Posts Tagged ‘back pain’
San Diego Chiropractor Asks: Could Those Extra Pounds Be Putting Your Joints on Overload?
As a San Diego Chiropractor, I counsel many individuals who come to my clinic who want to lose weight. I know how hard it can be, and I also know how important it is to lose those extra pounds. What’s an extra pound or two? Over time, they can add up to a large number of health issues from heart and pulmonary diseases and diabetes to back pain and joint degeneration. Even a few additional pounds put excessive stress on organs, like the heart, as well as on joints in the low back, hips, and knees. Sadly,more than half (62%) of men and women in the U.S. are overweight or obese, according to recent studies. That is an extremely compelling figure and a sizable national health issue (no pun intended).
Though we try to pretend otherwise, most of us know that the human body has not evolved to schlepp around additional poundage in the form of body fat. A mere excess of 20 or 30 pounds can literally overload and encumber the musculoskeletal system. Extra weight in the abdominal region, for example, requires that the body compensate (counterbalance the weight) by tilting the pelvis forward. This angle puts pressure on the joints of the low back. Joint compression impedes nerve activity and causes painful inflammation. Nearly all people that have a heavy midsectionexperience low back pain as the result of a compressed sciatic nerve or misalignments of the spinal column that restrict nerves as a result of weight-bearing stresses. If not addresses, misaligned vertebra as a rule develop into new arthritic changes in the spine over time, as well as continue to irritate the degenerative changes that have already taken place.
The good news is that chiropractic treatment can help. To begin with the obvious, a moderate body weight is requisite in order for the musculoskeletal system to perform in the way it is meant to. That said, in addition, chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve restrictions in the spinal column and help to get mobility back into the joints of the musculoskeletal system, such as in the low back, hips, and knees. And, certainly exercise and physical activity will be a lot easier, and more beneficial for the body, when the spine is in alignment and the joints have good motion. The added benefit of exercise the, in addition to helping with weight reduction, it can actually reduce degenerative changes as the body ages.
It is always best to talk over your diet and exercise options with a healthcare professional, like your chiropractor. In addition to treating individuals suffering from back pain and joint inflammation, chiropractors can provide expert suggestions on the kinds of lifestyle changes that can help a person to stay healthier, more vigorous, and more active through the years. Arthritis and immobility due to aging don’t have to be inevitable. The structure of the human body is intended to carry a person through an entire lifetime of pain-free movement.
So, if those extra few pounds have started to add up to a lot of pain, as your chiropractor in San Diego and someone who cares deeply about your overall health, I can help. Make an appointment today!
San Jose Chiropractor Discloses The Way Chiropractic Care Can Lessen Back Pain As a Result of Arthritis
Presently there is an assortment of possible treatments from which you can still choose as it pertains to your back pain and pain in various other parts of your body because of arthritic alterations, among them seeing your San Jose chiropractor. Though, a large number of people who are encountering debilitating arthritis and low back pain nonetheless believe that they have got to go to a medical doctor as the most effective way to find a therapy for their problems. However, you may be amazed to find out that not many medical doctors are able to be beneficial people remove, or by natural means decrease the difficulties of back pain resulting from arthritis. Instead of being used to locating and treating the cause of the pain you are going through, medical doctors habitually attend to no more than your symptoms, that you could do not just for pain reduction, but to actually retard arthritic changes in your body.
Finding a chiropractor in San Jose is actually among the finest things that you could do to assist your arthritis and lumbar pain. Chiropractors are doctors who concentrate solely on taking care of the musculoskeletal system, and arthritis is a joint condition. Chiropractic attention has aided many people in delaying the process of arthritis by getting their joints moving. Movement is vital for joint health. A good chiropractor is very knowledgeable in caring for lumbar pain, even when it is the result of arthritis
If you have never gone to a chiropractor previously, you could be somewhat concerned about what will take place once you are in the office. It might help to provide a quick summary of what you can expect. You may be asked about your medical history, that will oftentimes include a family background of arthritis. The chiropractor might inquire about your current diet and lifestyle and may suggest explicit improvements that may be very helpful in decreasing the irritation attributable to arthritis. And, lastly, you will receive a thorough examination. After the examination is finished, the chiropractor will let you know if chiropractic treatment can assist your low back pain, as well as lessen your debilitating arthritic symptoms. of visit Then you will be told about the particular treatment you’ll require.
A chiropractic adjustment reduces pain gently and organically, and it is a painless approach. And, essentially the most wonderful feature of going to a chiropractor for your low back pain and arthritis is that you can feel confident that the root cause of your pain is being attended to, and that the relief you experience doesn’t entail masking the warning sign of pain, but actually eliminating the basis of your malady.
Sacramento Chiropractor: Golf Injuries Can Be Averted
Injuries are not uncommon with any kind of sport. So, it’s a good idea to discover what injury is apt to occur in a particular sport and then to do as much as you can to avoid it. The truth is, though, that sports injuries can’t always be avoided. Consequently, it’s important to be physically fit to make incurring injury less likely, or less traumatic. The most valuable thing that you can do is to be confident that you have an appropriate fitness level before beginning to play a sport, such as golf. By perpetuating a healthy lifestyle, making sure your joints are mobile and your muscles are limber, preparing your body before activity, using proper form and good postures while actively playing, and giving yourself an appropriate amount of cool down and relaxation time, you may very well keep your body safe from injury.
It isn’t simply amateur golfers who get injured. Approximately, one-third of pro golfers play injured at any given time. Fortunately, overall good health and fitness can decrease how many injuries you may acquire and might actually preclude them completely.
It is crucial for you to have effectual body strength in the muscle areas most utilized during golf. But, it’s prudent to make sure your spine is in healthy alignment and that it has good mobility before you set out to build muscle strength. A injury-free golf swing is contingent upon your spine’s facility to adequately move in a rotational action. Back injuries are the most prevalent sort of injuries suffered by golfers. To get the help you need so that your spine is in proper alignment and there is efficient movement in the vertebrae, see your chiropractor in Sacramento. Chiropractic care can make a big difference in helping you to avert back injury.
Once you’re “straightened” it’s time to strengthen. Safe, injury-free action on the green is contingent upon your being prepared for your golf activity. You can warm up your muscles and make straining them less likely by doing golf stretching and flexibility exercises. Flexibility in all parts of the body can be increased relatively fast through full body range of motion (ROM) exercises. Furthermore, elastic band conditioning offers functional golf range of motion advantages and can increase needed strength in the shoulders, hips and deep muscles of the core. Due to the fact that elastic band training provides the dynamic resistance that regular weight lifting does not, sports professionals, such as your chiropractor, are adding them to their golf conditioning programs.
Besides back injuries, a large number of golfers suffer from “Golfer’s Elbow.” There is a small difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow despite the fact that they are nearly identical injuries. Tennis elbow impinges the outside of the upper arm whereas golfer’s elbow impinges the inner arm. Golfer’s elbow, like tennis elbow, can be the consequence of a single intense action, such as (in golf) hitting the mat at the driving range or striking a hard fairway surface. Repetitive stress from smaller shocks, though, is most often the protagonist. Moreover, it can happen to those who suddenly begin to play too much golf. For instance, if those that generally play golf once or twice a month elect to enter into a tournament, they are conceivably at risk for incurring the injury.
Golf makes unique demands on our body. The game is usually longer than many other sports and that can lead to fatigue. Bad posture and impeded coordination are normally the result of a fatigued body. These two factors combined can produce a variety of injuries. In addition, because of the constant swinging of the golf clubs, the shoulder muscles are subject to injury. Just as attention should be given to make sure that your muscles are stretched and warmed up before starting your golf game, be sure to rest your body appropriately between games.
An unexpected injury sometimes associated with golf is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. But, this injury can be the result of many games of golf played over a number of months repetitively since it is an affliction that happens as a result of repetitive stress Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a serious injury causing disability and occasionally necessitating surgery. However, chiropractic treatment and, sometimes the use of a brace will help the condition if a health professional, such as your chiropractor, diagnoses it at an early stage.
Injuries are assumed to be unavoidable part of life for most golfers. However, a healthy, mobile spine, good preparation, appropriate exercise and muscle conditioning, attaining and maintaining a a suitable fitness level, and reasonable rest and recuperation after your game is over, can make injuries much less a part of your golfing experience.
Dr. Yong Kim is a Sacramento chiropractor with over thirteen years of experience helping thousands of patients get out of pain and get their lives back. His office is located at 1707 Professional Drive, Sacramento, CA 95825. He has special training in the area of sports injuries. Dr Kim is himself an avid health enthusiast. For more information go to his website at http://www.sacramentochiropractor.org
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yong_J_Kim
Chiropractic Adjustments Help Low Back Pain
Can Chiropractic Help Back Pain?
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a common health complication that at some time affects more than 80% of the population, making it second in commonality only to the common cold. Although most of us are aware that the common cold is due to a viral infection, back pain is often a mystery to its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the puzzle.
Anatomy
Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is very useful in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the motion of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs link the bodies of the vertebrae and are comprised of a form of tough cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The main function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also connect the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. In a canal located between the body and the facets of the vertebrae is the spinal cord. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae.
Causes of Back Pain
A large number of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cumulative effects of unhealthy sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise, and other negative lifestyle-related factors cause most back pain. These cumulative factors cause stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, people may injure their back merely by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already at risk and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the condition. When this comes about, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.
Disc Problems & Sciatica
Prolonged sitting, specifically in a awkward position creates increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine. Eventually the lower spine loses its usual function and no longer can make room for the normal day-to-day stresses in ones life. Finally, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, permitting the soft nucleus to protrude the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it creates the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. Sometimes if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is required to clear away the herniated disc material. Nonetheless, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully recover. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms defined above, it is very important for you to seek chiropractic attention.
Spondylosis
Repetitive assault to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may result in increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine. This stress can unfavorably affect the cartilage around the joints and induce calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. These spurs can constrict adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis – is a kind of arthritis that is likely to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. But, factors such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic care and overall chiropractic management is extraordinarily helpful in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as helping Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has assisted many Spondylosis sufferers.
Sacroiliac Problems
Another common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints link the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are innately very strong and stable. However with trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and change to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. Sacroiliac subluxation causes imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Individuals with this problem will feel pain particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and being easily fatigued. Other symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches, can move further up the spine. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in ameliorating sacroiliac problems. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.
Spinal Subluxation
A prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine, is subluxated or misaligned facet joints. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. Subluxations are not only painful, but they can compress the nerves as they exit the foramen (or spaces) between the vertebrae, producing paraesthesia. Paraesthesia is an alteration of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities oftenoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is most often associated with nerve problemsin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also belinked to, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best treated by chiropractic adjustments.
Trauma
Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can produce over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and create considerable pain and immobility. Corrective chiropractic management at the onset of symptoms is very important in order to avoid long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.
When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and skilled treatment for any of the above-mentioned problems of the spine and lower back.
Excessive Weight in the Middle Can Add Up to Additional Pain in the Back
There are plenty of men and women today in a daily struggle to lose weight, especially excess weight around the middle. But, the need to lose weight is, quite frequently, more than merely a cosmetic issue. The fact of the matter is, if people are lugging around too much weight in their midsection, their back is going to be in pain as an outcome.
Most men and women who are overweight experience moderate to severe back pain. The reason for this is because the spine was not made to haul anything that weighs more than the body is at its naturally healthy weight. As a human being puts on extra poundage, the spine starts to unduly stress and to compress, causing a lot of pain and discomfort. In addition, it can have an impact on the pelvis, tilting it forward and possibly compelling it to pinch the sciatic nerve. This is a primary reason why those who are overweight tend to have problems with their lower back. The suffering is due to either sciatica or the distorting of the spinal column.
If this situation sounds painfully familiar, and it’s your desire to get out pain, certainly the thing to do is to take off the extra weight that you are carrying around, and your spine will immediately respond and reestablish its regular position. Unfortunately, weight loss isn’t easy and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. The good news is you don’t have to live with back pain as you lose the weight. A Costa Mesa chiropractor can assist you in getting the pain relief you’ll need as you shed the extra pounds.
Even so, you will still need to lose the extra weight, and not having back pain will actually help you do it. Losing the extra weight naturally and healthfully is necessary, and there are two (simple but not easy) things that can’t fail: Get some kind of exercise every day, even if it’s just a small amount, and make sure that you take in fewer calories than you burn! Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. But, now that you’re aware your back is depending on you, it definitely time to get truly motivated.
Start exercising slowly, especially if you’re having problems with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to seek out Costa Mesa chiropractic care so that you don’t make the mistake that many people do, which is to exercise into the pain. That will only make matters worse. Exercise, though occasionally uncomfortable, should never be painful or cause pain. That’s why it’s essential to see a chiropractor if you’re having difficulties with back pain.
Do simple stretching exercises and also concentrate on your core abdominal body muscles. Strong stomach muscles aid in relieving back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to offer exercises that are best for you, individually. Within just a week or two of dedication to shedding the pounds that are creating your back pain and possibly other health difficulties as well, you should begin to notice a significant difference in the way that you feel.
Acupuncture Techniques and Chiropractic Care Can Eliminate Your Back Pain
If you are experiencing back pain looking to a conventional healing method may not necessarily be the solution for you. As a matter of fact, many times when medical science is ineffectual in helping a person overcome pain, some natural techniques have been found to be highly effective. Medical approaches, by their nature, tend to treat the symptoms of pain, not the source. Whereas, natural methods seek out the underlying root cause of the symptoms. If you’re looking for natural methods that have been confirmed to be potent in relieving back pain and a number of other afflictions, you need look no further than chiropractic and acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been performed for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. It is gaining in popularity in other parts of the world and for a very good reason: A vast number of people have felt relief from their back pain and a number of other afflictions by going to see an acupuncturist on a routine basis. Pursuant to traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy, small needles are put into the body at distinct points that are known to affect a number of different areas of the body. Traditionally, only the needles are used, however on occasion and in particular today, minute electrical currents are sent through the needles into the body. Despite the fact that it may seem as if it would hurt, it rarely ever does and, moreover, many people feel tranquil and pleasurable sensations whenever they are undergoing acupuncture treatments.
Chiropractic
For over one hundred years, chiropractors, such as a Honolulu chiropractor, (also called doctors of chiropractic) have been treating individuals experiencing back pain and other health problems. A chiropractor offers therapy to those who are experiencing musculoskeletal and nervous system challenges. Chiropractic medicine treats the misalignments of the vertebral column that inhibit the operation of the nervous system. These misaligned vertebra can reduce resistance and immunity, thus causing new health problems. An effectual chiropractor has excellent observational and diagnostic skills that aid in discovering physical anomalies and joint problems. Many chiropractors perform neurological tests and orthopedic checks. Some will analyze the posture of someone in an effort to identify postural irregularities, and in addition may study someones gait to determine faulty movement patterns. Chiropractic management non-surgical, drug-free treatment and in addition will offer advice and provide education concerning the benefits of individual lifestyle changes, such as in exercise and nutrition.
So, if you are experiencing back pain, headaches, neck pain, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, balance challenges, or arthritis, and you’ve tried a number of other things and and you’re still suffering, it could be time for you to try chiropractic and acupuncture. The only way that you’re going to be able to tell is to visit a good chiropractor or acupuncturist, and to let them to tell you precisely what they can do for you. More than likely you will experience some relief from your pain even after only one visit. With subsequent visits, you will continue to make improvements, and it is likely that you will find that these natural treatments work best for your back pain.
The Technique That Corrects Scoliosis Pain
Scoliosis: An Introduction
A normal spine is straight, without much disparity from one side to the other, when the body is viewed from behind.Scoliosis is a condition that is generally associated with a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature of the spine.This condition often gives the appearance of the individual leaning to one side though it should not be confused with unsatisfactory posture. Expressed by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra, this puzzling deformity oftentimes causes a symptomatic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is caused by the vertebrae in the region of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their attached ribs posterior thus creating the characteristic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. If the thoracic curve and rib rotation are severe, greater than 70 degrees, pulmonary and cardiac function can be impeded. Often later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients, this amount of curve and consequential cardiac and pulmonary changes can be life threatening.
Anatomy
The spine discloses four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral, all of which are observable from a side view of the trunk. The thoracic, in the chest vicinity, has a normal round curve, “reversed C,” called a kyphosis, while in the lower spine there is a normal “C” curve, known as swayback or lordosis. Hyperlordosis is the term used to describe increased swayback, while increased kyphosis in the thoracic spine is called hyperkyphosis. Scoliosis changes generally accompany alterations from normal on a side view. Postural exercises can resolve some round back deformities that are simply due to bad posture. A small percentage of individuals with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are coincidental with vertebral deformity. This kind of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much more problematic to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.
Even a layman can help to identify a child or grownup with scoliosis merely by looking at the person in a standing position, preferably bare-chested and in shorts, and observing the following:
- One shoulder may be more elevated than the other.
- One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more conspicuous than the other.
- There may be more room between the arm and the body on one side when the arms hang loosely at the side.
- One hip may seem to be more elevated or more conspicuous than the other.
- The head is not centered over the pelvis.
- When the person is observed from the rear and asked to flex forward until the spine is horizontal, one side of the back seems more elevated than the other.
Once scoliosis is identified, the child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further assessment. your chiropractor would be happy to help.
There are many different roots and many types of scoliosis, but the most prevalent, by far, is Idiopathic Scoliosis, which accounts for approximately 85 % of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is witnessed with equal occurrence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. Depending on the age of onset, this disorder can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent types. Idiopathic Scoliosis frequently runs in families and may be caused by genetic or hereditary influences. However girls, for unknown reasons are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves develop in size and require treatment. The most frequent time for the development of Idiopathic Scoliosis is during adolescence when children are finishing the last major growth spurt. It is a good idea to have this age group viewed by a professional on a regular basis because young people are hesitant to permit their body to be looked at by parents or other adults.
If a scoliotic curve is found in the growing adolescent, it is vital that the curves be monitored for change by periodic examination and sometimes standing X-rays. In ninety percent of conditions, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, however increases in spinal deformity require evaluation to determine if a brace or other management is needed. In a small number of individuals, surgical treatment may be required.~Surgery may be necessary for a small number of individuals.
Brace support (orthosis) is recommended for newly-found cases of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis, as well as when an increase in scoliosis or kyphosis is discovered in both juvenile and adolescent children. There are many kinds of braces, all designed to prevent curves from increasing through acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Braces will not usually make the spine completely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from increasing. However, bracing is successful in halting curve progression in a very large number of skeletally-immature adolescents.
There is no simple solution for scoliosis. Most cases, even though often monitored, are not actively treated. Severe symptoms are occasionally treated surgically, but the common medical treatment for moderate symptoms is a brace. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.
Specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments are among many modalities used along with bracing. It appears that the most effective results have been maintained with a multi-faceted approach to the care of this affliction.
There are chiropractors, that have years of experience treating scoliosis cases.
Back Pain Relief With Chiropractic
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a common health complication that at some point affects more than 80% of people, making it second in commonality only to the common cold. Although many of us are aware that the common cold is due to a viral infection, back pain is often a mystery to its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the problem.
Anatomy
Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is very useful in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are comprised of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the motion of the spine. Inter-vertebral discs, composed of strong cartilage, link the bodies of the vertebrae. This tough cartilage surrounds the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also link the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves go out from the spine between the vertebrae.
Causes of Back Pain
Most back pain victims have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The origin of most back pain is the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, bad work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of healthy exercise and other negative lifestyle-related factors. All of these factors produce stresses and imbalances on the spine and eventually produce pain. This is why people can often injure their back just by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The instability of the spine makes it vulnerable to even the most simple movements, such as bending. When this happens, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.
Disc Problems & Sciatica
Prolonged sitting, particularly in a slouched position causes increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles surrounding the spine. Over time the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, allowing the soft nucleus to distend the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, one can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and occasionally weakness in the lower extremities. Sometimes if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is required to clear away the herniated disc material. Nonetheless, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully recover. If you are experiencing any of the conditions defined above, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic treatment.
Spondylosis
Increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive damage to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. This stress can negatively affect the cartilage around the joints and induce calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. These spurs can constrict adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This constriction causes a form of arthritis, called Spondylosis, that can also occur as part of the aging process of the spine. Nevertheless, factors such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic care and overall chiropractic management is very effective in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as aiding Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has treated many Spondylosis sufferers.
Sacroiliac Problems
The sacroiliac joints are a common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back. These weight-bearing joints attach the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are innately very strong and stable. However with trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and relocate to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. Sacroiliac subluxation causes imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. People with this condition will feel pain particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and being easily fatigued. Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and people can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in ameliorating sacroiliac problems. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.
Spinal Subluxation
Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. Subluxations are not only painful, but they can restrict the nerves as they exit the foramen (or spaces) between the vertebrae, producing paraesthesia. Paraesthesia is a change of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities usuallyoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is commonly associated with nerve dysfunctionin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also becorrelated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best corrected by chiropractic adjustments.
Trauma
Trauma such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause harm to the spine and lower back. Frequently these traumas cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this happens a person can encounter considerable pain and immobility. In order to avoid long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is very important. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.
When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and expert treatment for any of the above-mentioned dysfunctions of the spine and lower back.
Back Pain- Anatomy of the Lower Back- Part 1
Lower back pain is the leading cause of workplace absentness in America. With more and more people becoming less and less productive because of back related problems, lets take an deeper look into the anatomy of the lower back and how lower back pain can be avoided.
The lumbar spine or lower back is an important part of the body. This flexible lower portion of the spinal column is what supports the core of your body and connects the foundation, being your lower extremities to this core. It is easy to see how pain could be associated in this area of the body. The lower back is connected to the bodies largest muscles from the upper and lower sections and it is this responsibility that leads to pain. The human spine is made up of bony blocks called vertebra, these are tough, chunky bones. In fact the parts of your spine you can see from behind when you look in the mirror are the bony parts at the back of the vertebra, these are called the spinous processes. The vertebra also has bony projections to the sides and these are called transverse processes, you can’t see these yourself but your Ventura chiropractor can feel them. The vertebra are separated from one another by big, shock absorbing spinal discs. Each vertebra overlaps the one below at the back to form joints, one on each side. These joints are called facet joints. Facet joints are the links in the chain, they are the key to movement in the human spine and to many types of world ending back pain too.