The Spine A significant source of recurring physical problems is the back because it is the home of the main nerve trunk from which all the body's nerves originate. Painful spasms, tingling, and numbness are all byproducts of spinal problems and resulting nerve compression or irritation. Many problems emanating in the spine never create pain at the source. These tears can heal through the formation of scar tissue. However, scar tissue is not as strong as the original disc, and continuing disc tears can create a downward spiral culminating in disc degeneration.
Bone spurs forming on the vertebra can be a normal bodily adaptation.
Eventually, these bone spurs can envelope the nerve leading to the most serious and degenerative stage of back problems which is spinal stenosis , which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This can touch a multitude of nerves and create tremendous pain, lost mobility and other dysfunction in the areas supplied by the affected nerves. The range of problems begins with subluxation , which can generally be dealt with through chriropractic adjustments. Herniation is the next stage and can sometimes be managed through icing, stretching, strengthening, and adjustments, but can also be surgically addressed. Spinal Stenosis is the most dire and least treatable problem.