Disc Anatomy

I think the anatomy of the intervertebral discs is pretty interesting. These discs are fibrous, cushion-like and positioned in between the vertebrae. If we didn’t have couch cushions we’d sit on hard plywood covered by a thin layer of scratchy material that would probably hurt our tailbones, hips, and legs.
‘Inter’ means in between. So, inter-vertebral means just that, in between the vertebrae. Take a look at this image. The purple sections are the discs. Let’s take a look at the inside of a disc to get a better understanding of this fibrocartilaginous object.

That’s another thing that’s a common misconception. Discs are not bones! They are made of cartilage, water, chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate. A disc’s composition is similar to a jelly-like consistency.
So, when you have a damaged disc, it may start off as a bulging or pinched disc, and then progress to a herniated disc. The only difference is the disc being punctured or not. If it’s punctured, then it’s a herniation. This can be mighty painful.
Read more about disc anatomy and find out what treatments your Seattle Chiropractor can do to alleviate your back pain!

 

Seattle Headache Relief

Many people suffer from headaches. In America alone, 45 million individuals suffer from headaches. When your head hurts it can seriously ruin your day, week, or month. There are many nerves in the face, which are hard to ignore, especially when you lead an active life. This pain causes people to miss work, social events, and even precious family time.

So just what causes these headaches? Just around 80% of all headaches begin in the neck. As your headache sets in, take a minute and ask yourself, “Are my shoulder and neck muscles tense and contracting?” If they are,(you probably won’t have to ask this redundant question) they may be the cause of your headaches.

As these muscles contract and move without your consent, they cause your vertebrate to become misaligned, which causes pressure and pain on the spinal nerves. To find out if this is a cervicogenic (neck origin) headache, and to read about the causes of non-cervicogenic headaches, please read more on this common spine condition.

The Seattle Chiropractors at Northwest Spine Clinic can relieve the tension and stress in your neck and shoulder muscles. To diagnose your pain and to discuss the proper Seattle Spine Treatment for you, please contact a chiropractor of Tacoma, Everett, or a Federal Way Chiropractor. We will help you.

 

Get a Seattle Back Pain Newsletter

Do you have back pain and live in the Seattle, WA region? You’re definitely not alone. Back pain affects millions of Americans everyday, and many of these sufferers never receive any type of medical treatment for the pain. Make today your lucky day by signing up for a free newsletter, written just for you by a Seattle Spine Doctor.

Why sign up? Well, this newsletter has it all- from back pain relief information, to special offers (for a limited-time), coupons, and more. Maybe, you aren’t the one in pain. Just sign him or her up and the                                                                   letter automatically sends.

Let’s end your back pain today. Start by going to the Contact Us page and entering your information.

 

Seattle Pregnancy Back Pain

You wake up feeling great; no pain at all. Then midway through your day, your back begins to ache and burn. You think it’s just because of the extra baby weight you’ve gained, and for the most part,you are correct! So, what can you do to alleviate this pain?  The answer may be in Seattle Chiropractics.

                                                                                                                                                                The first thing you must do to eliminate pregnancy back pain is exercise. I know, exercising is not the top of the fun list, but it’s not as daunting as it seems. Three times a week of exercising for 20 minutes can reduce the stress your baby’s weight is applying to your spine. Walking, swimming, water exercising, and stationary cycling are excellent workout choices during this time. If you really don’t enjoy any of these exercises, try walking in place. You can even do this one in front of the television.

Okay, maybe none of these activities are your cup of tea. Try this-Take the long route! Park far way. Whether you’re going into work or a store, the more steps, the better.  Take the stairs. Lastly, increase the amount of chores you do around the house. I know, like you want to hear me tell you to increase the amount of chores.Like your load is not enough as it is, but you can get past that and become back pain free. Not to mention these exercises will definitely prepare you for the active life you face after the baby is born.

Before you know it, these exercises will help you shed some weight, but eating healthy is a must!  For additional tips from chiropractors in Seattle, please read an article dedicated to pregnancy back pain.

 

Sleepless in Seattle? Your ‘Sleep Style’ could be to Blame

Half of all American working adults report having back pain. While many of these individuals may be suffering from work-related injuries, a large percentage of these people are in pain because of the way they sleep. No, it’s not what you wear to bed that causes you pain, it’s the position[s] in which you rest. Sleeping is a time for dreams, relaxing and recuperating, instead of chronic nightmares. Chiropractors in Seattle treat aching necks and lower backs each day because people are unaware of the effect their ‘sleep style’ has on their backs. Read on to see if your Sleep Style may be causing you unnecessary back pain.

Back Pain from Side-Sleeping
Most commonly, we tend to sleep on our sides. Unfortunately, this position leaves little support for the upper legs. It causes the top knee and thigh to slide forward, resting on the mattress and ultimately rotating your spine. Lower back pain and even hip pain are results of such sleep. One of the most effective cures for this pain is to place a pillow between the knees and thighs. After just a few nights of rest, you will notice pain alleviation.

Pain from Sleeping on the Back
Among the three sleep positions, sleeping on the back is the second most popular. Although it can have a negative impact on the cervical and lumbar spine, studies show that this is the best position for the internal organs. This position does work best for back pain – but if you still can’t find relief, try grabbing a pillow or a rolled-up towel and place it under your knees. For neck pain relief, try a supportive pillow. If your back pain persists, chiropractic care can help get to the root of the problem.

Back Pain from Abdomen Sleeping
Abdomen sleeping is by far the worst position for your back, and should be avoided unless medical direction is dispensed. This sleeping pose makes it difficult for your spine to maintain a neutral position, and results in discomfort to your nerves and muscles. Sleeping on your stomach forces the cervical spine into an uncomfortable position for a long period of time. It’s like wearing handcuffs for a few hours straight; the end result is sore, tired muscles. Often our patients experience pinched nerves, along with a long list of common spine conditions.

Seattle Back Pain Relief
Don’t let your pain sore to unreachable heights. There are many Chiropractors in Seattle that can address and help relieve back pain caused by deleterious sleeping positions. Whether you’re a resident of Tacoma, Everett, Lynnwood, or Bellevue, there are chiropractic clinics conveniently located to serve you. Regardless of your Sleep Style, a Seattle Chiropractor can help make your sleep pain-free!

 

Back Pain Relief in Your Area

To find a chiropractor in your ‘neck’ of the woods, whether in Everett, Tacoma, Lynnwood, Bellevue, Federal Way or Seattle, we’re just one phone call away.

We are here to help you with your back and neck pain. Please don’t delay relieving your pain.

 

Facet Joint Syndrome Causing you Pain?

Identifying Facet Joint Pain
Facet joint problems often disguise themselves as other conditions, making it difficult to differentiate or diagnose the actual cause of the pain. You may be scratching your head, wondering what a facet joint is, and how can it affect you?  Don’t worry – at Northwest Spine Clinic, our Seattle Chiropractors are here to put your back pain (and curiosity) at ease by offering some insight into how to identify facet joint syndrome.

What are Facet Joints?
“The head bone’s connected to the neck bone, the neck bone’s connected to the back bone…” Ever wonder what connects your vertebrae together? That’s the main function of the facet joints, keeping you connected. These joints are similar to any other joint in the body with their joint-lining cartilage, which keeps the bones from rubbing and scraping against one another. As any other joint, the goal of the facet joint is to provide stability, support, and of course mobility to the spine. Each vertebra has two facet joints: one on the left and one on the right side.

A Covert Spine Disease
Facet joint disease is no joke. It can often mask itself as many common spine conditions, such as:

• Herniated discs
• Severe infection
• Vertebra fracture
• Torn ligament or muscle
• Bulging discs

How does this happen? The pain can become so intense that it mimics that of the previously mentioned conditions. Generally, all listed conditions are caused by a facet joint being inflamed in the acute lumbar or cervical spine vertebra. Often, the pain will occur in varying timely episodes, depending on the severity or deterioration of the joint[s].

Facet Joint Disease Symptoms
Facet Disease occurs when the facet joints experience degeneration. This disease occurs at any section of the spine, but is generally in the lumbar region. Here are some painful symptoms:

• Intermittent pain in the cervical and lumbar spines at 3 times per month
• Tender spot over the inflamed joint
• Flexibility of the spinal muscle decreases
• Patients experience more discomfort while leaning backward than forward
• Lumbar spine pain caused by the joints shoots down into the buttocks to the back of the upper leg.
• Radiating shoulder or upper back pain, as well as arm and finger pain (under the arm)

Facet Joint Pain Relief
What can a Seattle Chiropractor do to ease your back or neck pain? Chiropractic care, such as spinal adjustments and manipulations and spinal decompression are the best options for mild to moderate cases of facet joint syndrome. If you think you are experiencing pain from this condition, please don’t hesitate, call today for a free consultation at 877.615.0202 or contact us

 

Sports-Related Neck Injuries

It happens everyday. Several athletes come in to Northwest Spine Clinic with cervical spine injuries related to a sports activity and our expert Seattle Chiropractor immediately relieves these athletes’ neck pain. What kind of common spine condition could be ailing you? Read on to find out.

Here are the most common types of injuries and natural treatment options available at Northwest Spine Clinic.

• Whiplash- Any sport where there is a sudden physical impact between another player or obstacle may cause whiplash. Chiropractic Care and Spinal Decompression are most commonly used to treat this type of trauma.
• Cervical sprains/strains-Football, gymnastics, and hockey are just a few sports that may result in a neck injury of these types. Physical therapy may be necessary if the injury is severe, in this case there may be a torn ligament . . .Read more about Cervical Sports Injuries

 

Touchdowns causing you pain?

If you’re an avid athlete, then you probably have had your fill of neck and back pain. There are two types of sports injuries, acute and chronic.  Acute occurs immediately like a fracture or a sprain. On the other hand, chronic injuries gradually occur over a period of time like a herniated disc or a bulging disc.

Impact sports such as football, rugby, lacrosse, and wrestling generate a large percentage of all back injuries caused in the participation of a sport. These sports can cause whiplash, herniated discs, spondylolysis. The cervical spine is heavily affected in any of these activities. Chronic and acute conditions often are the types fo injuries these athletes face.

Other sports such as weight-lifting events, including dancing, cheerleading, figure skating, and so reportedly damage the lumbar spine. Herniated discs and bulging discs are also quite common injuries. These sports can also cause acute and chronic conditions to arise.

No matter in what sport you decide to participate, remember to STRETCH!  Just begin a routine and stick to it. Do it before and after.

If you are suffering from a cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back) condition, it’s not a good idea to wait on it to heal itself.  Take the matter into your own hands and come see a Seattle Chiropractor. Or if this location doesn’t work for you try one of our Everett Chiropractors or even our Tacoma Chiropractors. We would love to stop your pain. Call today for a free consult. at 877.615.0202.

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Sniffling in Seattle? See a Chiropractor

Across the nation severe allergy sufferers are seeking alternative, natural options. That’s why many individuals are seeing a Seattle Chiropractor, who is perfect for relieving your allergies and improving your days!

Many people don’t even know they’ve even had a spinal injury until they have a consultation at a spine clinic. Before the injury, you may have had mild allergies, but with a comprised nervous system, as well as immune system, your allergies may have worsened. Read more about spinal injuries exaggerating your allergies.

Begin to enjoy April’s Showers and May’s Flowers by getting a safe, alternative assessment and treatment for your allergies. Some clinics even offer free consultations to see if you do have spinal trauma. This is a risk-free consultation. So, what do you have to lose? Meet your new Seattle Chiropractor today.