded by connective tissue. This is precisely what makes a bulging disc so painful! Traumatic pressure causes a disc to bulge, tearing the connective tissue that holds it in place, causing inflammation and nerve pressure.

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