There are numerous causes for back pain, including acute pain from torn ligaments and strained muscles. Chronic back pain, or pain that lasts more than a month, can be caused by deeper problems such as pinched nerves or degenerated spinal discs. While these back pain terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences you should know about.

A Pinched Nerve vs. Degenerated Disc 

Pinched Nerves

When the sensitive nerve roots in your back make contact with leaking spinal disc fluid, it causes pinching pain and irritation as well as inflammation. This radicular or pinched nerve root pain frequently sends sharp, shooting pain into the arms and legs depending on which disc is affected. If a disc in the lower spine leaks to cause a pinched nerve, it usually sends shooting pains down into the legs. This is more commonly known as sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Damaged spinal discs are subsequently the cause rather than the source of pinched nerve problems.

Degenerated Spinal Disc

As the spine ages, it naturally loses water content. This can cause dehydrated spinal discs that create instability and pain. Arthritis, serious infections, and tumors can also cause spinal discs to leak and degenerate, with symptom severity varying among individuals. Those who exercise throughout their lives, practice good posture, and enjoy other healthy habits often do not have the same spinal disc issues as those who are inactive.

Degenerative spinal disc pain has two components: inflammation and abnormal micromotion. Inflammation occurs due to leaking spinal proteins, while abnormal micromotion concerns the breakdown of exterior cartilage rings. As these rings, known as the annulus, degenerate, they cannot accommodate spinal motions as effectively, resulting in pain.

If you believe you have either of these conditions, make an appointment at May Chiropractic & Rehabilitation. Specializing in laser therapy to treat pinched nerves, spinal pain, neck pain, and other back issues, this East Hartford, CT-based center has provided chiropractic care since 2002 to Hartford County. Call (860) 568-3900 today to schedule your session, or visit this chiropractic treatment facility online to read customer testimonials.