The human body is a complex, interconnected system where changes or disturbances in one part can lead to consequences elsewhere. This interconnectedness often explains why pain or discomfort in one area might lead to similar issues in another. One such surprising relationship exists between the neck, the cervical spine, and lower back pain. Understanding this relationship is crucial in effectively managing and treating chronic pain conditions.
The Biomechanical Connection
The neck, or the cervical spine, is an intricate network of nerves, bones, joints, and muscles directed by the brain and the spinal cord. It’s a crucial component of the body’s overall physical balance. The cervical spine has the essential task of supporting the head, which weighs about 10-12 pounds. Any misalignment in the neck can disrupt this equilibrium and put more stress on the rest of the body, including the lower back.
The body operates much like a kinetic chain — if one link is out of alignment, it affects the alignment, function, and health of the links above and below it. For instance, if the neck is misaligned, this can trigger postural changes as the body tries to keep the head centered over the feet. As a result, these changes could lead to overcompensation in the lower back, leading to strain and, eventually, pain.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that affects the fascia (the connective tissue that covers the muscles). This can occur anywhere in the body and is known to cause referred pain. This means that a trigger point in the neck can produce pain in another part of the body, like the lower back.
For example, if you have a tight or strained muscle in your neck, this can lead to myofascial pain in your lower back. This is because the nerves that register pain in your back are the same nerves that signal pain in your neck. The brain sometimes has trouble distinguishing the source of the pain, a phenomenon called referred pain.
Nervous System Link
The nervous system plays a crucial role in the perception of pain. The spinal cord, housed within the spinal column, is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the rest of the body. The neck is the pathway for all the nerves going to the lower parts of the body, including the lower back.
If there is an issue in the neck, such as a herniated disc, it can lead to inflammation and nerve compression. This can cause the nervous system to malfunction, resulting in the misinterpretation or over-reporting of pain signals, potentially causing pain in other areas of the body, including the lower back.
The neck’s impact on lower back pain exemplifies how interconnected the human body is. By understanding this connection, we can develop more comprehensive and effective approaches to managing lower back pain. However, if you are experiencing any persistent pain, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to identify and treat the root cause of your discomfort properly.
How We Treat Lower Back Pain
In order to address the root cause of your lower back pain, our treatment strategy is designed to realign the upper cervical spine and alleviate the abnormal pressures contributing to the neck and lower back strain and inflammation.
The first stage of our treatment plan involves identifying and pinpointing any misalignments in the upper cervical spine. To achieve this, our experienced chiropractor will utilize an array of diagnostic tools, such as gentle X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans.
Post initial assessment and examination, Dr. Bello will carry out highly specific adjustments to the upper cervical spine. The objective of our treatments is to relieve musculoskeletal tension and restore normal joint functionality, which in turn aims to eradicate inflammation and lessen the occurrence and intensity of your lower back pain.
If you are on the hunt for a natural and effective solution to lower back pain, Los Angeles Upper Cervical is ready to assist. Dr. Bello provides services to patients in West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and nearby areas.