The musculoskeletal (msk.) system is an intricate network of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that work together to provide support, stability, and movement to the body. The spine, in particular, is a critical component of the musculoskeletal system, as it serves as the central axis around which the rest of the body moves.
Types of Spinal Musculoskeletal Disorders
Unfortunately, a variety of musculoskeletal problems can affect the spine, causing pain (such as low back pain, chest pain leg pain), discomfort, and reduced mobility. Below we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common types of musculoskeletal disorders that can occur along the spine and cause such symptoms.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: Muscle strains and sprains can occur anywhere along the spine and are often caused by sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or poor posture. They can cause pain, reduced mobility, and stiffness.
- Herniated Discs:A herniated disc is a condition in which the soft, gel-like material inside a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the disc’s outer layer. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the back, arms, and legs, as well as weakness and reduced mobility. Herniated discs themselves tend to be caused by aging, injury, or repetitive stress.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the spinal discs lose their cushioning and shock-absorbing abilities, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and stiffness. Degenerative disc disease can be caused by aging, injury, or repetitive stress.
- Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the side, causing a misalignment along the torso, leading to uneven shoulders, hips, and waist alignment. Scoliosis can be mild or severe and can cause back pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty breathing in severe cases. Oftentimes, scoliosis occurs due to genetic factors, injuries, or medical conditions.
- Kyphosis: Kyphosis is a spinal condition where the spine curves outward, as opposed to sideways (as is the case with scoliosis). It typically affects the upper back, causing a visible bump and forward-leaning neck.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. Osteoporosis can affect the vertebrae in the spine, causing compression fractures that can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and a hunched posture. Osteoporosis is most commonly caused by aging, but can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, or medication use.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis of the spine is a degenerative condition that affects the bones of the spine, which causes pain and reduced mobility.
These musculoskeletal conditions tend to affect the lumbar spine most often, but the thoracic spine and cervical spine can also be affected.
Treatment
If you are experiencing musculoskeletal lower back pain, reduced mobility, or other symptoms related to your spine, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
With proper care and management, many musculoskeletal problems along the spine can be effectively treated, allowing you to regain your mobility and improve your quality of life.
Regardless of the type of musculoskeletal disorder that affects you, it is always best to try natural and non-invasive approaches first. One of the best ways to get long-term relief from the symptoms brought on by musculoskeletal disorders is to engage in exercise.
However, some exercises may be more beneficial than others, and in this case, exercises that work on stretching out and decompressing your spine specifically can provide the solution to not only relieving pain, but also preventing it from returning.
You can now address even complex musculoskeletal problems affecting the spine from the comfort of your own home with the help of an orthopaedic device designed by spinal specialists to help people like you obtain pain relief once and for all.
The device is called the Backrack Spinal Decompression Device, and it allows you to take full control of your treatment pace and intensity, as it can be used on any sturdy surface around the house, without needing supervision.
The Backrack works on your spine as you lay down on it to perform specific exercises that are easy to do, such as moving your arm in a specific direction or bringing one of your knees to your chest.
Effectively Address Musculoskeletal Back Problems from Home
Author: Spinal Backrack
