Back Clinic Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Team. More than 80% of the population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. Most cases can be linked to the most common causes: muscle strain, injury, or overuse. But it can also be attributed to a specific condition of the spine: Herniated Disc, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, and Osteoarthritis. Less common conditions are sacroiliac joint dysfunction, spinal tumors, fibromyalgia, and piriformis syndrome.
Pain is caused by damage or injury to the muscles and ligaments of the back. Dr. Alex Jimenez compiled articles outline the importance of understanding the causes and effects of this uncomfortable symptom. Chiropractic focuses on restoring a person’s strength and flexibility to help improve symptoms of lower back pain.
Staying at home means it can be tough to see a doctor, chiropractor, spine specialist, or neurosurgeon to handle back pain, especially when it tends to flare up at the most inconvenient times. There are still options, here�s what to do. What options are available when you want to see a doctor about back pain, but getting to the clinic can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are a variety of tools to handle back pain that can provide some relief.
Over-the-counter pain medications like Motrin are one of the best medicines for non-traumatic back pain inflammation.
�
Heat Packs/Heat Therapy
Heat therapy promotes vasodilation and draws nutrient-rich blood into the targeted tissues. Increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients and cell waste is removed. The warmth decreases muscle spasms, relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain, and increases range of motion.
Superficial heat is available in different forms, which include:
Hot and moist compresses
Dry or moist heating pads
Hydrotherapy
Commercial chemical/gel packs
Remember heat packs in any form should be wrapped in a towel to prevent burns, as a punctured heat pack should be discarded, as the chemical agent/gel can burn skin. �
�
Cold Packs/Cold Therapy
Cold therapy produces vasoconstriction. This slows blood circulation, which reduces inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Superficial cold is also available in different forms, which include:
Commercial cold packs
Ice cubes
Iced towels/compresses
Hydrotherapy.
The application of cold therapy is usually less than 15 minutes, as the effects of cold are known to last longer than heat. Cold packs or ice should never be applied directly to the skin.
A towel, should be placed between the cold object and the skin surface to prevent any skin and nerve damage. A punctured cold pack should be discarded, as the chemical agent/gel will also burn the skin.
�
Telemedicine
It might be hard to believe that a virtual video visit can work to handle back pain. On a video call, a chiropractor is unable to physically palpate the sore areas and measure the range of motion and strength. However, this should not discourage you from scheduling a virtual appointment.
Telemedicine, without a physical examination, can be highly beneficial. A chiropractor can start the process of ordering tests, like MRI, X-ray, etc. Even if the pain is tolerable, meaning the kind that doesn�t need medicine or imaging tests, this should not be an excuse to skip an orthopedic visit.
With telemedicine, a chiropractor can still give advice, show back stretches, exercises, order back pain supplements, and talk about the risks and benefits of treatments available to try on your own. �
�
Physical Therapy
With chronic low back pain, chances are your chiropractor suggested physical therapy or PT. Now is the time to bring back those PT exercises, especially with a back-pain flare-up.
Low-back pain or any back pain for that matter with no neurological issues, could mean that a stretching and exercise program is all that is needed. Find out if your chiropractor or a physical therapist offers other options:
Patient portal communication or e-visits.
Uploads of illustrated handouts describing how to do various stretches and exercises.
Remote evaluation. The individual submits pictures or a video of their movements for personalized feedback, which the chiropractor or physical therapist evaluates and provides.
�
Get Active
Evidence shows that being active is better than resting. Moving increases the blood flow to the muscles, which helps with muscle spasms, trigger points, tense muscles/ligaments, and other issues.
�
Pilates
Pilates focuses on controlled movement, breathing, and stretching. A review found Pilates can be a highly effective and beneficial approach to handle back pain and related discomfort. Check out beginner Pilates videos. Be sure to avoid any move/s that cause pain, worsens the existing pain, or generate new pain.
�
Yoga
A review found that yoga can help improve mobility and decrease pain. If this is a new practice, start with gentle yoga or restorative yoga.
�
Walking
Going for a walk is easy, accessible, and is beneficial for the spine. Walking can be as effective as non-drug interventions in decreasing pain and discomfort in chronic low-back pain. Simple movements along with rollers and massagers can handle back pain as well. These include:
Self-massage with a tennis ball
Foam rolling
Hand-held massager
Stretching
McKenzie Method, comprised of gentle stretching exercises
These strategies and approaches can become the methods and techniques for the relief of existing back-pain in the absence of a doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist.
Recognizing and understanding common and not so common neck and lower back spinal Stenosis symptoms can help in getting an early diagnosis and beginning a preventative treatment plan. Symptoms develop when the spinal canal begins to narrow. The nerve roots become compressed/pinched causing:
Neural irritation
Inflammation
Pain
The low back and neck are commonly affected by this age-related and progressivedisorder. Symptoms can inhibit the ability to move without discomfort, pain, and neurological issues like tingling sensations and numbness that spreads out or radiates into other parts of the body.
Low Back Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
The most common symptom of spinal Stenosis is pain in the:
Low back
Buttock area
Back of the thigh that gets worse when standing and walking
These symptoms are called neurogenic claudication. Some individuals with low back spinal stenosis experience symptoms only when standing or moving/walking around. Discomfort usually eases up when bent forward and goes away when the individual sits down. Example: Grocery shopping feels a lot better when leaning forward on the handle of the cart, with pain reduced. This is common for people with spinal stenosis in the low back. Pain that goes away and reduces when bending forward, sitting down, or lying down is common of low back spinal Stenosis.
Understanding that claudication is not neurogenic or pseudo claudication is important. The symptoms of claudication are similar to pseudo claudication, however, the cause is different. Claudication is caused by the blood not circulating properly in the leg muscles. Other symptoms are low back pain and low back spreading pain or radiculopathy.
Better known as sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy involves:
Pain
Numbness
Weakness
Tingling/numbing sensations that travel down from the low back into the buttock/s and leg/s.
Some individuals experience pain in both legs, with one leg having worse pain than the other.
Bowel/Bladder emergency:
There can be severe cases of lumbar spinal Stenosis where the nerves that control the bladder or bowel can get compressed, leading to partial or complete incontinence. If there are problems controlling the bladder or bowel seek immediate medical attention.
Neck Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Spinal Stenosis symptomsin the neck can cause cervical radiculopathy. This can include pain along with:
Tingling sensations
Numbness
Weakness
These symptoms may radiate downward from your neck into one or both shoulders, arms, and/or hands. The pain caused by cervical spinal Stenosis has been described as:
Acute
Episodic
Occasional
Chronic
The intensity can go from mild to severe along with other symptoms that include:
Headache/s
Balance issues with a higher risk of falling
Fine Motor skills like writing, buttoning up a shirt/blouse, computer keyboarding skills can become affected
With severe cervical spinal stenosis, symptoms can be associated with cervical myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy happens when the spinal canal narrows so much that it compresses the spinal cord in the neck. Pinched nerves in the neck can affect the shoulders, arms, and hands. Myelopathy can affect both the arms and legs.
Symptoms of cervical myelopathy can include:
Neck pain
Stiffness
Tingling sensations
Numbness
Weakness
Clumsiness
Balance issues
Difficulty walking
Bowel and Bladder problems
Sexual dysfunction
Symptoms Don’t Always Present
Imaging studies like MRI and CT scans can detect a spinal disorder from an individual that has no symptoms. This is why imaging tests are performed to confirm a diagnosis. This is supported by results from the physical/ neurological exams, medical history, and symptoms.
Those who have undergone an x-ray or other imaging test for a non-spinal related issue could have discovered they have spondylosis, osteophytes, and a herniated disc. However, they never knew it because they showed no symptoms. Spinal Stenosis of the spine is usually an age-related and gradual process of physical change. It can take time for symptoms to show themselves. If you have neck or low back pain symptoms that are becoming worse, speak with your doctor.
Bertolotti syndrome is something has not been heard of when it comes to lower back pain, but diagnostic work has uncovered a common congenital condition. Back pain is experienced at some point by all of us. Around two-thirds of the population will develop low back pain in their life, and more than half will develop chronic low back pain or pain that has lasted more than six months. Low back pain can be challenging in finding the root cause. Diagnostic work is required through� X-rays and MRIs. These tests can identify a lesser-known cause of mechanical low back pain called Bertolotti syndrome.
Bertolotti Syndrome
This congenital condition’s name comes from Italian physician Mario Bertolotti. It is in 10 to 20 percent of the population, �with or with no lower back pain. Bertolotti syndrome happens when the last lumbar vertebra, known as the lumbosacral transitional vertebra/LSTV. This vertebra and the sacrum become fused together or create a false joint due to an enlarged transverse process.
This can be bony bumps on the vertebrae where muscles and ligaments attach to the lumbosacral transitional vertebra. When the LSTV and sacrum fuse together, known as sacralization or pseudo-joint, it does not generate pain. It�s just the way that an individual’s anatomy has been since birth. Only when it causes lower back pain that it is called Bertolotti syndrome.
Causes
Low back pain that leads to inflammation and reactive muscle spasms brought on from Bertolotti syndrome can be caused by:
Asymmetrical structures of the lumbar vertebrae. If the LSTV is fused to the sacrum and iliac bone, these are the wings of the pelvis, which can place unwanted stress on the sacroiliac joint, which can cause pain that is felt above the buttocks.
A�pseudo-joint does not have the cushion or lubrication between the bones like real joints to absorb shock. This causes bone-on-bone grinding, which can be quite painful and can lead to osteoarthritis. This can also generate added stress on the discs of the pseudo-joint.
Sacralization fusion can decrease the spine�s mobility. This can speed up the wear and tear of the vertebrae and shock-absorbers of the intravertebral discs.
Added non-equal force/s on the muscle tissues that surround the lower back. This can be caused by the spine not being properly�aligned causing muscle imbalance/s and fatigue. Both sides of the back can be affected, but when tightness and muscle spasms in the low back and pelvis present, it’s usually only on one side.
Symptoms
Most individuals usually never know they have a sacralization or pseudo-joint. These are often found accidentally from an X-ray for something unrelated. But when symptoms present they can vary from person to person and usually appear in adulthood�in the 20s or 30s.
These include:
Low back pain that is localized and does not spread/radiate down the legs
Pain or discomfort in or around the sacroiliac joint
Stiffness that comes out of nowhere or difficulty moving a certain way with pain present
Symptoms improve once the individual sits or lays down
Diagnosis
Bertolotti syndrome can be diagnosed based on medical history, physical exam, and X-rays. A physical exam can include a recreation of the movement/s that triggered the pain/discomfort. An X-ray of the low back and pelvis will reveal any bony abnormalities.
Treatment
Bertolotti syndrome can be effectively managed with non-invasive treatments. These� include:
Improperly and overdoing repetitive rotation/s and extension/s through work or just movements that have become second nature are injuries just waiting to happen. Lifestyle changes and re-learning how to move properly will ease the strain on the affected area.
Over the counter pain medication/s like�Advil, Aleve, or Tylenol.
Chiropractic/Physical therapy can help build low back areas and increase mobility.
Local anesthetic and spaced out intervals of corticosteroid injections to the affected nerve/s to reduce inflammation.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses the body�s platelets to reduce pain, inflammation, and healing the damaged joints through an injection.
Prolotherapy treatment uses concentrated local anesthetic and dextrose injected into the low back area to enhance the body�s natural healing.
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to numb the affected nerves around a pseudo-joint so that pain reduces.
Surgery is the last resort and is usually done to eliminate a pseudo-joint. It can also consist of reducing or removing an elongated transverse process�and can be performed as a same-day or outpatient procedure.
If you or someone you know is dealing with some form of idiopathic low back pain and doctors can’t seem to pinpoint the cause. Bertolotti syndrome could be a suspect, therefore it’s best to seek a spine specialist near you that can help.
A February 2020 study explored the relationship between low back pain and menopause. Hormones and vitamin D play a role. Vitamin D deficiency is related to increased lower back pain and degenerative disc disease in postmenopausal women. Decreasing estrogen levels can also drop levels of vitamin D, which can be downright painful if left unaddressed.
Menopause:
Hot flashes
Mood swings
Sleep issues
Libido changes
A drop in�estrogen levels can cause these symptoms.
Degenerative Disc Disease
In between the vertebra are fibrous discs that are the shock absorbers for the spine. These discs also support and stabilize the spine, which allows you to move freely pain-free. The health of the spine is a vital part of well-being and provides the ability to bend, lift, twist, and perform normal activities without pain.
With the passage of time, the discs start to dry out and lose their flexibility and elasticity. When the discs dry out, known as desiccation is a natural process that happens as we age and does not always cause pain symptoms. The discs become thinner and less able to absorb shock that can lead to pain and stiff movement. The loss of elasticity and height in the discs is known as degenerative disc disease.
Stenosis/Compression
With degenerative disc disease, sometimes the body tries to compensate for the loss of stability by producing more bone to stabilize the spine.
This causes bone growth/s, called bone spurs or osteophytes. These can crowd the spinal canal, which is a condition called stenosis.
Stenosis places pressure on the nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord.
The symptoms of this compression can present with:
Pins and needles sensations
Muscle spasms
Decreased sensation to touch
Weakness and pain in the back or that radiate down the arms or legs.
Treatments for degenerative disc disease include physical therapies and surgery. Most cases are treatable without surgery by utilizing physical therapy, occupational therapy, strength/flexibility exercises, injections, and supplements. Surgery could be considered to make more room in the spinal canal, relieve nerve compression, and reduce pain.
Vitamin D and Bone Health
Vitamin D has multiple functions in the body. It’s produced by the body when exposed to sunlight and is also found in certain foods and supplements. One function of vitamin D involves bone health support. The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone production. Calcium is stored inside the bones.
When there is a deficiency in calcium, the body breaks down the bone/s and takes/pulls the calcium back into the blood. Inadequate vitamin D means the body is not able to absorb enough calcium and cannot prevent the bones from being broken down. Vitamin D deficiency at an early age can cause low bone density along with diseases like rickets, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bone gradually weakens and breaks easily.
It can cause vertebral compression fractures, where the vertebrae crack because the bone tissue is not strong enough to support the body�s weight and resist gravity.
Two causes of osteoporosis are nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances, like low estrogen production after menopause. Proper vitamin D/calcium intake is essential for preventing and reducing bone loss that can lead to these conditions and increased lower back pain.
Estrogen and Bone/Spine Health
Estrogen plays a role in male and female bone health. Cells called osteoblasts help in the production of bone are highly active. Estrogen helps slow the breakdown of bones and promotes bone growth. A drop in estrogen over time compromises the health of bones. Individuals with chronic hormone imbalances and postmenopausal women are frequently affected by bone disease/s and the loss of bone density over time.�Studies reveal the risk of developing osteoporosis is higher in postmenopausal women.
Estrogen helps maintain tissues that contain collagen, which is found in intervertebral discs. Lower estrogen levels following menopause have shown to lead to more severe lumbar disc degeneration and increased lower back pain in women when compared to men. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring changes in lower back pain for women after menopause.
Vitamin D and the Spinal Discs
The relationship between increased low back pain in postmenopausal women and vitamin D deficiency is real. Supplements can help correct these deficiencies, can help reduce low back pain and promote bone health.
Postmenopausal women are especially at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D and calcium supplements can be used in combination.The bone/s breakdown is stopped, while the bone tissue is strengthened thus reducing back pain. Low back pain brought on by degenerative disc disease is pretty much present in patients over age 65.
These health concerns can be helped through:
Vitamin supplementation
Exercise
Healthy diet
Slowing down bone loss can be achieved with strategies that range from diet change to prescription medication.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez takes a look at how to keep your back healthy while doing yard work and gardening. We�re looking for ways to find mental and physical engagement without socializing. Many individuals are breaking up isolation and monotony by doing some home projects out in the yard and garden.
Doctors may tell patients that yard work and gardening should be avoided if they have a bad back. Individuals with a history of back pain/issues or have had spinal surgery might think that gardening is out of the question.�None of this is true. Yard work and gardening can be therapeutic physically and mentally for individuals with compromised backs as long as they follow some common-sense safety concepts.
Gardening with an ergonomic approach can make yard work and gardening very back/spine-friendly. If possible try to get tools for gardeners with neck and back problems or modify your own. Modified tools can highly reduce the chances of injuring your back. Try to set up the yard or garden in a way where there is minimal bending and reaching.
If this cannot be achieved set up the work to be done in an order where any bending/reaching tasks are spaced out so as not to be doing them all at once. Here are some ways for back-preservation when doing yard work and gardening. They will make your work more productive and reduce fatigue, discomfort, and minimize the risk of exacerbating any back injuries/problems.
Environment
Working in the right environment is an important step for those with a bad back. If possible garden on a raised platform or a raised garden that is at a comfortable height to be able to stand and garden without bending and reaching. Structures can be purchased, or make them yourself with old broken used furniture like tables, shelves, etc. Garden beds can be worked using the square foot technique to minimize bending, reaching and squatting.
The Square Foot gardening technique was invented in 1976 by Mel Bartholomew, a civil engineer, and efficiency expert that took up gardening after retiring. These types of gardens are made to be waist level using old furniture, self-made or store-bought frames that are back-friendly. Gardening like this means less time weeding, bending and reaching with more time enjoying the therapeutic benefits.
Preparation with the Spine in Mind
Here are some tips on modifying your methods and tools for safe yard work and gardening. One example is using a golf bag with wheels for carrying and select long tools. Also using a two-wheeled garden cart/wheel-barrow. It is more balanced than a standard wheelbarrow and is better for the spine.
Practice Safe Posture/Position
Never use the back muscles to lift. Lift with the legs. Bend the knees, hinge at your hips and keep the back straight. If needed practice bending in front of a mirror to see your form and make sure the technique is being done properly. Check out this YouTube video on raking and hoeing. Plant containers while standing using a potting bench, or an old table. Have a stool, chair or heavy-duty bucket to sit down easily when a break is needed.
Containers
One back-friendly gardening technique is to plant in containers. Plant them where they will sit, which minimizes having to lift or carrying to a location. Styrofoam peanuts can be placed at the bottom third of the container instead of gravel to make the containers lighter. If using large containers, invest in a wheeled pot dolly to move the containers easily.
Focus on the Time and Not the Task
With big projects, break them down into smaller more manageable tasks. Dividing the bed/s into halves or thirds makes the work more pleasant. Underestimating how long a project might take can be a major set back. So set time limits and follow through. When recovering from surgery or a back injury, set a limit of 15 minutes of work and see how it feels.If your back is not irritated or sore then expand to 30 minutes and so on.
Work smarter not harder. Under no circumstances should you shovel or pull up heavy, deep-rooted plant/s. This type of movement could put an end to yard work and gardening for some time. Do not forget that pain is our body’s way of telling us to stop. Be sure to talk with a spine specialist or chiropractor before starting yard work or gardening.
Gardening Benefits
Activity and fresh air can make us feel healthy and happy. Gardening can provide this along with healthy exercise. Therapeutic benefits of yard work and gardening have been well documented. Gardeners that did daily work were found to experience significant reductions in stress and improvement in overall health and quality of life compared to non-gardeners.
Gardening can significantly raise levels of energy, optimism, zest for life, self-esteem, openness and other factors relevant to self-image. Even a little gardening goes a long way. Just being outside and the physicality of yard work and gardening contributes to stress reduction. Another benefit from gardening is if planting herbs, and veggies you can cook even healthier. Much like a farm to table restaurant.
Can irritable bowel syndrome cause back pain? Is there some relation, what are the treatment options, and can those therapies help with the aches, soreness, and overall discomfort? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not life-threatening but is definitely life-changing with the gas, bloating, abdominal pain and changes in bathroom habits. Many with IBS develop symptoms outside of the stomach. The most common is back pain. Here�s what to know.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder that affects the lower part of the digestive tract. The common symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. There could be some combination of the two. Individuals also experience cramping, gas and bloating. Symptoms can be mild or severe and come and go. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Around 10-20% of adults have IBS, and women are twice as likely to develop the syndrome. It’s usually diagnosed in people under 50, and if a family has a history of IBS, this increases the chances of also having it.
The exact cause of IBS is still unknown, but it is believed to involve the way the brain interacts with the gastrointestinal tract.
Anxiety
Hormone fluctuations
Certain foods
These can trigger or worsen symptoms. There is no single test to diagnose IBS. Doctors rely on medical history, physical exams and ruling out other illnesses. No cure exists for IBS but there is a variety of treatments that can help relieve symptoms. Many experience anxiety along with job, school and relationship disruptions, all that can begin to lower quality of life.
IBS and Back Pain
Individuals can develop extraintestinal symptoms or symptoms involving other areas of the body.
This includes:
Sleep problems
Headaches
Urination problems
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Pelvic pain
Jaw pain
Back pain
Backaches and pain are common with irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have shown it affects 28-81 percent of individuals with the syndrome. Some believe that it is what is known as referred pain that originates elsewhere in the body and is felt in the back. Gastrointestinal symptoms like gas and bloating have been linked to back pain.
Other health conditions associated with back pain can also present at the same time. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic illness that causes bladder pressure and pain, and also cause fibromyalgia. 3 in 10 individuals with irritable bowel syndrome check-off the criteria for fibromyalgia. Rheumatoid arthritis is another condition.
Treatment
Treatment is different for everyone. There are treatment options available. The best approach is usually a mix of these strategies. Treating the irritable bowel syndrome could also help ease back pain. Surgery is not needed for IBS-related back pain, as well as long-term painkillers. Speak with a healthcare provider to find the right combination for you.
Treatments include:
Dietary changes: There is no specific diet for IBS but your doctor could recommend changing fiber intake or keeping a food diary to pinpoint foods that trigger symptoms. Limiting citrus, carbonated drinks, and foods that contain carbohydrates linked to gastrointestinal troubles. These include:
Wheat
Dairy
Legumes/beans
Stress reduction: People who experience high levels of stress can feel pain more intensely, whether gastrointestinal or back pain. Deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help ease tensions. Exercise can also help like yoga, tai chi, walking, swimming, jogging, and biking are often recommended.
Therapy: Some individuals can benefit by speaking with a mental health professional. Studies have found that cognitive-behavioral therapy that shows you how to recognize and change stress response can be especially valuable for dealing with IBS and back pain.
Medication: Depending on the symptoms and underlying cause of the irritable bowel syndrome medication can help. Antidepressants are used to ease the pain for some patients, while anti-diarrheal loperamide is for reducing diarrhea in others. Discuss any medication you take with a doctor.
Functional medicine/Complementary health: Many find relief with alternative therapies. Hypnosis, for example, has been linked to improved gastrointestinal symptoms, lower levels of anxiety and other benefits.
Probiotics/supplements: Supplements are believed to help balance out beneficial gut bacteria. There is also evidence that probiotics can help relieve certain IBS symptoms. Ask your doctor if probiotics could help.
If you have irritable bowel syndrome along with back pain, get in touch with a healthcare provider. They can help you learn what is causing the uncomfortableness, test for other conditions and set up a treatment plan. The faster you reach out, the faster you can start to feel better.
Reduce stress, reduce pain. Life creates stress, and while some stress can be good, too much causes health problems. Everyone experiences stress. However, now it is becoming a new normal in today�s hectic, fast-paced, high-pressure society. Most individuals equate stress with high blood pressure, heart attacks, or stroke. However, neck and back pain, insomnia, and weight gain can be stress-related, as well. And a lot of stress can make already-existing back/neck pain worse.
73% of individuals report experiencing stress-related psychological symptoms including anxiety and depression. These are not accurate numbers because most do not seek help for their stress issues. Stress symptoms should not be taken lightly. It is important to address the symptoms and find ways to reduce stress. Chiropractic is an effective stress reliever.
Stress
Financial pressures, kids, long work weeks, and medical problems are common anxieties. Prolonged stress can become chronic, which results in muscle tension that can feel stiff, achy and uncomfortable. Stress can develop into neck or back pain.
Stress is the state of:
Emotional
Mental
Pressure
Tension
That results from difficulties, adverse situations, or extremely demanding circumstances. The very nature of stress by definition makes it very subjective. A “stressful” situation for one person might not phase another. This makes it difficult to pin down a precise definition.
More often, the term stress is more often used to describe the set of symptoms that are caused by stress and those symptoms can be as varied as the people who experience them.
Symptoms
Stress symptoms can affect the entire body physically and mentally. Common symptoms include:
Anxiety
Chest pain
Depression
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal problems
Irritability
Lower back pain
Muscle tension
Overeating
Headache
Restlessness
Sleep problems
Unable to focus
Undereating
Health
Technically, stress itself does not have a negative impact on health. Some individuals deal with situations that others would consider to be stressful, yet they never exhibit symptoms. This speaks to the subjective nature of stress. Different people experience different symptoms and are a combination of stress symptoms, how the person handles those symptoms that adversely affect health.
Ultimately, stress symptoms can lead to some very serious conditions including:
Heart disease
Hypertension
Diabetes
Obesity
Cancer/s
Psychologically, it can lead to social withdrawal and social phobias and is directly linked to alcohol and drug abuse.
Tips
These can help you reduce stress, and reduce pain.
Vital Signs
Get a medical checkup if possible through Telemedicine and talk to a doctor/therapist about your stress, along with medical history. Side effects from medications (prescription or over-the-counter), herbal products, or other supplements can cause restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety.
Physical therapy combines pain-relieving non-invasive treatments with therapeutic exercise, posture correction, and preventive body mechanics.
Consider conversational therapy with a stress counselor, psychologist, or support group online.
Get Moving
Yoga and relaxation movements help reduce stress and stretch muscles. Viniyoga blends breathing and movement together to quiet body and mind. These movements are less precise and adapted to a person’s physical condition. Talk to a doctor about trying yoga or other stretches.
Swimming combined with a sauna or steam bathing can relieve stress-induced pain.
Take frequent stretch breaks to loosen up tight neck or back muscles.
Go for short walks at break or lunchtime to get the circulation going.
Learn to Relax
Kick back, put your feet up, and empty your mind of everything.
Wrap an ice pack and hot pack (or hot water bottle) individually in towels. Apply the ice pack for 10 minutes and then the hot pack for 5 minutes. Alternate several times.
Massage, aromatherapy and spa treatments you can do at home.
Aromatic massage oils containing eucalyptus can help ease muscle pain.
Meditation or visualization therapy combines meditation practices that focus on breathing and calming the mind.
Visualization techniques combine imagery with breathing exercises.
Take Control of the Little Things
Break up problems into smaller manageable pieces and work on resolving the easier parts first.
Learn your limits, how to delegate responsibility and not take the entire load on your shoulders so as not to get overwhelmed.
Allow yourself to fail, we all have to fail in order to learn in order to apply what was learned.
Eat and Drink for Life
Make mealtime less stressful. Pick nourishing foods, eat slowly, and savor each other’s company.
Caffeinated coffee, soda, and other drinks do not help reduce stress or promote restful sleep.
Avoid drinking at night because it can make falling and staying asleep a challenge.
Proper sleep or naps can help relieve stress.
Dealing with Stress Is Good for Your Back
We may not be able to control life’s stressors, but don’t let everyday demands interfere with your health. Incorporate exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy foods to reduce stress and pain and promote stress prevention.
Reduce stress reduce pain with chiropractic
Chiropractic cannot get rid of stress, but it can help relieve stress symptoms. The more stress the body endures, the more sensitive it becomes to pain and physical imbalances. Chiropractic helps by bringing the body back into balance, aligning the spine, and relieving pain.
The simple act of aligning the spine helps relieve stress in the body that you may not even be aware of. The physical stress of a misaligned spine can exacerbate symptoms and make a person more susceptible to stressful stimuli in their environment. Chiropractic helps to improve circulation which is essential in relieving muscle tension and helps shuts down the fight or flight response allowing the body to rest and heal.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
