Neck, Back & Spine
Neck, back & spine issues can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, impacting your ability to live and work comfortably. These conditions are especially common among Veterans, whose rigorous training and service-related activities often place significant strain on the neck, back, and spine. At Echelon Wellness, we specialize in addressing these conditions with personalized care and expert treatment.
Symptoms
Neck, back & spine problems can manifest in various ways, including:
- Persistent or sharp pain in the neck, upper back, or shoulders.
- Limited range of motion or stiffness.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands.
- Headaches originating from the neck (cervicogenic headaches).
- Radiating pain down the back or into the legs.
Common Neck, Back & Spine Conditions We Treat
According to VAC, the most common Neck and Spine conditions are:
Disc Herniation
When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher exterior, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Disc Disease
Degeneration of the spinal discs, often due to age or repeated stress, resulting in chronic back or neck pain and reduced flexibility.
Spondylosis
A general term for age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints, often causing stiffness and discomfort.
Sciatica
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, typically caused by compression or irritation from a herniated disc or other spinal issues.
How Neck, Back & Spine Issues Develop
The following factors make it especially important for veterans to seek comprehensive and specialized care.
Neck, back & spine problems can arise due to a variety of factors:
Poor Posture: Prolonged slouching or improper ergonomics during service.
Repetitive Movements: Strain from repetitive lifting or turning motions.
Injuries or Trauma: Sudden impacts, such as in car accidents, can cause lasting damage.
Age-Related Changes: Degeneration of discs and joints over time.
For military veterans, these issues are often compounded by the physical demands and unique challenges of service:
Combat Injuries: Sudden trauma from blasts, falls, or impacts can cause spinal misalignment, herniated discs, or nerve damage.
Repetitive Strain from Training: Carrying heavy loads, prolonged marches, and physical drills put ongoing stress on the neck and spine.
High-Stress Situations: The combination of physical exertion and high-pressure environments can exacerbate existing conditions or accelerate degeneration.
Treatment Options for Neck, Back & Spine Issues
According to VAC, if you have a Neck, Back & Spine condition, you are entitled to the following services:
