HYPERMOBILITY AND INSTABILITY
A Common cause of lower back and neck pain, hypermobility of the spine occurs as a result of ligament laxity (loose ligaments) and/or disk degeneration. It may affect the whole spine, just one joint or segment of the spine or be part of a generalized syndrome affecting many or all joints and soft tissues of the body. If laxity is limited to one or two segments and is accompanied by degeneration, this is known as instability syndrome.
CAUSES
Commonly known as being “double-jointed” hypermobility usually runs in families. It is caused by an inherited deficiency in the production of collagen. Which results in the ligaments that support the joints being weaker than normal. Slackening of the ligaments may also occur with aging-as the disks between spinal vertebrae become thinner. They gradually move closer together, which leads to looser ligaments and spinal segments. The joints become more susceptible to injury from segments. The joints become more susceptible to injury from stresses and strains, which can loosen them further. In addition the surrounding muscles may have to work harder to stabilize the affected area. This overworking of the muscles can lead to tension.
SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS
Minor strains and changes of position such as bending over, can cause a feeling of your back “going” or locking, resulting in a sharp pain followed by aching and stiffness. If your ligaments are weak, long periods of sitting or inactivity can bring on pain, particularly in your neck and lower back. You may experience a dull ache first thing in the morning, but this usually wears off with movement. Your doctor will make a diagnosis through physical examination and may order X-rays and blood tests to rule out conditions such as arthritis.
RISKS AND RECOVERY
