Pain In The Arm
Pain radiating down the arm may indicate a pinched nerve in the neck. Symptoms may also include weakness or numbness. In general, the further down the arm the pain radiates, or more severe the weakness, the more serious the problem. Nonsurgical methods are very effective in treating most radiating arm pain.
Posterior Headaches
Headaches in the back of the head radiating toward the shoulders may indicate a pinched nerve in theneck. If the pain is severe or associated with drowsiness, fever, or vomiting, go to an emergency room.
Neck Pain
Most acute neck pain is muscular and does not require surgery. If the pain radiates toward the shoulder or down the arm, it may indicate a pinched nerve in the neck.
Shoulder Assymetry
If one shoulder is higher than the other, or one side of your back is elevated when compared to the other, you may have scoliosis. An evaluation by a scoliosis expert can determine the degree of the curvature.
Back Pain
Most acute back pain is muscular and does not require surgery. An exercise and core strengthening program is usually the first step to recovery. Persistent back pain despite such programs may benefit from a surgical evaluation.
Pain In The Leg
Pain radiating from the buttock down the front or back of the leg may indicate a pinched nerve in the back.Symptoms may also include weakness or numbness. As a generalrule, the further down the leg the pain radiates, or more severethe weakness, the more serious the problem. Nonsurgicalmethods are very effecetive in treating most radiating leg pain.
Foot Drop
If progressive pain or weakness down the leg causes you to be unable to lift your foot when standing, this may indicate severe pressure on your nerves. See a spine specialist or go to an emergency room within 24 hours to avoid permanent weakness.
Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control
Sudden or progressive loss of bowel or bladder control is often a surgical emergency. Youshould be evaluated by a spine specialist or emergency room within 24 hours to avoid permanent injuries.
