Injuries to the facet joints can be the result of many causes, but essentially it is a sprain to a ligament. The injury is caused by excessive movement, which causes damage to the joint capsule, which results in pain, swelling and inflammation. The pain, in turn, causes a reactive muscle spasm, which is a protective mechanism to limit movement at the injury site. This results in pain and an inability to move comfortably
Shin splints are muscle injuries that develop gradually in one or both lower legs. The pain is usually described as an “aching soreness” that progresses and is particularly noticeable when walking or running. This is an overuse condition that develops secondary to repetitive strain at the muscle insertion – either in the very active athlete or in a patient who has started or increased a new walking or jogging routine.
The human nervous system constantly works, via subtle changes to muscles, to keep our spine in a straight line, but occasionally a lateral (sideways) curvature develops. If the curvature is larger than 10 degrees, it is called a “scoliosis.” In more than 80% of structural scoliosis cases, the cause of the curvatures is unknown. This condition is called idiopathic scoliosis.
A common cause of low back and leg pain is lumbar spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing in the spinal canal. This narrowing may be caused by degeneration/arthritis, mechanical problems or congenital abnormalities. Stenosis may or may not result in low-back pain, limping and a lack of feeling in the legs.
The headache from a migraine, with or without an aura, usually has the following characteristics: throbbing, pounding, or pulsating pain that often begins on one side of your head and may spread to the other. Intense pain is often concentrated around the sides of the forehead and can last from 4 to 72 hours. Some symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, visual disturbances (such as flashing lights or zigzag lines, temporary blind spots, or blurred vision), lightheadedness, or vertigo can occur during, or before the headache.
analyzed how two common pastimes effect life expectancy. They found that for every hour of TV that people watch, presumably while sitting, it cuts about 22 minutes from their life span. By contrast, it’s estimated that smokers shorten their lives by about 11 minutes for every cigarette they smoke.
The tendons of the rotator cuff pass intimately underneath a bony area on their way to attaching to the top part of the arm bone. When these tendons become inflamed in the bony area, they can become frayed during shoulder movements. Shoulder Impingement can occur due to structural issues, such as arthritis, or it can be due to instability in the shoulder.
The most common symptom of patients with piriformis syndrome is increasing pain after sitting for longer than 15 minutes. Many patients complain of pain over the piriformis muscle (ie, in the buttocks), especially over the muscle’s attachments at the hip. Symptoms, which may be of sudden or gradual onset, are usually associated with spasm of the piriformis muscle or compression of the sciatic nerve
Most causes of low back pain in pregnancy can be linked to weight gain, postural changes, hormonal changes, muscle separation and stress. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, can result in moderate to severe discomfort. Women who already suffer from low-back pain may experience worse symptoms. During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity quickly begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. Although the pelvis has enough depth to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her joints. As the baby continues to grow in size, the woman’s weight is projected even farther forward and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disc and facet joints. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases as well.
Spondylolisthesis is defined as an anterior (forward) displacement of a vertebra, in relation to the vertebra immediately below it. Spondylolisthesis can lead to a deformity of the spine, as well as a narrowing of the spinal canal or irritation of the exiting nerve roots. Approximately 5-6% of males and 2-3% of females have a spondylolisthesis. It usually appears in people who are involved with very physical activities, such as weightlifting, gymnastics, or football.
I grew up in Dayton, Ohio and completed my chiropractic education at Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis Missouri. After graduating chiropractic school I moved to Nashville. I have practiced in Nashville for 10 years and Nolensville for over 7 years. I enjoy spending time with my family, dogs, golfing, kayaking, watching college sports and being an active member of the Nolensville community and serving its health needs.