Common Treatable Conditions



















Neck


Stiffness

If you have a stiff neck, you may also have pain and muscle spasm, an aching, tired neck, headache and referred pain to the shoulder, arm or hand. Stiffness may be caused by poor posture, muscle fatigue, tension from physical or emotional stress and long hours in one position. Stiffness can come on suddenly, or you can accumulate fatigue and stress over many years. Left untreated, stiffness may result in muscle tension headaches and eventually lead to the degeneration of your joints (osteoarthritis).

Whiplash (Instability)

If your neck problem is instability, you may be feeling pain, muscle spasm and the curious sensation of a wobbly neck. Instability is often caused by a whiplash injury from a car accident. Your neck is hurled in one direction ,then another, causing the ligaments to, muscles and tendons of your neck to stretch too far or tear. (you may have had the injury several years ago, with neck pain and looseness ever since). Left untreated, instability \can result in stiff scar tissue around your joints, referred pain, headache and disc problems.

Degenerative Joint Disease

When a spinal joint becomes misaligned or injured, the vertebrae can’t move properly, discs can become compressed, and nerves may be irritated. As degeneration progresses, your discs lose their ability to cushion and your vertebrae can develop bone spurs. You may experience pain, stiffness, headaches and nagging neck aches. (often worse in the morning). Joint degeneration is often the result of too much stress on the joints caused by poor posture, repeated movements, or injury. Left untreated, joint problems can begin to affect your nerves and spinal chord.

Disc Problems

Disc are strong cushions that separate the vertebrae in your spine. They act as shock absorbers to protect your spine when you move. Damage to one or more of the discs is called disc syndrome. If the discs decrease in their height, the vertebrae become closer together. This may cause a pinching of the nerves. With repeated stress, a disc can wear down. The center of the disc may begin to bulge out and may press on a nearby nerve. If the disc wears more, it may rupture (herniate). Sudden trauma may cause a disc to burst. The center of the disc may push on the nearby nerve, or a piece of the disc may break off and press on the spinal chord.

Nerve Root Problems

With nerve root problems, the spinal nerves that pass though the vertebrae in your neck can become stretches, inflamed, or pinched. You may experience sharp pain shooting down your arm (often triggered by turning your head), or tingling, weakness, and numbness in your arms and hands. A nerve root problem can be caused by a variety of joint and disc problems, such as facet problems, a ruptured (herniated) disc, or severe osteoarthritis. Left untreated, further neck or nerve problems can develop.

Facet Problems

A facet is the joint where two bones in your spine meet. If the joints don’t move freely, you may feel pain and stiffness. This is facet syndrome. A facet joint may become misaligned or “locked” out of place. This can be due to an injury, often causes are bad posture and a problem with your spine. Symptoms may include soreness and stiffness in your back or neck. The pain may get worse when you twist, rotate, or bend backward.

Subluxation

Spinal subluxation is when the spinal joints don’t move as they should. Subluxation can happen when you misuse or overuse your spine. Injury, stress, or poor posture can also cause it. With subluxation, joints can become misaligned. Ligaments and muscles may be stretched or torn. Discs can bulge, rupture or wear down. These problems can press on nerves and irritate them. Your back may feel stiff or painful. Your arms and legs may tingle or feel numb.


Shoulder Problems


Bursitis and Tendonitis

You can injure the bursa and tendons of your shoulder with repeated lifting, reaching or other overuse. In time, this overuse can irritate and inflame the cushioning bursa and cord-like tendons. The pain usually can be pinpointed, since there may be tenderness in the area. Range of motion also becomes limited. When untreated, the pain and immobility of bursitis and tendonitis get progressively worse.

Degenerative Arthritis

The normal wear and tear on your shoulder year after year as you age can erode the cartilage lining, the bone, and the bursa in your shoulder. The smooth head of the humerus degenerates and the cartilage and bursa no longer fully protect surfaces as they rub together. The pain is a persistent, dull, general ache that is aggravated by activity and relieved by rest or heat. If untreated, the pain becomes harder to relieve and immobility increases.

Rotator Cuff Injury

Any one of your four rotator cuff tendons can be inflamed, stretched, or torn by overuse. It’s a painful injury because even slight movements of your shoulder affect the tendons. Range of motion of your shoulder is quite limited and instability is decreased.

Frozen Shoulder

Your shoulder is meant to move. However, when it’s stiff and painful, it’s only natural not to move it. Trouble is, when you don’t use your shoulder, it can develop adhesions which trigger a cycle of more pain and immobility. As you use your shoulder less, the adhesions get worse, and the bursa becomes inflamed, swollen, and tender. Then, one day, you wake up and you can’t move your shoulder at all; it’s “frozen”. Any movement – even breathing – may cause severe pain.

Neurologic Referred pain

Over time, various conditions can compress and inflame your cervical nerve roots. The irritated nerves and radiate pain “downstream” from the site of compression to one or both shoulder. Referred pain usually is a dull, generalized ache that gradually gets worse. Without prompt treatment, your shoulder and arm may become weak or numb or feel like “pins and needles” (Note: pain can also be referred to the shoulder from the internal organs).


Elbow Problems

Golfer's or Tennis Elbow (Epicondylitis)

Using your elbow or hand the wrong way can cause an elbow muscle or tendon to become strained, inflamed, or torn. For example, gripping objects too tightly or repeatedly bending your elbow or wrist may lead to epicondylitis. Your elbow may feel warm and become red and swollen. Sharp pain can make it hard to grip, turn your hand or swing your arm.

Bursitis

A sharp blow or constant banging can cause swelling and pain in the bursa, a fluid filled cushion at the tip of your elbow.

Fractures

You can crack or break a bone in your elbow. This can happen by falling or by bumping your elbow on a hard object. Pain and swelling may then make motion difficult.

Irritated Nerve

You may irritate the ulnar nerve by striking or leaning too hard on your elbow. Your elbow may ache, and your ring finger and little finger may be tingly or numb.


Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a problem that affects the wrist and hand. Tingling and numbness are the most common symptoms of CTS. Some people also have hand pain or even a weakened grip. At first symptoms may wake you up at night. Later , they may also occur during your daily routines. For instance, you may notice symptoms while you are driving, or holding a newspaper. Your symptoms may become more severe over time.

CTS is often misdiagnosed. The median nerve, the nerve responsible for CTS pain and tingling, is pinched by muscles in four other location resulting in the same feelings of tingling in the hand. Surgery to the wrist will not relieve the symptoms. It is important to get a accurate diagnosis before selecting any form of treatment.


Mid-Back Problems

Scoliosis

In a normal spine there are natural curves that occur from front to back. From the front view the spine appears straight. In scoliosis, the curves occur from side to side, not front to back. These abnormal curves usually start around the age of 9 and 14. It is not caused by poor posture, is not a disease, nor is it contagious. The causes are unknown. Mild forms occur usually in boys and girls. Moderate to severe forms are more common in girls. Early detection and treatment are important to control the condition and prevent further complication. Allowing the condition to worsen may result in back pain, decreased flexibility, and poor posture. In the severe cases, arthritis, respiratory infection and heart problems may also occur as the patient grows older.

Facet Syndrome

A facet is the joint where two bones in your spine meet. If the joints don’t move freely, you may feel pain and stiffness. This is facet syndrome. A facet joint may become misaligned or “locked” out of place. This can be due to an injury, often causes are bad posture and a problem with your spine. Symptoms may include soreness and stiffness in your back or neck. The pain may get worse when you twist, rotate, or bend backward.

Disc Problems

Disc are strong cushions that separate the vertebrae in your spine. They act as shock absorbers to protect your spine when you move. Damage to one or more of the discs is called disc syndrome. If the discs decrease in their height, the vertebrae become closer together. This may cause a pinching of the nerves. With repeated stress, a disc can wear down. The center of the disc may begin to bulge out and may press on a near by nerve. If the disc wears more, it may rupture (herniate). Sudden trauma may cause a disc to burst. The center of the disc may push on the nearby nerve, or a piece of the disc may break off and press on the spinal chord.

Rib Subluxation

Ribs are also prone to misalignment. The result is sharp “stabbing” pain in the back, often with breathing.

Subluxation

Spinal subluxation is when the spinal joints don’t move as they should. Subluxation can happen when you misuse or overuse your spine. Injury, stress, or poor posture can also cause it. With subluxation, joints can become misaligned. Ligaments and muscles may be stretched or torn. Discs can bulge, rupture or wear down. These problems can press on nerves and irritate them. Your back may feel stiff or painful. Your arms and legs may tingle or feel numb.


Lower-Back Problems


Disc Problems

Disc are strong cushions that separate the vertebrae in your spine. They act as shock absorbers to protect your spine when you move. Damage to one or more of the discs is called disc syndrome. If the discs decrease in their height, the vertebrae become closer together. This may cause a pinching of the nerves. With repeated stress, a disc can wear down. The center of the disc may begin to bulge out and may press on a near by nerve. If the disc wears more, it may rupture (herniate). Sudden trauma may cause a disc to burst. The center of the disc may push on the nearby nerve, or a piece of the disc may break off and press on the spinal chord.

Facet Problems

A facet is the joint where two bones in your spine meet. If the joints don’t move freely, you may feel pain and stiffness. This is facet syndrome. A facet joint may become misaligned or “locked” out of place. This can be due to an injury, often causes are bad posture and a problem with your spine. Symptoms may include soreness and stiffness in your back or neck. The pain may get worse when you twist, rotate, or bend backward.

Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that starts in either the low back or the buttock area and will travel down the back of legs. This pain may stop in the buttocks or may travel down the entire leg to the toes. The pain is due to irritation to the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts from nerves located in the low back. This nerve then travels though the muscles in the buttock and then will travel and innervate the entire lower legs. Sciatica is a symptom of a problem, and not a proper diagnosis. Sciatica may be caused by low back injury or instability, disc involvement, or even muscle spasm. Proper diagnose is essential for effective treatment.

Degenerative Disc Disease (osteoarthritis)

When a spinal joint becomes misaligned or injured, the vertebrae can’t move properly, discs can become compressed, and nerves may be irritated. As degeneration progresses, your discs lose their ability to cushion and your vertebrae can develop bone spurs. You may experience pain, stiffness, headaches and nagging neck aches. (often worse in the morning). Joint degeneration is often the result of too much stress on the joints caused by poor posture, repeated movements, or injury. Left untreated, joint problems can begin to affect your nerves and spinal chord.

Sacroiliac Syndrome

The sacroiliac (S/I) joints are where your hipbones (iliac bones) join the back of your pelvis (sacrum). An injury to this area is know as sacroiliac syndrome. The most common cause of an injury to this area is a lift with a twist. This can strain the joint and tear the muscles and ligaments that support it. Being overweight or having a history of back injuries can make the condition worse. A common symptom is a sharp pain in either hip. The pain may get worse when you stand u or when you sit for long periods. Getting out of the car is often painful.


Knee Pain


Osteoarthritis

As we age, knee cartilage can crack and wear away. This damage is called osteoarthritis. The damage can also be triggered by injury or disease. As healthy cartilage wears away, you may notice aching, stiffness, or pain. You might also notice swelling or a feeling of grinding. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatment can make it easier to live with.

Bursitis

Repeated movement or pressure can cause the bursae (normal fluid filled pocket inside the knee joint) around the knee to become inflamed. This is called bursitis. IT happens most often to the bursae on the inner side of the knee, or below the kneecap. Burisitis can limit your movement. It can also cause tenderness or swelling.

Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee (also called chondromalacia patellae) is damage to the smooth cartilage under the kneecap. It begins with a softening of the cartilage. With time, the cartilage wears down, roughens, or cracks. This can cause pain, swelling, or grinding noise. It is called runner’s knee because it can develop over time with activities such as running. It can also be triggered by blows to the knee.

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is a disc of cartilage that sits inside the knee joint that acts as a cushion of the knee. A Sudden twist or repeated squatting can cause a meniscus to tear. You may notice pain, swelling, or a locking of the knee. You may also hear a “clunking” sound. If not corrected, the tear can lead to more serious problems, such as arthritis.

Mild to moderate sprains

A twist or injury may cause ligaments in the knee to stretch or split. This is called a sprain. You will most likely notice some pain. You may also have some swelling. After a while your knee may feel unstable.

Torn Ligaments (severe sprains)

A severe injury can cause ligaments to tear. You may quickly notice pain and swelling. The knee may also become unstable.

Fractures

A severe blow or injury may fracture (break, crack, or chip) the kneecap or the ends of the bones around it. You may notice severe pain and swelling. You may be unable to move your knee or put weight on the injured leg.

Dislocated Kneecap

An injury, ligament damage, or simply the way your bones fit together can cause the kneecap to dislocate (slip out of place). It may slop only once, or it may slop many time without warning. You may feel sudden, sharp pain, or your knee may “give out”

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osgood-Schlatter disease refers to a painful, swollen tender spot on the shinbone just below the kneecap. It is most common during early teen years and may be caused by the stress thigh muscles put on the still growing bone. After healing, a painless, bony bump may remain.


Foot and Ankle

Ankle Sprains

The ankle joint consists of eight different tendons that support this joint. A twist or injury may cause ligaments in the ankle to stretch or split. This is called a sprain. You will most likely notice some pain. You may also have some swelling. After a while your knee may feel unstable.

Metatarsalgia

The metatarsals are the bones of the foot that make up the “Ball” of the foot. Excess pressure or an incorrect gait may cause these bones to bruise or rub together. It may feel like you have a marble in your foot.

Plantar Fascitis

The plantar fasca is a specialized tendon on the bottom of your foot that starts at the heel and goes to the “ball” of your foot. The purpose of this tendon is to maintain the arch in your foot. If you have “flat feet”, “fallen arches”, improper gait, or you do an unusual amount of walking or jumping, you may start to tear this tendon. The tendon tries to heal itself at night when you sleep, but when you get up and put pressure on your foot, you re-tear the tendon. The most common symptom is heel pain, or pain in the bottom of your foot. It often feels like you are walking on broken glass. If not corrected, this condition may lead to the formation of a heel spur.

Heel spurs

Chronic plantar fascitis (see above) if not corrected may lead to the formation of a heel spur. A heel spur is the formation of excess bone that grows out into the plantar fascia starting at the heel. On X-Ray, it looks like a bony needle sticking out into your foot. It also feels like a bony needle sticking out into your foot.

Fallen arches

The instep of your foot should have a nice arch. The purpose of this arch is to allow the foot to flatten out during gait and then the arch will allow the foot to spring off the ground. With fallen arches, or flat feet, the “spring off” phase of walking is altered. If your gait is altered, the stress of the body walking then gets shifted to other joints and may lead to other problems such as knee pain, back pain, headaches, or other conditions.



* Please note that this web page is not designed to provide you with a diagnosis, but merely to provide information on common complaints. Only a doctor can adequately diagnose your problem after a thorough examination.