The average person doesn’t spend much time after high school graduation considering the remarkable system that is responsible for every thought, every movement, and every activity within the body. That is, until they experience pain, and then that is all they can think about. The specialists at NewSouth NeuroSpine treat conditions that involve the nervous system.
What Is The Nervous System?
There are two branches of the body’s nervous system—the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The brain and the spinal cord make up the CNS, while the PNS is made up of nerve fibers that branch off from the spinal cord and form a vast web that extends to the entire body, including the internal organs.
The entire nervous system is made up of a specific type of cell called a neuron. Neurons communicate with each other and transmit messages from the brain to the appropriate receptor. The transmission happens so quickly that you are unaware of the process. It is estimated that a signal along the nervous system can reach speeds of 390 feet per second. For example, if you touch a hot plate, you don’t have to make a decision to move your hand, the pain is transmitted from the hand to the brain and the brain signals your hand to move.
The brain acts as a master controller, or command center, that sends signals out to muscles to start walking, reach for the remote, blink your eyes, digest your food … the list is a long one. Some require your conscious thought, others happen without you even being aware. When operating without any complications you rarely have the opportunity to think about your nervous system. But, when nerve pain occurs, it’s hard to think about anything else.
Where Does The Pain Come From?
When taken as a whole, the nervous system is so complex that it’s no wonder that just about everyone experiences occasional pain. But when pain becomes too severe or lasts longer than just a couple of days, the specially trained physicians of NS2, Mississippi’s Spine Center, can help. To diagnose and treat nerve pain, the source of the pain must be determined. The doctor, using a combination of tests, physical exam, and medical history, will determine where the pain transmissions are originating.
A simple example would be a pinched nerve. If the spinal nerve leading outward toward the right arm should become constricted, that constriction would interrupt the normal flow of information to the arm. Depending on where the nerve is pinched, symptoms can appear anywhere along the length of the nerve, so one pinched nerve could affect the entire arm, including the hand and fingers. Symptoms could range from a feeling of numbness or weakness, to a very painful burning sensation. Once the source of the pain is determined, an individual treatment plan can be determined.
A True Specialist
Even in this simplified explanation of a very complex system, it is important to note that to become a physician specializing in the care and treatment of the spine, takes an extraordinary amount of education and training. At NS2, our doctors commit to taking the most conservative approach available to treat your pain. Ultimately, the goal is to restore our patients back to living a pain free life.
When it comes to the treatment of the brain and spine, you can trust the specialists at NewSouth NeuroSpine. Contact us today for an appointment.
