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To understand degenerative disc disease, one must first comprehend the spine's basic anatomy. The human spine, also known as the vertebral column or spinal column, is a complex structure that primarily consists of 33 individual bones stacked one on top of another. These bones are called vertebrae.

A trigger point is a highly sensitive area that can be felt as a nodule in the fascia of the musculoskeletal muscles' taut bands. It typically reacts with an unlocalized pain when the muscle is contracted. Usually, this disease develops after muscles have been repeatedly contracted.

Osteoarthritis is arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. It causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. Osteoarthritis is a common condition that often affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

Whiplash is common after accidents where the neck forcefully moves back and forth rapidly. Most of these are car accidents, but they can happen after a tackle during a game or physical abuse. Sometimes, whiplash takes time before it manifests. When the pain hits, it can be unbearable. Your doctor may put you on a treatment plan consisting of medication and exercise. However, the regimen may not work since some people have chronic pain. What are your options if you fall into this group of people?

The sacroiliac joint linking your pelvis and lower spine is the largest joint in your spine. Strong ligaments hold the two sections of the joint in place on both sides of the back. The joints support the weight of the upper body when one is standing. Inflammation of the joint, located above the tailbone in the lower spine, can cause pain in the buttocks and lower back. The pain can also extend down one or both legs. 

Trigger points are small areas of tenderness that develop in the muscle. As they form, the tight muscle traps the nerves around it, causing severe pain and other neurological symptoms. These knots of muscle may be felt under the skin, and when pressure is applied to them, it can be very painful.  

Bursitis is a fairly common condition that occurs when a bursa becomes swollen and inflamed. A bursa is a small sac that is found in various joints throughout the body including in the hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows. Their purpose is to provide a cushion between the tendons and bones, acting as a shock absorber to friction. Unfortunately, many people suffer from repeated episodes of bursitis during the course of their lifetime. The good news is that there are treatments that can help, including bursa injections.

Facet joints refer to the small joints in your spine. They are responsible for seamless bending, twisting, and turning of your body. As they enable the spine to work efficiently, they are subject to irritation, arthritis, inflammation, as well as wear and tear changes over time. 

Although most people associate Botox with cosmetic facial treatments that counteract the effects of the aging process, it also has a number of other uses. One of these is as an effective treatment for chronic migraines.

According to the National Association of Spine Specialists, epidural steroid injections (or ESIs) are the standard treatments for leg and lower back pain that doctors have been using for years. They see ESIs as crucial in the non-surgical management of lower back pain or sciatica. Here, doctors introduce a steroid medication and a local anesthetic into the epidural space. If you want to learn more about the benefits of ESIs for back and leg pain, here’s what you should know.