Non-Surgical Ways For Bulging Disc Treatment

Introduction

Bulging disc is a common condition, particularly in older adults, wherein age-related wear and tear is the main reason. This condition involves a spinal disc ceasing its original shape & expanding, placing undue pressure on a surrounding nerve root, resulting in back or neck pain. Today, we discuss the difference between a bulging disc and herniated disc, bulging disc symptoms, causes of a bulging disc and non-surgical treatments for bulging disc.

What’s the Difference between Bulging Disc & Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is basically the latter stage of a bulging disc condition. When left untreated, a bulging disc is likely to progress into a herniated disc which is a more severe form of spinal disorder. As per the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the only way to obtain an accurate diagnosis of a bulging/herniated disc is via the symptoms an individual is experiencing, his/her medical history, physical examination, or a diagnostic test.

What are the symptoms of a bulging disc?

With there being an endless number of reasons for back pain, diagnosing a bulging disc as the reason behind it is quite difficult unless an imaging test is conducted straightaway. Moreover, different individuals might experience symptoms of a bulging disc differently. Having said that, the following are the common symptoms of a bulging disc:

• Back pain (especially in the upper back region)
• Pain arising in the upper back area, radiating to the chest/stomach
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning sensation
• Muscle spasms
• Weakness
• Walking issues

Causes of a Bulging Disc

The common causes of a bulging disc are:

• Degenerative disc disease leading to spinal osteoarthritis
• Back injury or strain
• Improper posture
• Obesity
• Inactivity
• Smoking

Non-Surgical Treatment for Bulging Disc

Depending on the severe nature of the bulging disc and the accompanying symptoms, different non-surgical treatment options can provide temporary or long-term pain relief. Following are the non-surgical treatment alternatives for bulging disc:

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Physical Therapy

Doctors may prescribe physical therapy comprising exercises, massage, etc. to help boost mobility & range of motion, in addition to enhancing the strength of the back muscles. A qualified physical therapist can suggest the best & suitable exercises for you as per your condition to help reduce back pain by alleviating pressure on the nerve.

Heat or Cold Therapy

In mild cases of bulging disc, ice packs and heating pads can help relieve pain & inflammation, helping manage the condition in a conservative manner.

Conclusion

An early diagnosis and subsequent treatment for a bulging disc is key to avoiding it progressing into a herniated disc. If you are experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms of a bulging disc, then book an appointment with our spine experts at your nearest ANSSI Wellness Centre:

Spinal Cord Pain – Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments

Having a hard time dealing with spinal cord pain? Read this comprehensive blog to get a clear idea of the common symptoms of spinal cord pain, various scans that may be conducted for its diagnosis and the subsequent treatment options.

Symptoms of spinal cord pain

The most common symptoms of spinal cord pain include:

• Unable to keep a normal posture because of pain & stiffness
• Experiencing muscle spasms at rest or while performing an activity
• Stiffness in the lower back region, leading to decreased range of motion
• Pain radiating into the hands and legs
• Numbness and tingling sensation in the arms

Diagnosis of spinal cord pain

Spinal cord pain that persists for over two weeks is usually due to an underlying condition that needs to be diagnosed. Following are some of the common diagnostic tests prescribed by doctors for detecting the reason behind spinal cord pain:

X-Ray

An x-ray of the spine can display the vertebrae structure & outline of the joints, helping doctors identify potential reasons behind the spinal cord pain which can include fractures, tumours, infections, etc.

MRI

With the help of an MRI, doctors can examine the spinal cord, nerve roots and nearby regions, in addition to any degeneration, enlargement or tumours. Moreover, an MRI with contrast can help diagnose infections & new compression fractures without spinal displacement.

CT Scan with 3D Reconstruction

This diagnostic test generates images that display boney detail in a much-enhanced manner than any other scan besides also showing nerves & soft tissue.

Electromyography or Nerve Conduction Velocity Testing

Also referred to as EMG/NCV testing, these are electrodiagnostic tests that help calculate the electrical activity of nerves & muscles, They assist in detecting the location of a pinched/compressed nerve that may be causing the spinal cord pain.

Treatments for spinal cord pain

Mild spinal cord pain is generally a result of muscle sprains or strains and can be successfully treated with heat & ice therapy combined with adequate rest. Physical therapy may also help in some cases. However, spinal cord pain that lasts for more than two weeks necessitates medical intervention for detecting the cause behind it. Irrespective of the scan results and the underlying condition detected, you will have two treatment options to choose from: Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatment.

Surgical Treatment

As the name suggests, surgical treatment involves surgery which comes with a lot of potential risks, complications and side effects such as:

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Dural tear
• Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
• Sores on the face & vision loss
• Symptoms that are repetitive/persisting
• Nerve injury & paralysis
• Death

Conclusion

Spinal cord pain that radiates into the hands, arms, legs, chest, etc., is a major cause of concern and requires immediate medical attention for ensuring quick diagnosis & appropriate treatment. If you have been suffering from chronic pain that is interfering with your daily life, then get in touch with the ANSSI Spine Specialists for Expert Consultation. Click on this link to schedule an appointment at an ANSSI Wellness Centre near you:

Neck Pain and Headache: Causes & How to Prevent It

Introduction

Neck pain can be a very annoying condition and have a negative impact on day-to-day activities. Add to it a recurring headache, and your day is sure to get spoiled! Many different conditions can be the reason behind your neck pain and headache. However, while some conditions may originate as a neck issue and lead to a headache, other instances may involve a headache evoking neck pain. Through this blog, we will explore both in detail. Let’s begin!

Why does neck pain cause headaches?

Headaches that arise from a neck condition are generally chronic in nature and differ in type as per the underlying cause. Since the cervical (connected with the neck) nerves transmit pain signals, neck issues can provoke cervicogenic headaches, resulting in neck pain, stiffness, nausea, blurred vision, etc. Similarly, a pinched nerve in the neck can initiate severe headaches caused by a condition known as occipital neuralgia.

Causes of neck pain

Various factors such as neck muscle/ligament strains, injuries and neck conditions can cause neck pain. Following are the common causes of neck pain:

• Consistent improper posture
• Desk jobs
• Stiffness in the neck muscles
• Neck injuries
• Persistent phone usage with poor neck posture
• Inappropriate sleeping positions
• Herniated or bulging disc
• Pinched nerve in the neck

Types of headaches that may cause neck pain

Specific kinds of headaches can cause pain to radiate into the neck region. Here are some examples of headaches that cause neck pain:

Migraine

Migraine is basically a recurring headache that is characterised by medium to intense pain on one particular side of the head. It may also cause symptoms like nausea & sensitivity to bright light and/or loud sounds. Neck pain prior to a migraine attack or during it is pretty common. Following are a few triggers that are known to cause migraine headaches:

• Stress
• Hormone fluctuations
• Climate changes
• Regularly skipping meals

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

TMJ headaches are mild aches that begin around the temple region of the head and the Temporomandibular Joint. They may sometimes be confused as ear pain. TMJ disorders that cause headaches are usually a culmination of multiple factors such as:

• Genetics
• Degeneration of muscles or ligaments
• Injury to the TMJ
• Dislocation of the TMJ
• Muscle fatigue/weakness in the TMJ
• Arthritis of the jaw

Neck problems that can cause headaches

Certain kinds of headaches can be the consequence of neck issues like injury, inflammation, chronic neck tension, etc.

Injury

Injury to the neck muscles or ligaments can cause cervicogenic headaches, also known as secondary headaches.

Inflammation

Inflammation of the muscles, nerves, tendons or joints can cause cervicogenic headaches.

Chronic Neck Tension

Muscle contractions in the neck area, face or scalp due to strain, stress, tiredness, etc., can cause headaches.

Treating a pinched nerve in the neck

A pinched nerve in the neck is generally treated via the following treatments:

Physical Therapy

Muscle strengthening & stretching exercises prescribed to you as per the location of the pinched nerve in your neck can help boost the strength of neck muscles, enhance the range of motion and alleviate neck pain.

Injections

Some doctors may recommend taking steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain till the time the nerve is expected to recover within.

Conclusion

Treatment for neck pain & headache differs from person to person depending on various factors like the underlying condition causing it, whether the condition is severe or mild, and current symptoms. If you are experiencing neck pain & headache and suspect a spinal disorder to be the reason behind it, then book a Free Consultation with our Spine Experts. Click here to schedule an appointment:

Bulging Disc in the Neck: Causes, Symptoms & Cure

A bulging disc in the neck can lead to severe pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, back and chest areas. It may also result in weakness/numbness in the arms and fingers. Let’s get to know about this condition in detail including its various causes, symptoms and treatment options in this informative blog.

Causes of a bulging disc in the neck

A bulging disc in the neck can be caused by:

• Age-related wear and tear
• Degenerative disc disease
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Incorrect posture for a long period of time
• Obesity or being overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Strain or acute injury due to lifting weights with poor form
• Smoking

Symptoms of a bulging disc in the neck

The common symptoms associated with a bulging disc in the neck include:

• Pain in the neck, shoulders & back regions
• Pain experienced when moving the neck
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the arms, shoulders, or fingers
• Decreased range of motion

How to cure a bulging disc in the neck?

Depending on the severity of the condition, a bulging disc in the neck can be treated by regularly performing specific neck strengthening & stretching exercises or by undergoing the non-surgical spinal decompression treatment.

Exercise

Practising exercises stipulated by a physical therapist after examining your neck condition may help relieve symptoms and pain caused by a bulging disc in the neck. These exercises will generally include a combination of gentle stretching and muscle-bolstering exercises.

The physical therapist will also typically guide regarding enhancing posture & form when performing the exercises in order to avoid potential injuries and worsening of the existing condition.

Conclusion

Many people misunderstand a bulging disc in the neck as a cervical herniated disc. It’s essential to comprehend the difference between these two conditions.

Simply speaking, a bulging disc in the neck happens when a spinal disc slips from its original position in the neck whereas a cervical herniated disc is basically the progression & worsening of the bulging disc in the neck condition.

Both of these neck conditions are more prevalent in older adults due to age-related wear & tear. If you have been diagnosed with any of these two conditions or are experiencing symptoms related to them, then get in touch with our spine specialists for a detailed consultation.

Click here to schedule an appointment at your nearest ANSSI wellness centre:

Pinched Nerve In Neck – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Experiencing neck stiffness, and pain in the back, arms or legs? You may well have a pinched nerve in the neck! Know about this neck condition in detail in this exhaustive blog comprising causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and more.

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is basically an irritated or compressed nerve. When it occurs in the neck region, it’s referred to as cervical radiculopathy. A nerve can become irritated or compressed by nearby tissue, causing pain, tingling sensation, weakness and numbness in surrounding areas of the body.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck?

The common symptoms associated with a pinched nerve in the neck are:

• Mild or sharp pain in the neck, back, arms & legs
• Tingling or burning sensation
• Feeling that the hand/arm/foot is unresponsive
• Muscle fatigue
• Numbness

How common is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is a relatively common condition, with people of all ages affected by it. However, older adults above age 50 are more susceptible to it courtesy of age-related degeneration of various body parts and different types of arthritis.

How to diagnose a pinched nerve?

A physical examination of the neck, arms, shoulders & hands is generally conducted by a doctor to help detect a pinched nerve. Specific movements of the neck & arms and the pain caused by them also assist in the diagnosis of a pinched nerve and its source.

Tests

There are a number of diagnostic tests that could be conducted for detecting a pinched nerve. Let’s check them out in brief:

The Spurling Test

This test comprises neck extension, rotation of the head to the specific side where the symptoms are being experienced, and exerting mild pressure on the head from top to bottom.

X-Ray

By generating images of the alignment of the vertebrae in the neck, an x-ray can help identify a pinched nerve in the neck region. It can also display the narrowing of the disc spaces & foramen between the vertebrae.

CT Scan

A CT scan may help detect a pinched nerve in the neck by providing more detailed images of the spine & bones in the neck area as compared to an x-ray.

MRI Scan

A doctor can view detailed images of the soft tissues, vertebrae & nerves in the neck region with an MRI. It can help understand the severity of the nerve compression, diagnose a herniated disc as the potential reason and detect any damage to the spinal cord.

EMG

EMG stands for Electromyography. It’s a diagnostic test that is used to calculate the speed of sending electrical impulses along a nerve. It helps assess whether a specific nerve or group of nerves are functioning in a normal manner, thus assisting in identifying a pinched nerve in the neck.

Will a pinched nerve go away on its own? How long does it take?

In the majority of cases, a pinched nerve may go away on its own after a period of around 4-6 weeks.

What are the causes of a pinched nerve in the neck?

Research studies have found age-linked wear and tear to be the main cause of a pinched nerve in the neck.

Other common causes comprise:

• Heavy weightlifting on a regular basis
• Frequent usage of driving equipment which vibrates
• Playing golf
• Diving

How is a pinched nerve in the neck treated?

In the case that a pinched nerve in the neck doesn’t go away in 4-6 weeks with adequate rest, then medical intervention is necessary for alleviating the pressure on the nerve.

Non-surgical treatments are typically recommended as they don’t involve the high risks involved in surgical treatments. The most popular non-surgical treatments include:

Ice and heat therapy

Applying ice and heat to the area with swelling should help ease the symptoms caused by a pinched nerve in the neck and provide temporary pain relief. Follow the instructions of the doctor with regard to using ice or heat therapy.

Conclusion

A pinched nerve in the neck is a painful condition that is more prevalent in men than women and affects people from the age group of 50-54 the most. Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid the worsening of the condition and subsequent complications. Are you experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck? Contact our spine experts at the earliest for highly valuable guidance and consultation. Click here to book an appointment at your nearest ANSSI wellness centre:

Herniated Disc in Neck: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Diagnosed with a herniated disc in the neck? This blog will educate you on all the vital information about this condition, including what is a herniated disc in the neck, common symptoms, causes, preventive measures, diagnosis & best treatment alternatives. Let’s begin!

What is a herniated disc in the neck?

A herniated disc is basically a slipped disc or ruptured disc. When discs in the neck region become herniated, they are referred to as cervical herniated discs. Disc herniation is a process wherein the degeneration of the disc results in the soft inner gel leaking back into the spinal canal. On reaching the spinal canal, the gel then exerts pressure on the nerve. This leads to pain radiating down the nerve, culminating in sciatica or leg/arm pain.

What are the most common herniated disc in neck symptoms?

Some of the common symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck include:

• Mild to severe neck or back pain
• Pain, weakness/numbness or tingling sensation in the neck, shoulder, back, arms & legs
• Having issues maintaining balance & coordination while walking

What causes a herniated disc in the neck?

A herniated disc in the neck may be caused by:

• Age-related wear & tear of discs
• Incorrect posture for a consistent period of time
• Sudden awkward movement leading to strain & damaged disc
• Injury or trauma to the disc
• Family history of a herniated disc in the neck

How to diagnose herniated disc in the neck?

Diagnosis of a herniated disc in the neck is generally made by assessing past medical history and conducting a physical examination of the neck, arms & lower body along with diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRI, CT scans, etc.

What is the best treatment for a herniated disc in the neck?

Conservative treatment options like avoiding awkward neck positions, physical therapy and non-surgical spinal decompression treatment can help treat a herniated disc in the neck without having to undergo surgery.

Avoiding painful positions

Refraining from painful neck or back positions when combined with regular exercise and maintaining an appropriate posture & healthy body weight can help treat a herniated disc in the neck.

Physical therapy

Specialised stretching and strengthening exercises designed as per the severity of your neck condition can help reduce the pain caused by a herniated disc.

How to avoid herniated disc in the neck?

The best method by which you can avoid a herniated disc in the neck region is by exercising your neck muscles regularly and maintaining a correct posture and a healthy weight.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware that herniated discs are a pretty common condition, with people aged 35 to 55 years at a higher risk of developing this condition. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then contact our spine experts at the earliest for an extensive consultation. Click here to book your appointment:

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Cervical Spondylosis: Treatment, Risks, Causes and Symptoms

Suffering from cervical spondylosis? Want to know in detail about this neck condition? Read this highly informative blog to get a detailed overview of what is cervical spondylosis, its risk factors, causes, common symptoms, cervical spondylosis treatment options & preventive measures. Let’s get started!

What is cervical spondylosis?

A very common condition in senior citizens, cervical spondylosis is a general term used for age-related wear & tear that primarily affects the spinal discs in the neck region. It basically comprises the natural deterioration of discs, ligaments, cartilage & bones in the neck. This typically results in neck stiffness, pain and related symptoms. In chronic cases, cervical spondylosis may comprise a herniated disc, bone spurs or pinched nerves.

Who is most at risk of getting cervical spondylosis?

Following are the risk factors associated with cervical spondylosis:

• Age above 60 years
• Family history of cervical spondylosis
• Long-term neck strain
• Prior neck injury or trauma
• Regular heavy lifting
• Cigarette smoking
• Anxiety or depression
• Regular exposure to a large amount of vibration, such as bus/truck drivers

What causes cervical spondylosis?

Also sometimes referred to as arthritis/osteoarthritis of the neck, cervical spondylosis may be caused by wear & tear related changes like:

• Discs degeneration
• Herniated discs
• Dehydrated discs
• Bone spurs
• Ligaments stiffness
• Osteoarthritis

Most common cervical spondylosis symptoms

Many individuals with cervical spondylosis don’t experience any symptoms at all. In case the symptoms arise, they may include:

• Neck stiffness and/or pain
• Aching soreness in the neck region
• Muscle spasms in the neck & shoulders
• Headaches
• Clicking/grinding/popping noise when moving the neck
• Dizziness, absence of coordination and loss of balance
• Weakness & numbness in the legs, feet, arms, hands or fingers

What are common cervical spondylosis treatments?

In the majority of instances, cervical spondylosis can be treated via conservative treatment options such as ice & heat therapy, massage, physical therapy and spinal decompression treatment. Let’s check them out one by one.

Ice, heat and massage

A combination of massage with ice & heat therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Application of heat/ice to the neck area for around 20 minutes many times during the day may help provide favourable results. Massage by a certified professional might also assist in relieving symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness.

Physical therapy

Personalised neck muscle strengthening, as well as stretching exercises, may help ease the various symptoms of cervical spondylosis while also enhancing the posture of the forward head and back.

What are the best ways to prevent cervical spondylosis?

Preventing cervical spondylosis is not possible since it’s an age-related condition. However, precautions such as not smoking, maintaining proper posture, avoiding awkward neck positions, and doing regular neck exercises may help reduce the risk of cervical spondylosis.

Conclusion

Do you know over 85% of people above 60 years of age are affected by cervical spondylosis? However, the majority of these people don’t experience any symptoms whatsoever. If you are experiencing any cervical spondylosis symptoms, then get in touch with the Spine Specialists at ANSSI Wellness Centre for an Expert Consultation. Click here to schedule an appointment:

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Spine Treatment Without Surgery

A key part of the human body, the spine plays a crucial role in our day-to-day activities. Any issue with the spine can have a significant negative impact on our daily activities. Sure to say, back pain is one of the most familiar reasons behind employees taking leaves. In such a scenario, it’s essential to be aware of effective non-surgical treatment options for spine disorders, which we will focus on in this blog.

The anatomy of the spine

Simply speaking, the spine is a structure with a curved design comprising a sequence of tiny bones named vertebrae having discs between them which basically function as cushions for the bones. In the centre of the spine is a canal that incorporates the nerves and the spinal cord. These nerves perform the function of transmitting signals between the brain and the body.

Common spine conditions

Similar to any bones, the spine can degenerate or get injured, resulting in various spine conditions such as:

Disc degeneration

Wearing out of the discs between the spinal vertebrae. It’s generally related to age and causes pain in the spinal region.

Osteoarthritis

Another age-related spine condition, osteoarthritis involves the wear & tear of the joint cartilage and culminates in stiffness and spine pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the big sciatic nerve present in the lower back region gets compressed, leading to back, hip & leg pain.

Pinched nerve

As the name suggests, a pinched nerve comprises a nerve in the spine region getting pressurised by nearby cartilage/bones, resulting in spine pain, tingling sensation, weakness or numbness.

Spinal stenosis

This condition involves contraction of the spine exerting pressure on the nerves & spinal cord. This causes pain in the spine region accompanied by weakness, numbness and, in some cases, loss of bladder control.

Osteoporosis

Bones in the spine region become brittle & weak, increasing the likelihood of a fracture.

Non-surgical treatment of spine pain

Chronic spine pain can be treated through non-surgical treatment options, thus helping avoid the significant risks that come with spine surgery.

Non-surgical spinal decompression treatment

The non-surgical spinal decompression treatment is the best treatment option for a wide range of spine conditions like a slipped disc, spondylosis, sciatica, disc degeneration, etc. Highly affordable and risk-free, it involves:

• 100% Non-Surgical Treatment
• No Medicines
• No Injections
• No Hospitalisation
• No Side-effects
• No Post-treatment physiotherapy

It has a success rate of more than 85% and provides lifelong relief from back & neck pain caused by spinal disorders.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist can help alleviate spine pain by helping you perform exercises that bolster your core region and boost circulation in the spine region. Also, they can help find out the severity of your spine condition through a range of motion evaluation.

Medication

Various kinds of medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve medications, muscle relaxants, etc., can help relieve spine pain. However, they can cause a variety of side effects such as:

• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Flawed judgment
• Slowness in breathing
• Itching
• Constipation
• Addiction

Conclusion

Being aware of the non-surgical treatment options for spinal disorders provides individuals with the avenue to avoid the major risks involved in spine surgery. If you are experiencing chronic neck or back pain and have been recommended spine surgery, then contact our Spine Specialists for an Expert Consultation. Book an appointment at your nearest ANSSI Wellness Centre: FAQs

Chronic Neck Pain: Types, Causes and Treatment

Neck pain that persists for a number of weeks is called chronic neck pain. It can be the result of various spinal disorders such as spondylosis, slipped disc, disc degeneration, etc. Chronic neck pain has become common among working professionals due to hours-long desk jobs that restrict activity & cause stiffness of the spine. Let’s check out the different types, causes and treatment options for chronic neck pain.

Types of Neck Pain

Following are the common types of neck pain:

Neck Stiffness

Pain experienced while moving the head. Generally involves soreness and may also be accompanied by headache, arm/shoulder pain, etc.

Sharp/Stabbing Pain

An intense pain experienced in a particular area of the neck that feels like getting stabbed with a sharp object.

Dull/Sore/Tender Pain

Soreness or dull pain spread over a neck region.

Radiating Pain

Pain which gives a feeling that it’s travelling from the spine to various body parts like arms, shoulders, hands, fingers, legs, etc.

What are the common causes of chronic neck pain?

Neck muscle strain and compression of a nerve in the neck region are among the most common causes of chronic neck pain. Other causes include:

Cervical Spondylosis

Wear and tear of the spine present in the neck region, generally due to age and sometimes caused by injury.

Traumatic Injury

As the name suggests, a traumatic injury is an injury that causes severe trauma to the joints, muscles, discs, bones and other tissues in the neck.

Poor Posture (Forward Head Posture)

As per a research study, an extra 10 pounds of weight is exerted on the cervical spine for every inch of forward head posture. Hence, regular poor posture, particularly that of the head, is closely associated with cervical spine disorders & chronic neck pain.

Cervical Herniated Disc

A slipped disc or ruptured disc in the neck region is referred to as a cervical herniated disc. It can cause extreme neck pain that may also radiate to other body parts.

Cervical Osteoarthritis/Spondylosis

Arthritis of the neck is called cervical osteoarthritis/spondylosis. It comprises degeneration of the bones in the cervical spine.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

This spine condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal due to wear and tear or injury.

Should you delay the treatment?

Detecting the reason behind chronic neck pain is very important as it could be the result of an underlying condition that may worsen over time, causing permanent damage or even death.

Hence, it’s well-advised to consult a doctor at the earliest and get yourself evaluated if you are experiencing persistent neck pain that is playing havoc with your everyday life.

Conclusion

A wide range of conditions and factors can cause chronic neck pain. Hence, an early, accurate diagnosis is vital to ensure speedy pain relief and avoid potential complications.

Book a Consultation with our Spine Experts at your nearest ANSSI Wellness Centre:

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Lordosis: Causes, Types, Diagnosis and Treatment

Do you have an abnormal inward curve of the spine? It could be lordosis! Through this comprehensive blog, we aim to explain lordosis in detail, including its common causes, types, diagnosis, treatment and more.

What is lordosis?

The medical name for an excessive inward curve of the spine, Lordosis can interfere with your daily activities by negatively affecting the lower back & neck area. Sometimes called swayback, it can cause excruciating pain & discomfort in severe cases by exerting plenty of pressure on the spine. Lordosis that affects the lower back & neck region is called lumbar lordosis and cervical lordosis, respectively. It can significantly impact your mobility without appropriate treatment.

Common causes of lordosis

Specific factors & health conditions can elevate the risk of lordosis. This comprises:

• Obesity or overweight
• Improper posture on a regular basis
• Injury or disease related to the spine
• Osteoporosis (Condition in which bones become brittle & weak)
• Family Genetics (Inherited from one of the parents)
• Spondylolisthesis (Spinal disorder involving a bone slipping forward onto the bone under it)
• Achondroplasia (Deterioration in bone growth in the cartilage of the growth plate)
• Osteosarcoma (Type of bone cancer that starts in the cells which constitute bones)

What are the types of lordosis?

There are 5 primary types of lordosis:

Postural Lordosis

Generally caused by obesity, postural lordosis comprises weak back & stomach muscles that aren’t able to support the spine, resulting in the spine curving forward.

Congenital/Traumatic Lordosis

An injury or trauma that causes a fracture in the connecting links of the spine, this type of lordosis causes pain in the lower spine region. It can also be caused due to growth defects. Over time, it can lead to pinched nerves in the spine.

Post-surgical Laminectomy Hyperlordosis

After a laminectomy (surgery wherein spinal bones are removed) is conducted over various spine levels, it can result in the spine becoming unstable & expand the normal curve to an abnormal level. This condition is more common in children than adults.

Neuromuscular Lordosis

Neuromuscular lordosis comprises a long list of disorders or conditions that can cause various spinal curvature issues. Each type of problem features several treatment options.

Lordosis Secondary to Hip Flexion Contracture

A comparatively rare condition, this type of lordosis includes developing a contracture of the hip joints culminating in the spine being drawn out of normal alignment.

Can Pregnant Women Experience Lordosis?

A considerable number of pregnant women exhibit symptoms of lordosis such as hips pushed forward, buttocks sticking out, back pain, etc., due to the protruding belly. However, in many cases, it’s just the body’s adaptation to the pregnancy, and the back pain disappears after the baby’s birth.

How to diagnose lordosis?

Diagnosing lordosis generally involves doctors checking patients’ past medical history, conducting a physical examination and enquiring about the symptoms being experienced. After getting a brief idea, doctors generally recommend diagnostic tests, including a spine x-ray, to examine the angle of the spinal curve. An MRI or CT scan may also be advised to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Lordosis treatment

Treatment is necessary for lordosis only in severe cases. It comprises the following treatment options:

• Medications to decrease back pain & swelling
• Physical therapy & exercises for bolstering muscles and increasing range of motion
• Weight loss to improve posture
• Braces for children & teenagers
• Nutritional supplements like vitamin D

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed in case of intense back pain caused by lordosis. The kind of treatment recommended to a patient depends on the severity of the spinal curve and the reason behind it.

Conclusion

Lordosis can cause chronic back pain and have a substantial negative impact on a person’s mobility & flexibility, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. Nevertheless, with prompt diagnosis & subsequent treatment, lordosis can be successfully treated, preventing future complications. If you are experiencing signs of lordosis, then get in touch with our Spine Specialists at ANSSI Wellness Centre. Click here to schedule your appointment:

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