Back pain

Lower back is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and presents in many different ways. It is also known as the lumbar spine and is responsible for keeping your torso upright. Difficulty bending forward to tie shoes or picking something up from the floor, pressure from sitting for too long, stiffness when getting out of a chair/bed. trouble walking, issues going up or down stairs, these are all examples of types of back pain. The causes can be varied which include: sciatica, SI joint, disc herniations, muscle sprain/strains, etc. Addressing the cause of the pain, and treating it with a functional approach will provide the best results. Causes of back pain can include:

● Muscle Strain: Overexertion or lifting heavy objects improperly can lead to muscle strains, which often result in acute back pain.

● Herniated Disc: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer shell, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain.

● Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints in the spine, leading to chronic back pain.

● Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing back pain.

● Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine can lead to pain and discomfort.

● Osteoporosis: Weakening of the bones can result in compression fractures of the vertebrae, causing back pain.

● Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often leading to back pain and nerve compression.

● Infections: Spinal infections, such as osteomyelitis or discitis, can cause back pain, sometimes accompanied by fever and other symptoms.

● Tumors: Rarely, tumors in the spine can lead to back pain.

● Kidney Problems: Kidney stones or infections can sometimes cause back pain, often felt in the lower back.

● Pregnancy: Many women experience back pain during pregnancy due to the added weight and changes in posture.

● Lifestyle Factors: Poor posture, obesity, and lack of exercise can contribute to chronic back pain.

● Psychological Factors: Stress and depression can exacerbate or even contribute to back pain.

Neck pain

The neck is a support structure that holds up the head/skull. It is also known as the cervical spine and has to be able to move in all different directions. The ability of the neck to rotate 180 degrees/turning to look over one shoulder to the other, is very important for daily life. When the cervical spine is stiff or in pain and unable to rotate it is very deterring. With the rise of desk work and the neck being stuck in a certain position for prolonged periods of time, this can cause stiffness, tension, and pain in the neck. Other causes of neck pain include trauma, sports injuries, or whiplash. Some of the other causes of neck pain include:

● Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor posture, or sleeping in an awkward position can lead to muscle strain in the neck.

● Poor Posture: Prolonged periods of sitting with improper posture, such as hunching over a computer, can strain the neck muscles and lead to pain.

● Neck Injuries: Traumatic incidents, like car accidents, falls, or sports injuries, can cause neck pain due to whiplash, sprains, or fractures.

● Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the discs in the spine can deteriorate, causing pain in the neck. This condition is more common as people age.

● Herniated or Bulging Discs: When the discs between the vertebrae in the neck rupture or bulge, they can press on nerves and cause neck pain.

● Osteoarthritis: The breakdown of cartilage in the neck's joints can lead to osteoarthritis, resulting in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.

● Cervical Spondylosis: This condition involves the wear and tear of the cervical spine, leading to neck pain and sometimes radiating pain into the arms.

● Pinched Nerve: A herniated disc or bone spurs in the neck can compress nerves, causing pain that may radiate into the arms and hands.

● Muscle Tension and Stress: Emotional stress and tension can lead to muscle tightness in the neck, resulting in pain.

● Infections and Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like meningitis, cervical lymphadenitis, or rheumatoid arthritis can cause neck pain.

● Tumors: Although rare, tumors in the neck, throat, or spine can lead to neck pain.

● Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, can cause chronic neck pain.

● Referred Pain: Issues in other parts of the body, like the shoulders or upper back, can sometimes be felt as neck pain.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder joint is made up of the meeting of the humerus (the bone of the upper arm) and the scapula (the shoulder blade). It is scientifically known as the glenohumeral joint and has many different muscle attachments which include the muscles of the rotator cuff. Difficulty moving the shoulder can affect many areas of everyday life. Reaching above your head to wash your hair, putting a plate or cup away in a cupboard, reaching behind to put on a jacket, or even laying on your side are all examples of these difficulties. Pain or tightness in the shoulder can arise from many different places including:

● Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tears or inflammation, are a common cause of shoulder pain.

● Tendonitis: Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which can occur in the tendons around the shoulder joint, leading to pain and discomfort.

● Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa sac, which cushions the shoulder joint. Inflammation in the bursa can cause pain and limited shoulder mobility.

● Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, often restricting movement.

● Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the shoulder joint, causing pain and reduced range of motion as the cartilage within the joint wears down.

● Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can affect multiple joints, including the shoulder, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint damage.

● Torn Ligaments or Labrum: Injuries to the ligaments or the labrum (a ring of cartilage in the shoulder socket) can cause pain and instability in the shoulder joint.

● Nerve Compression: Conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome or a pinched nerve in the neck can cause radiating shoulder pain.

● Overuse or Strain: Repetitive movements or overuse of the shoulder can lead to muscle strains and discomfort.

● Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain from other areas, such as the neck or upper back, can be referred to the shoulder, making it appear as if the shoulder itself is the source of pain.

● Heart or Lung Problems: In some cases, pain in the shoulder can be a symptom of heart or lung issues, such as angina, heart attack, or pleuritis.

● Gallbladder Disease: Gallbladder problems can cause referred pain to the right shoulder, known as "referred gallbladder pain."

Knee Pain: Knee pain is a common issue that can result from a variety of causes, including injuries, overuse, medical conditions, and age-related factors. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and it may be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Causes can include:

● Injuries:

○ Sprains and Strains: These can occur due to sudden movements, overexertion, or sports-related activities.

○ Torn Ligaments or Meniscus: Injuries to the ligaments or meniscus (cartilage) can cause intense knee pain.

● Medical Conditions:

○ Osteoarthritis: A common cause of knee pain, particularly in older adults.

○ Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that can affect the joints, including the knees.

○ Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa sacs that cushion the knee joint.

○ Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee.

● Overuse

○ Excessive or repetitive strain on the knee joint can lead to pain. This is common in athletes and people with physically demanding jobs.

● Obesity

○ Excess body weight can put added stress on the knee joints, leading to pain and increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis.

● Aging

○ As people get older, wear and tear on the knee joint can lead to pain and reduced mobility.

Foot/Ankle Pain

Foot/ankle pain is a common issue that can result from a variety of causes, including injuries, overuse, medical conditions, and age-related factors. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and it may be accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Causes can include:

● Injuries: Sprains, strains, and other traumatic injuries can lead to pain in the foot and ankle.

● Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints in the foot and ankle, leading to pain and stiffness.

● Plantar Fasciitis: This is a common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed.

● Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the foot or ankle can cause pain. Common types include Achilles tendonitis and posterior tibial tendonitis.

● Bunions: A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing pain and deformity.

● Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause sudden and severe pain in the joints, including those in the foot and ankle.

● Nerve Issues: Conditions like Morton's neuroma, which involves a pinched nerve in the ball of the foot, can result in sharp, burning pain.

● Overuse or Strain: Activities that put excessive stress on the feet or ankles, such as running or improper footwear, can lead to pain.

Elbow pain

Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, medical conditions, overuse, and lifestyle factors. Common causes of elbow pain include:

● Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):This condition is often caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow.

● Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow, golfer's elbow results from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, but it affects the inner side of the elbow.

● Elbow Strains or Sprains: These can occur from sudden overextension or trauma to the elbow, causing damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles.

● Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa sacs that cushion the elbow joint can lead to pain and swelling.

● Osteoarthritis: As the elbow joint ages, the cartilage may wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

● Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that can cause joint inflammation, including the elbow.

● Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, it involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to pain and numbness in the arm and hand.

● Nerve Compression: Pinched nerves, such as the radial nerve, can cause pain in the elbow and radiate down the arm.

● Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the elbow, apart from tennis or golfer's elbow, can also cause pain.

● Repetitive Motion: Repeated activities involving the elbow, such as lifting heavy objects or using tools, can lead to overuse and pain.

● Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like psoriatic arthritis or lupus can cause inflammation in the joints, including the elbow.

● Nerve Entrapment: Conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome can compress nerves and lead to elbow pain.

● Lifestyle Factors: Poor ergonomics, improper lifting techniques, and excessive weightlifting can strain the elbow joint and cause pain.