Osteoarthritis related neck pain and back pain is a fairly common complaint, particularly as we age. In fact, most neck pain, back pain, and sciatica complaints are tied in one way or another to aging and/or the 5 factors that cause and exacerbate what I refer to as the back pain complex…neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica (see http://UltimateBadBackStrategies.com for the 5 factors).

Interestingly, arthritis related neck and back pain has become something of a catch-all designation for neck pain and back pain, often without a proper medical diagnosis, particularly among individuals fifty years of age and above. Osteoarthritis is generally characterized by a break down of the facet joints, the joints articulating one vertebra to the next posteriorly. In other words, the joints that join one vertebra with the next at the back of the spinal column, stabilizing the spine and assisting with motion (see video on spinal curvatures).

As we age, the intervertebral joints, also referred to as facet joints, break down, usually due to stress or trauma-related injury to the joint over time. The joint surface, and often the area just adjacent to the joint, will undergo changes to the surface and to the adjoining bone, the breakdown often leading to new bone being deposited.

Often, in advance cases, the connective tissue may even calcify and/or ossify, meaning the ligaments will become bone-like and inflexible. The loss of flexibility, the restricted range of motion, will lead first to stiffness and ultimately to increasing levels of neck pain and back pain, depending on the region of the spine affected.

The most common areas affected are the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine, hence the neck and back pain. These are the two secondary curvatures are responsible for holding our head upright and for head and neck movement, and for standing upright and walking on two legs, respectively. The stress exerted upon the secondary curvatures is much greater than on the primary curvatures of the thoracic and sacral regions. That is not to say that the thoracic and sacral regions are not affected by back pain, they most certainly are, and in some instances the pain can be every bit as debilitating and disabling as neck pain and lower back pain. However, the cervical and lumbar regions are most affected and mimic the curvatures of the spine in prevalence.

How to deal with arthritis related neck and back pain will be covered in future videos and articles but it is crucial that an individual suffering from neck pain and/or back pain related to osteoarthritis maintain and active lifestyle, to include walking and flexibility exercises. Additionally, good nutrition is also crucial, going a long way toward alleviating and ultimately eliminating arthritis related neck pain and back pain.

We will cover how to achieve lasting pain relief from arthritis related neck and back pain in the next video and article in this series. If you are interested in getting active and taking control of your neck pain and back pain, the program at

http://TheBadBackGuy.net

is wonderful and will put you back on the road to a pain free, active lifestyle!

John

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
JohnZ@UltimateBadBackStrategies.com

The 3 Primary Causes of Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

Back Pain Relief: The 3 Primary Causes of Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica

Neck pain, back pain, and sciatica affect millions of people worldwide every year. No group is immune from neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, although certain demographic groups seem to be at greater risk. The back pain complex may manifest itself as a dull, aching feeling or it may present as a sharp, almost unbearable pain ceasing all movement and activity until properly addressed; and, that means seeing a medical practitioner. Or, the symptoms may appear anywhere along a continuum from dull and barely noticeable to sharp, intense, and debilitating. The etiology, or cause, of the pain may be immediately apparent or an individual may wake up in the morning with a new “friend.” In fact, many of the most serious incidents of neck, back or leg pain (sciatica) are seemingly innocuous at the time, with the individual only later realizing that he or she has injured himself or herself.

The Process of Aging

So, who is most likely to suffer from this common, often debilitating condition? The most obvious answer is everyone. However, while true, certain groups are at greater risk, for a myriad of reasons from aging to the type of work we do. The first reason, the most common reason, is that we get older; and as we age, certain parts of the body, in this case primarily the neck and back, just don’t handle the aging process well. The older we get, the greater the likelihood is we will develop symptoms associated with what is commonly referred to as a “bad back.” As a rule, middle-age (30-40 years of age) is when the symptoms associated with the back pain complex first present themselves; and, men are more likely than women to present with symptoms. The difference between men and women tends to balance out somewhat after menopause, and this is generally associated with the consequences of osteoporosis.

Sedentary Lifestyle and Inadequate Fitness

The next cause of neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica we will examine is poor or inadequate fitness. Significantly, poor fitness ranges from carrying a few too many pounds around the midsection, to consequences associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The secondary curvatures of the spine, the curvatures associated with the neck or cervical region, and the lower back or lumbar region, are most affected because of their function and the biomechanics involved with walking on two legs. The neck and the lower back are particularly prone to injury, and with it varying degrees of pain. As we age, as our muscles weaken due to inactivity. The muscles atrophy, meaning they get weaker and lose tone and strength. As the muscles weaken, the secondary curvatures of the cervical and lumbar regions come under tremendous pressure as they are responsible for holding our heads upright and standing upright, walking without being bent over. The atrophied musculature, no longer doing an adequate job of supporting these two vital areas, have some of their work taken over by the intervertebral discs (IVDs) and the vertebrae themselves. When this transfer takes place, the spine comes under constant assault, and injury is the result. Degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, bulging discs, osteophytosis, and back sprains and strains are just a few of the many things that can go wrong as a result of poor fitness.

Overweight and Obesity

The third and final reason to be covered in this article is obesity. Obesity in the United States, and in much of the developed world, has reached epidemic proportions. If we carry just an extra 20 pounds, we are seriously affecting our overall health, as well as the health of the musculoskeletal system. The spine, already at risk due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle, comes under incredible stress, particularly at the secondary curvatures of the neck and lower back. Much of the neck pain, back pain (particularly lower back pain), and sciatica are the direct result of too much weight being carried by the body, too much stress placed on the spine.
Think about the following example: Take a 20 pound dumbbell or a 20 pound bowling ball and put it in a book bag, one of those the kids use for school. Now, wear it in front instead of on the back, and wear it all day. Get the idea? Carry that around all day, with the weight forward, and see if you can still move by the end of the day. Interestingly, most overweight individuals are more than 20 pounds overweight and experiencing neck pain, back pain, and sciatica they don’t have to, just because they are overweight!

The Back Pain Complex: In Concert

Taken in concert, aging, poor fitness, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity lead to what I refer to as the back pain complex. The back pain complex, meaning any combination of neck pain, back pain (again, particularly lower back pain), and sciatica is avoidable or treatable, depending on your current state of fitness. Failed back surgery is a reality, a rather harsh one for many. Many never had to undergo surgery the first time, had they simply followed a few simple to implement bad back strategies.

I hope you will continue to read: Part II of Back Pain Relief: The Primary Causes of Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica.

Tired of neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica? Join me as we take back our lives…back pain free! Get pain relief by taking the first step with me!

Act now! This is the answer and you are entitled to a free trial, you have nothing to lose but the pain!

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Best wishes for your health and a pain free life!

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr.
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com