In the simplest case, something dangerous -- heat from the stove, the cut of a knife, electricity from an outlet, an object colliding with your toe -- damages or threatens to damage tissue in your body. Pain receptors, called nociceptors, send signals to your brain via your spinal column telling you of the danger, so you can take measures to protect yourself or prevent further injury. This type of pain, called nociceptive pain, is the most common.

Neck pain has a variety of causes. Poor body mechanics, herniated discs, spinal fracture, muscle spasms, spinal deformity, and osteoarthritis are a few reasons. Your physician will determine if the pain is mechanical, (coming from the joint or the disc); radicular, (coming from a nerve or nerve root); or myelopathic, (coming from the spinal cord) and determine a treatment plan.

Neck pain can be so mild that it is merely annoying and distracting. Or it can be so severe that it is unbearable and incapacitating. Most instances of neck pain (and stiffness) are minor and commonly caused by something you did. That is, if you keep your head in an awkward position for too long the joints in your neck can "lock" and the neck muscles can become painfully fatigued.

Almost everyone experiences some sort of neck pain or stiffness at one time or another. Because you are human and walk upright, your head is "balanced" atop your spinal column. If the muscles that support your head are not kept strong and in good condition, the upper part of your spinal column is vulnerable to strains and injuries. Older people, whose joints have been worn by much use over time, are subject to osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease or DJD).

Doctors of chiropractic have the training and skills to relieve your neck pain, overcome stiffness, and restore the mobility and range of motion of any frozen neck vertebrae. They are devoted to helping you get back to your normal pursuits and start feeling like yourself again. Perhaps their most important contribution is their ability to bring their specialized diagnostic skills, techniques, and equipment to bear in assessing what is causing your neck problems.

What is slipped disc? Our back is made up of small bones piled up one and other with intervening soft cushions known as intervertebral discs or discs for short. These discs are soft structures with balloon like tendencies, i.e. they are tense and pressurized. When the disc (balloon) ruptures the contents go out of place and in the bargain cause back pain or pain in the legs (or in the arms and hands in case of neck problems) if it happens to irritate or pressurize the nerves that pass nearby it.

There are many nerves that come off of the cervical (neck) vertebral bodies that pass down in front of the shoulder heading towards the arm. Irritation of these nerves can refer pain to the shoulder.

Rotation of the neck or tilting of the neck can create your shoulder pain if these nerves are involved. There may also be numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty with motion/movement.

There many causes of lower back pain. The lower back called the lumbar spine is made up of 5 vertebrae with their ligamentous attachments and small facet joints. The vertebrea surrounded by muscles and nerves and are separated by shock absorbers called lumbar discs. The most frequent cause of lower back pain is micro trauma to the muscles and ligaments. This type of injury almost always heals itself within about 6 weeks.

Most patients who present with knee pain will have a ligament sprain, a ligament tear, a meniscus or "cartilage" tear, loose bodies, or osteoarthritis.

The most common cause of heel pain is incorrect foot movement during walking or running. This can place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. An example of incorrect foot movement is excessive pronation - leaning inward as each step is completed.

Knee pain can result from many factors including osteoarthritis, fractures, dislocations, aseptic bone necrosis, avascular necrosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The most common cause of back pain is muscle tension or spasm. This is generally caused by fatigue or overload of the back muscles associated with poor posture. Other causes are post traumatic in nature, where there are a range of injuries to soft tissue structures supporting the spine, including ligaments and intervertebral discs. A third cause are degenerative changes. These are injuries of the spine due to the wear and tear and degeneration of tissues.

Unlike more visibly obvious physical injuries, soft tissue injuries may be apparent immediately after the accident or incident, but instead may show no symptoms for a few days. You should see your doctor as soon as possible and then consult an experienced attorney to ensure that your legal rights are protected.

If you have just injured yourself or are getting continual soreness from an area of your body, then it’s a good idea to get it checked out by your own doctor. He/she can make sure there is no damage to any tendons or joints and could recommend physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic therapy, acupuncture or something else.

The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are soft discs with a ligamentous outer layer. These discs function as shock absorbers to protect the vertebra and the spinal cord. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Degeneration is a process where wear and tear causes deterioration of the disc.

If you have chronically tight muscles they are probably in a weakened state and you might have to back off from your usual exercises until you strengthen the weak muscles. For instance, sore neck and/ or shoulder muscles can make your arms feel very tired, making it hard to do your regular arm exercises. But if you take some time to strengthen the specific weak muscles, you will gradually be able to resume your regular routine. Believe me, it’s worth the effort.

Pillows and sleeping most definitely cause undue stress to your spinal column and all the musculature around your neck and shoulders. Having the proper pillow is very important in maintaining good spinal health. It is the biggest frustration to many people, and can in fact cause many neck problems which require chiropractic adjustments to correct. In discussing your pain, addressing the issue of the proper pillow is critical. Many patients ask what a "good" pillow is.