Back Pain Relief
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Common Causes of Back Pain
Spinal issues, muscular issues, and lifestyle habits are some of the usual causes of pain in the back that we see at Life Source Chiropractic. However, a wide range of conditions such as osteoporosis or gallbladder problems can also cause this kind of pain.
Strains and Sprains
When tendons and muscles in the back twist, tear, or stretch, a back strain can occur. When ligaments are injured in this manner it is known as a sprain. Repetitive motion, lifting heavy objects, or abruptly turning the back beyond its normal capability are the most frequent reasons for both injuries.
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Accidents
Painful fractures of the vertebrae can be caused by falls, car accidents, or sporting mishaps. Because the vertebrae are the bones that form the spine, they can very easily perforate or compress nerves or even the spinal cord.
Herniated Disc
Between each vertebrae of the back is a disc that acts as a cushion for the spine. Inside each disc is a gel-like material that sometimes protrudes out resulting in the compression of any neighboring nerves. These slipped or ruptured discs, as they are called, can cause pain, numbness, or tingling down the path of the pinched nerve.
Poor Posture
A spinal subluxation, or misalignment, can occasionally be caused by poor posture. This misalignment can place pressure on the nerves and spinal cord resulting in pain and disruption of sensory signals to and from the brain. Additionally, poor posture can overburden the muscles of the back because they have to compensate for this subluxation of the spine.
Obesity
Increased pain and added stress on the back can be caused by excess weight on the body. A study of 95 people found a direct link between pain in the back and obesity. Some of the physical load can be taken off the back by losing some weight.
Stress
Stress can cause a powerful rush of neurochemicals. This adrenaline rush happens in response to danger, excitement, or frightening situations. Some of the body’s responses that can exacerbate pain in the back includes sweating, increased heart rate, and tensed back muscles.
Symptoms of Back Pain
Aches and loss of function are the most common symptoms of this condition, and the pain can vary extremely. Some Life Source Chiropractic patients complain of a stabbing pain while others tell our chiropractor for back pain that they feel just a dull ache. An ordinary task can become a big ordeal due to a stiff, painful back.
Get Emergency Medical Care ASAP
Pain in the back can sometimes be an indication of a serious medical condition. An example of this is called a pulmonary embolism. This occurs when a blood clot breaks free, usually in the legs, and travels to the lungs. A pulmonary embolism can stop or considerably slow the supply of blood to the lungs and is a life-threatening, medical emergency. We recommend calling 911 without delay if anyone experiences intense pain in the back or any of these symptoms:
- Fainting
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden dizziness or weakness
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sudden severe chest pain
- Sudden fever above 100°F (37°C)
- Sudden irregular or rapid heartbeat
How Chiropractic Works to Eliminate or Alleviate Back Pain
An internet search for a “back pain chiropractor near me,” will probably result in several options. However, these options will not reveal the dedication of our back pain chiropractor. Patients are given a thorough evaluation including a physical exam and possible x-rays and scans when they come to Life Source Chiropractic with a painful back. We inquire about our patients health goals as well as a variety of questions about their lifestyle habits including stress, diet, and sleep. We regularly use the following therapies to help eliminate or alleviate pain in the back.
Therapeutic Wobble Chair
Patients prepare for therapy by stretching their muscles and doing warm-up exercises using the therapeutic wobble chair. Getting a massage or placing a heating pad on the back are superficial techniques. Performing warm-up exercises on the wobble chair not only targets back pain, it hydrates the discs and increases disc height, preparing the spine for care that will have staying power.
Posture Correction Using Spinal Molding
Sitting for prolonged periods of time with poor posture can irritate or even cause a painful back. Spinal molding blocks are one of the most basic tools we utilize at Life Source Chiropractic as part of posture correction therapy. These blocks are not just foam padding. They provide fulcrum-like support in order to gently reshape the spine and restore its proper curvature.
A specific sequence of exercises are used to warm up the discs before spinal molding can occur. The body is then positioned on the spinal molding blocks in a healthy position for a period of 20 minutes. This gives the discs time to cool down and remain in this healthy position. In addition to reducing a painful back, this approach of postural correction restores normal spinal form and function and is a proven spinal correction technique.
Chiropractic Adjustment
At the heart of chiropractic care is what we call chiropractic adjustment, or spinal manipulation. During this therapy, we utilize our hands or tools specifically designed for chiropractic use to carefully restore proper spinal alignment. This approach relieves the pressure that the spine may be placing on the nerves and also serves to restore adequate nerve functioning so that pain can be accurately processed by the brain.
Prescribed Back Stretches and Exercises
While all of these therapies provide relief to our patients, long-term recovery is not possible without following our recommended lifestyle changes. We prescribe aerobic activity and stretching exercises which helps to maintain healthy spinal alignment and also helps to build strong muscles.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or PNF, is a sequence of stretching exercises that combines contraction and relaxation of the muscles. We offer customized PNF stretching plans to our patients to promote relaxation and reduce muscle spasms.
We are able to customize exercise programs for our patients by analyzing how they sit, stand, and walk. Increased agility and strength are the goals of these exercises. When the joints are supple and the muscles are strong, the spine is allowed to move freely with less or no pain.
Live With Less (Or No) Back Pain
You might think there is no hope of relief if you suffer from this condition, and this is especially true if you have a chronic issue with this type of pain. However, our chiropractor for back pain is ready to help you make a move towards a life with less or no back stiffness and pain. If you’d like an extensive consultation for your painful back or just want answers to your questions, give Life Source Chiropractic a call today.