How To Prevent Spine & Nerve Damage

The following story is a cautionary tale that illustrates the benefits of regular spine and nerve check-ups. A patient came in complaining of neck, arm and hand pain last week and she had MRI that showed herniated discs and stenosis. It is very common for us to manage a case like hers because we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disc herniations, bulges, stenosis and sciatica. She showed me a problem though that pains me to see in any patient. She held out her hand and it was obvious that her thumb muscles have atrophied.

If you turn your hand over, palm up, you’ll see that the muscles at the base of your thumb are relatively large compared to the muscles at the base of the fingers. Muscle wasting due to nerve injury is a very serious issue. I have written before that pain is usually not THE problem or an accurate barometer of good health. Muscle weakness and loss is objective evidence of a significant problem. These injuries can be permanent and can threaten someone’s ability to use their hand.



Likewise, a disc herniation or stenosis in the lower back can compress upon the nerves traveling down the leg and if not treated properly can cause muscle wasting in the leg. Some of our patients initially enter our office with the use of a cane.

Remember – if you’re feeling pain, it’s a message from your brain. If it persists for more than a week or two, even if it comes and goes, get it checked out by a competent doctor.

Better Body Solutions Health Tips

1. Don’t assume that you are healthy just because you are not in pain. Arthritis for instance, can be painless until it’s too late to treat.

2. Get spinal and nerve check-ups at least once a year to detect potential problems early.

3. If you have symptoms for more than two weeks, even if it comes and goes, get examined by a knowledgeable doctor.