Back Clinic Treatments. There are various treatments for all types of injuries and conditions here at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. The main goal is to correct any misalignments in the spine through manual manipulation and placing misaligned vertebrae back in their proper place. Patients will be given a series of treatments, which are based on the diagnosis. This can include spinal manipulation, as well as other supportive treatments. And as chiropractic treatment has developed, so have its methods and techniques.
Why do chiropractors use one method/technique over another?
A common method of spinal adjustment is the toggle drop method. With this method, a chiropractor crosses their hands and pressed down firmly on an area of the spine. They will then adjust the area with a quick and precise thrust. This method has been used for years and is often used to help increase a patient’s mobility.
Another popular method takes place on a special drop table. The table has different sections, which can be moved up or down based on the body’s position. Patients lie face down on their back or side while the chiropractor applies quick thrusts throughout the spinal area as the table section drops. Many prefer this table adjustment, as this method is lighter and does not include twisting motions used in other methods.
Chiropractors also use specialized tools to assist in their adjustments, i.e., the activator. A chiropractor uses this spring-loaded tool to perform the adjustment/s instead of their hands. Many consider the activator method to be the most gentle of all.
Whichever adjustment method a chiropractor uses, they all offer great benefits to the spine and overall health and wellness. If there is a certain method that is preferred, talk to a chiropractor about it. If they do not perform a certain technique, they may recommend a colleague that does.
Chiropractic care is generally the first choice of treatment for back pain as well as for a variety of other injuries and/or aggravated conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system.�Chiropractic care has numerous health benefits that can focus on helping patients of all ages. But, what many people don’t realize is that chiropractic care was not designed for only a certain person or body type, instead, a chiropractor can adjusts their treatment techniques to match each person’s specific needs. Doctors of chiropractic, or chiropractors, feel strongly about improving the overall health and wellness of their patients. In the tradition of chiropractic care, a chiropractor will treat the body of a patient as a whole, rather than focusing on a single injury and/or condition.
A doctor of chiropractic can treat many of the health issues that may be causing a patient’s back pain, however, what if the patient’s back pain is caused by obesity? The topic between whether chiropractic care can be used to treat obesity is frequently discussed among healthcare professionals and the patient. Many people are not aware of the benefits chiropractic care can have on obesity. Read below to find out how chiropractic care can help improve back pain as well as help manage obesity.
Chiropractic Care and Obesity
Obesity can affect more than just the way a person feels cosmetically. It is a health issue that may ultimately affect the individual’s skin, organs, joints, muscles, and even the spine. Excess weight can place unnecessary amounts of stress on the spine, joints and muscles, which can commonly lead to back pain, among other health issues. Its an individual’s constant struggle between managing their weight as well as coping with the symptoms manifesting as a result of the weight gain that can make weight loss difficult for many people without the proper treatment. Fortunately, chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option which can help diagnose, treat and prevent a variety of health issues while helping to improve overall health and wellness.
Because chiropractic care focuses on both the body and mind, the purpose of the spinal adjustment and manual manipulation in the treatment of obesity is to help improve symptoms of back pain by carefully correcting the alignment of the spine in order to reduce pressure on the spine as well as to decrease stress which may be affecting the individual’s mood. Once the patient has been geared towards a healthier body and mind, a chiropractor can also recommend a series of lifestyle modifications, such as nutritional and fitness advice, which can help a patient manage their excess weight.�The largest connection in your body is the one between your brain and the rest of the body through the communication of the nervous system. When the connection between the brain and the body is interrupted as a result of a spinal misalignment, or subluxation, it can lead to a variety of mental and physical health issues that may result in painful symptoms as well as stress, anxiety and depression, all of which have been associated with weight gain and obesity.
Furthermore, chiropractic care can also help throughout the process of weight loss. Because your body will be continuously changing as you lose weight, your spine and joints will need to be accordingly maintained to keep up with the ongoing changes. By receiving regular chiropractic care, a patient participating in a weight loss program or simply following the chiropractor’s nutritional and fitness advice will be able to fully engage in their exercise and physical activity routines due to the reduced back pain and other symptoms. In order to understand how chiropractic care can work towards excess weight and obesity, its essential to first comprehend the relationship between back pain and obesity as well as what type of treatment methods can benefit weight management.
Back Pain and Obesity
Obesity is defined by doctors as a disease. Being overweight or obese is a serious disorder that can affect children and adults. Many healthcare professionals know that obesity contributes to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and even colon cancer. But were you aware that obesity is a common contributing factor for back pain? Being overweight or obese may significantly contribute to symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
Has your primary care physician suggested you lose weight to reduce the severity of your back pain? Perhaps you have back pain, but have not considered extra body weight to be a possible cause. Even an extra 10 pounds to your average weight can eventually lead to back pain. The outcomes of a big cross-sectional population-based research study confirmed the link between obesity and back pain. The analysis involved 6,796 adults where researchers found that the risk for back pain increases as body mass index, or BMI, does. The probability of low back pain among adults who are obese is four times larger than among adults with an average weight.
BMI and What It Means
BMI is a number based on your weight and height. In general, the higher the number, the more body fat a person has. There are four categories of BMI:
Normal weight�BMI less than 25
Overweight�BMI of 25 to 30
Obese�BMI of 31 to 35
Extremely obese�BMI of 36 or higher
For instance, someone who is 5�10� tall and weighs 174 pounds has a BMI of 25, while a person who is 5�10� and weighs 251 pounds has a BMI of 36.
Obesity and Risk for Low Back Pain by the Numbers
2.9% for people of normal weight
5.2% for overweight adults
7.7% for obese adults
11.6% for extremely obese adults
The study did not address why obesity increases the risk of low back pain. But, additional body weight can contribute to how the spine works and its mechanical well-being.
Small Changes
Modest changes in the degree of physical activity can substantially lower the risk for back pain. Individuals with extreme obesity (BMI 36+) who increase their time in moderate actions by at least 17 minutes every day can reduce their risk for low back pain by approximately 32 percent. Moderate activities may include briskly walking, performing water aerobics, riding a bike, ballroom dancing, and gardening.
How Obesity Can Impact the Spine
The spine is designed to carry your body’s weight and distribute the loads encountered during rest and action. When excess weight is carried, the spine is made to assimilate the burden, which may lead to structural undermining and harm, as in the case of injury, or sciatica. One area of the spine that is most vulnerable to the consequences of obesity is the lower back, or the lumbar spine.
Why Exercise is Essential
Lack of exercise may lead to poor mobility and flexibility as well as weak muscles, especially in the back, core, pelvis and thighs. This may raise the curve of the lower spine, causing the pelvis to tilt too far ahead. Further, this is detrimental to proper posture as well as posture, causing health issues along other regions of the spine, such as the neck, and resulting in debilitating symptoms. You might attempt to dismiss the reason behind some of these spinal health issues to the practice of normal aging. It’s true that to anatomy, structural and functional changes can be caused by the degeneration of the body with age. However, if you are obese or overweight, you likely have, or may have, back pain. You may also have or develop a few of the following conditions:
Posture: Unhealthy posture accounts for neck and back pain. A level of physical fitness is necessary to properly support the spine.
Low Back Pain: Obesity may aggravate an existing low back problem and contribute to recurrence of the condition.
Osteoporosis: A sedentary lifestyle coupled with an unbalanced diet can affect the density, or strength of the bones (spinal vertebrae). When the structural architecture of a vertebral body is compromised, it is at risk for fracture. Vertebral fractures can be painful and disabling. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you have probably lost between 25% to 30% of desirable bone density.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): The joints in the spine are called facet joints. Excessive body weight places unnatural pressure and stress on the joints during movement and at rest.
Development of Obesity
Industrialization and modernization has had a huge effect on the food we eat today. Food can be bought just about everywhere. No more is it necessary to expend effort to forage and hunt for food. There are vast numbers of processed food items available and devices which require little use of labor like microwave ovens to cook meals. The market for kitchen devices and several convenience foods came about when women entered the workforce. For the time period 2011-2012, the following statistics were published:
34.9% of adults (age 20 and older) were obese
16.9% of children and adolescents (ages 2-19) were obese
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
A healthy weight is important towards many aspects of overall well-being, including for the wellness of the spine. Because the spine is the main source of support for the human body’s weight, obesity or excess weight can place great amounts of stress on the complex structures surrounding the spine, resulting in a variety of health issues. As a matter of fact, many cases of back pain have been previously attributed to obesity. Chiropractic care can benefit patients with back pain and obesity. Through the use of chiropractic treatment methods, a chiropractor can help reduce symptoms of back pain as well as recommend nutritional and fitness advice to help with weight management.
There are many tools available that could help people lose and maintain a healthy body weight. Speak with a chiropractor to find out how to begin a weight loss program alongside back pain treatment. This is important since in the event that you have spinal health issues, your exercise program will be different compared to a person without back pain. Bear in mind, no two individuals are the same, and believing that obesity is a disease, obtaining professional help might be the initial step for you. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.
Whiplash Massage: Sandra Rubio describes how whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident can cause symptoms of neck pain. An injury to the cervical spine can damage the complex structures of the neck, including vertebrae, intervertebral discs and soft tissues like tendons, ligaments and muscles. Dr. Alex Jimenez, doctor of chiropractic, is a non surgical choice which provides several treatment methods, such as deep-tissue massage, which can help improve neck pain associated with whiplash from an auto accident.
Massage therapy�is the evaluation and manipulation of cells and joints of the human body to effect a curative response in the�prevention and treatment of physical dysfunction. It may be curative or preventative, helping to rehabilitate, to preserve, strengthen bodily function or relieve pain. Massage therapy has established its function as it achieves outcomes that were undeniable, as a wellness option used to alleviate an assortment of physical discomforts.
Massage helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday stress, muscular overuse and lots of chronic pain syndromes. Massage treatment can decrease the development of painful muscular patterning if used early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury.
Whiplash Massage Therapy
Neck pain can come from various structures in the neck including: vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature or it can originate from other areas of the human body. Although the causes are many, most are easily rectified by either assistance or using self help suggestions and techniques. Treatment of neck pain is dependent upon the reason. For the vast majority of individuals, neck pain may be treated conservatively. Recommendations in conservative treatment include applying cold or heat. Other frequent treatments could include chiropractic care, physical therapy, body mechanics training, reform that is ergonomic, and drugs and/or medication.
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Back pain can affect 8 out of 10 people throughout their lifetime. Because it’s become such a common complaint over many generations, it’s not uncommon for the average person to turn to self-care remedies in order to find immediate relief for their symptoms without the need to seek medical attention. As a result, many myths about back pain and its treatments have developed over the years. Neel Anand, MD discusses several of the most common myths regarding the symptoms, causes and treatments of back pain. Dr. Anand is the Director of Orthopedic Spine Surgery at the Cedars-Sinai Institute for Spinal Disorders in Los Angeles. Below are seven of the most prevalent myths which have been debunked by healthcare professional Neel Anand, MD. We will then discuss debunked chiropractic care myths regarding back pain.
Sitting Up Straight
Every time your mother told you to sit up straight, she wasn’t wrong about how hunching over could be bad for your back, however, sitting up straight can certainly have its own health issues. Sitting up straight for an extended period of time, with no break and in a position which doesn’t feel quite natural for your body, can alternatively cause strain on your spine. An improper posture can eventually lead to spinal misalignment, or subluxation, which may then cause back pain. If you work in an office for 8 hours each day, maintaining a proper posture can be difficult. To provide your body with the proper support it needs in an office work setting, make sure to keep your feet resting flat on the ground while maintaining your chair at a height where your knees are at a 9-degree angle. Also, make sure that you stand up and stretch several times a day or simply take some time to go for a walk several times a day in order to keep your muscles from becoming stiff and/or shortened. Proper posture is important for managing back pain, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle.
Utilizing the Firmest Mattress
People who suffer from back pain may experience worsening pain and discomfort if they switch their current mattress for one of the firmer choices. A mattress that is too firm can place unnecessary amounts of stress on an individual’s shoulders and hips. Conversely, a mattress that is too soft can lack the support necessary to allow proper movement.�In both circumstances, the individual can suffer a misalignment in their spine from improper sleeping posture. Improper sleeping posture caused by an improper mattress can cause back pain. Research studies have also demonstrated that a good mattress can be just as helpful to prevent further health issues.
Exercise and the Spine
A poll from the North American Spine Society revealed that one of the biggest misconceptions regarding back pain involves exercise. Of course, if you have a sedentary lifestyle and decide to participate in strenuous physical activity, you’re bound to experience some type of injury which could result in back pain, however, an individual who properly engages in the appropriate amount of exercise their body can sustain will experience countless benefits towards their spinal health. You can prevent symptoms of bak pain by preparing your body for the shock of everyday movements with stretching and warm-up exercises in order to help wake up your muscles. Take a cue from professional athletes that engage in stretching and warm up routines during their daily routine to avoid injury on the field. Strengthening your core and back muscles can also help you avoid injuries which could cause back pain. Exercises focused on cardio as well as strengthening your stomach and back muscles can help improve overall health and wellness.
Degeneration Associated with Age
Back pain is not an unavoidable side-effect that comes with age and certainly, getting older does not mean life has to become debilitating. While the degeneration of the structures of the body is a natural and even a normal process that comes with age, remaining physically active by participating in regular exercise and physical activity can help keep our bodies strong, flexible and mobile.��There are many fitness alternatives, including yoga, Pilates and T�ai Chi as well as other treatment options ranging from acupuncture to physical therapy, which can help improve symptoms of back pain which may be caused by the wear-and-tear of the body. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean that you simply have to live with aches and pains.
Back Pain without a Cause
You’ll often hear back pain sufferers claim that their symptoms started without a cause or that they simply began on their own. In almost all cases, however, individuals who suffer back pain may have caused their own symptoms without them even realizing it. From improperly lifting a heavy object and twisting your back incorrectly to overdoing a workout, poor posture and even weight gain, back pain can be the result of many different factors. All of these circumstances can place too much pressure on the spine, leading to these seemingly “out of nowhere” symptoms of back pain. While most cases of back pain may improve on their own, a persistent case of back pain that is left untreated for an extended period of time may lead to some very serious health issues. Therefore, if you experience back pain without an apparent cause, make sure to seek immediate medical attention to properly diagnose the source of your symptoms and begin the proper treatment for it.
Heat and its Effects
There aren’t many things as relaxing as sinking yourself into a wonderful hot bath, however, after injuring your back, doing so may make your situation worse. While heat therapy might be beneficial for some types of injuries and/or conditions to help relax and loosen the tissues as well as to stimulate blood flow to the affected area, applying heat to some of these can increase inflammation, worsening your symptoms of back pain. Instead, many healthcare professionals recommend the use of ice therapy for back pain because it can help decrease pain, swelling, inflammation and muscle spasms or cramping. Doctors recommend applying ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time to reduce painful symptoms. Play it safe and check with a healthcare professionals for the best recommended treatment for your specific source of back pain.
Back Pain Treatment Methods
Many individuals who suffer from back pain will avoid seeing a doctor entirely out of fear of surgery. But, as a matter of fact, although most people experience back pain at some point throughout their lifetimes, the majority of them are able to find relief from their symptoms without the need for invasive treatment procedures. Commonly utilized treatment methods for back pain include over-the-counter drugs and/or medications or lifestyle modifications like exercise and physical activity. Other alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care and physical therapy, are common treatment options for many individuals with back pain. Only when a healthcare professional has determined that no other treatment method has been effective towards the improvement of your symptoms is it when surgery may be recommended for you and even then, many patients will often seek a second opinion from another healthcare professional. Furthermore, patients who may require surgery to relieve their back pain generally suffer from more severe injuries and/or conditions. Whether you understand the source of your back pain or not, fear of surgery should never keep you from seeking medical attention. But if you prefer a much more natural approach, chiropractic care may be the best treatment option for you.
Chiropractic Care Myths Debunked
Just as there’s many myths regarding what works and what doesn’t when it comes to back pain, there’s also several myths regarding the use of alternative treatment options for your symptoms. As with any other medical procedure, there are many misconceptions out there about what chiropractic care can do for your health issues, when in fact, chiropractic care can be tremendously beneficial for your back pain. However, it is best to have these misunderstandings cleared up once and for all. If you’re considering chiropractic care for your back pain, below we will discuss several of the most common chiropractic care misconceptions and myths which have been debunked through various research studies.
If you suffer from back pain and have considered visiting a chiropractor, you might have heard the myth that chiropractors are not real healthcare providers and that they do not have any medical training. As the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) have made it clear before, a doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, receives graduate degrees from Doctor of Chiropractic programs plus they also complete residency programs afterwards to complete their studies. In total, chiropractors spend a minimum of eight years in higher education, including four years as part of their chiropractic college education.
Given that chiropractic care commonly utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations for the treatment of various spinal health issues, a common myth is that this type of treatment isn’t safe. The truth is that chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option for neck and back pain. A qualified and experienced chiropractor utilizes careful precision when using chiropractic treatment methods on a patient. Moreover, a doctor of chiropractic will first make sure to properly diagnose the source of a patient’s back pain symptoms in order to determine which type of treatment method will be best for them. In addition, you may have heard that chiropractic care is only effective for back pain. Research studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care can be helpful for a variety of health issues, including neck pain, headaches and even migraines. Also, individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis can also find pain relief with chiropractic care.� Approximately 35 percent of people who receive chiropractic care are seeking back pain relief, whereas the remaining 65 percent visit a chiropractor to seek relief from neck pain, arm pain, leg pain and head pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
When it comes to back pain, chiropractic care is one of the most popular alternative treatment options people will turn to for relief of their symptoms. Several myths and misconceptions about chiropractic care often turn people away from receiving the proper treatment they deserve, when in fact, chiropractic care can help treat a variety of injuries and/or conditions, including back pain. As a chiropractor in practice, I have helped restore the original health and wellness of many of my patients, giving them back their quality of life. Research studies have debunked these myth, demonstrating that chiropractic care is a safe and effective alternative treatment option because it allows the human body to naturally heal itself through the proper alignment of the spine.
In conclusion,�if you are suffering from back pain, or any other spinal health issue for that matter, chiropractic care can safely and effectively help improve your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, among other treatment methods, a chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic, can help tremendously reduce your symptoms, however, it is essential for you to choose a qualified and experienced chiropractor. Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor dedicated to enhancing the overall health and wellness of his patients by restoring the original integrity of their spine as well as providing them with the pain relief they deserve. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.
Sandra Rubio discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments of neck pain. Headaches, migraines, dizziness, confusion and weakness in the upper extremities are some of the most common symptoms associated with neck pain. Trauma from an injury, such as that from an automobile accident or a sports injury, or an aggravated condition due to improper posture can commonly cause neck pain and other symptoms. Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, among other chiropractic treatment methods like deep-tissue massage, to restore the alignment of the cervical spine and improve neck pain. Chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez is the non surgical choice for improving overall health and wellness.
Cervical Pain Treatment
Neck pain is a common health issue, with approximately two-thirds of the population being affected by neck pain at any time throughout their lives. Neck pain originating in the cervical spine, or upper spine, can be caused by numerous other spinal health issues. Neck pain can result due to the pinching of the nerves emanating from the vertebrae, or because of muscular tightness in both the upper spine and the neck. Joint disruption in the neck can generate a variety of other common symptoms, including headache, or head pain, and migraines, as does joint disturbance in the back. Neck pain affects about 5 percent of the global population as of 2010, according to statistics.
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Are you experiencing back pain right now? The impact may seem identical, although it can be characterized as a dull throb or a sharp pain. Your life may have already been negatively affected as a result of your back pain. Some estimates show that 80 percent of people may experience the distress of back pain at any point in their life. And from an employer’s perspective, more than 25 percent of those working adults missed a period at work in the previous few months following back pain. Back pain can be aggravating. The pain and discomfort might only last a few days or a couple weeks, however, it may often become a chronic health issue if left untreated for an extended period of time, impacting the lives of the average person as well as that of athletes alike.
Typically, back pain originates from a mechanical problem caused by the regular wear-and-tear of the spine and associated to the aging process of the human body. Daily usage, or the average movement during the course of the day, can take a toll on the structure and function of the spine, discs, and the joints. Sprains and strains, skeletal irregularities, or being involved in an auto accident can also cause the degeneration of the spine but the end results are exactly the same. While anyone can experience back pain, there are some factors that can raise the risk, including age, fitness level, pregnancy and weight gain, occupational risk factors with physically demanding tasks, preexisting mental health difficulties and even overloaded backpacks carried by school children.
Fortunately, relief can be achieved by chiropractic care. Experts estimate it that roughly 22 million Americans visit their chiropractor each year and 35 percent of these patients are seeing their chiropractor to get a remedy for their back pain, recurring neck pain, headaches and numbness or tingling in their arms and legs.
Chiropractic Care Helps Back Pain
Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine with varying levels of pressure exerted through a treatment method intended to restore the health of the human body. The hope is the proper alignment of the spine, adjusted during a process known as a spinal adjustment, to allow the body to heal itself, without forcing the individual to switch to surgical interventions or the use of drugs and/or medication. Patients can expect a thorough evaluation with a comprehensive questionnaire, followed by a physical examination. Lab tests and diagnostic instruments might be used to diagnose the source of back pain.
Spinal manipulation or adjustments take place on densely padded treatment tables which places the patients lying down, which allow the chiropractor to apply the necessary pressure. It is during these spinal adjustments that patients can experience the benign “popping” or “crackling” sound often associated with chiropractic care. A chiropractor might also utilize ultrasound therapy electrical stimulation and massage therapy to treat patients. Chiropractors might additionally suggest nutritional advice, such as the usage of vitamins, as well as recommend a few exercises to enhance the patient’s strength, flexibility and movement in order to help speed up the recovery process.
Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option for pain back. Some patients feel immediate relief following treatment, although a couple of people may experience mild aching or soreness. Before seeking a diagnosis for your back pain pain, however, it may be important for you to first understand several of the common causes of back pain. Having an understanding of the types of injuries and/or conditions which could be the source of your symptoms could help you and the chiropractor arrange the best type of treatment for your specific cause of back pain. Below are six of the most common causes of mechanical back pain.
Causes of Mechanical Back Pain
The most common causes of back and neck pain are mechanical, meaning they may manifest due to the movements of the spine. The mechanical parts of the spine include the tendons, ligaments, muscles, intervertebral discs and the facet joints. The most frequent region for mechanical back pain is the lumbar spine, or the lower back. This area of the spine�disperse and absorb the majority of the human body’s weight during active and static movement. Static means the body is stationary (eg, standing) although not actively moving (eg, walking). Meanwhile, the neck, or the cervical spine, is the most mobile region of the spinal column. Here, the spine supports the weight of the head. The diversity of motion includes nodding, bending forward, backward, and side to side movements.
However, even if the body isn’t moving, parts of the body continue to support the spine. There are also mechanical forces, such as gravity, pressure, compression and stress, which can still affect the spine. Below are six of the most common causes of mechanical back pain.
Back or Neck Sprain and Strain
A back or neck sprain occurs when a ligament of the spine, or a complex group of strong tissues that hold the bones of the spine together, is overstretched or torn as a result of trauma from an injury. In contrast, neck or back strain involves the over-stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon attachment due to an injury. Because a sprain or strain can affect any of the complex structures in the spine, finding the exact source of the patient’s symptoms may be challenging without the proper equipment. If you sprain or strain your back (or neck), the delicate tissues are hurt and respond by swelling, thus causing pain and discomfort. Muscles that are affected may go into spasm which can also be painful. Stiffness is another symptom that may make movement difficult.
Disc Herniation
Intervertebral discs divide the drum-shaped vertebral bodies of the spine. Each disc is carefully anchored into place by endplates; a fibrous connective tissue that makes up each intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs are made of fibrocartilage and allow a small amount of movement at each vertebral segment (2 vertebrae and one disk). The disc’s outer ring, known as the annulus fibrosis, protects the internal workings centre of the disc, known as the nucleus pulposus. Disc herniation occurs when the gel-like substance breaks through the outer ring, often causing nerve compression, inflammation, irritation, and pain. Pain may radiate or travel down to an arm or leg, depending on the region of the spine where the herniation occurred. Weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations can accompany pain and discomfort associated with the herniation of the discs. In addition, an intervertebral disc may rupture in various directions: front (anterior), back (posterior), and/or side (lateral), causing stress against the complex structures of the spine.
Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF)
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when force from an impact causes the vertebrae of the spine to collapse. Trauma (eg, fall) is a common cause of vertebral compression fracture, though VCF is often related to osteoporosis, a weight loss reduction of bone mineral density and strength. A VCF can also occur during bending forwards or lifting. These fractures usually result in sudden and severe back pain.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS)
Spinal stenosis in the lower back, or lumbar spine, develops when the nerve root passageways and/or the spinal canal become narrow. As a matter of fact, the term stenosis means “narrow”. When complex structures of the spine, such as the nerve roots, are compressed as a result of the narrowing of the spinal canal, the dominating symptoms includes pain and discomfort which radiates into one or both legs, a commonly known collection of symptoms referred to as sciatica. Lumbar spinal stenosis, or LSS, prevalently affects adults and may be related to hormonal changes which cause tissue or bone to develop into neural pathways, compressing the spinal cord canal.
Spinal Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis)
Spondylosis is a medical term used to define degenerative spinal osteoarthritis; frequent in older adults. Similar to other kinds of arthritis, spondylosis can affect the facet joints, causing symptoms of swelling, stiffness, pain in the back. It might develop in the neck, known as cervical spondylosis, mid back, known as thoracic spondylosis, and in the lower back, known as lumbar spondylosis. Spondylosis can consist of other degenerative changes that can often lead to disc herniation and spinal stenosis.
Spondylolisthesis
If one vertebral body slips forward over the vertebra underneath, it is characterized as spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis may occur in the neck, however, the lower back or lumbar spine is most commonly affected by this type of condition. The diagnosis and identification of the severity of a patient’s spondylolisthesis includes determining the degree of the vertebrae’s movement. Grade 1 means the vertebra has shifted forward by about 25 percent where Grade 5 refers to a complete slip of the vertebra, known as spondyloptosis. Grade 5 might be caused by a fracture of the bone that helps stabilize the placement of the vertebrae. Aside from pain and discomfort, severe muscle spasms and sciatic-type symptoms may develop.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Although back pain is one of the most common complaints frequently treated in the medical field today, properly treating it may often be difficult because the source of the symptoms may be due to a variety of spinal health issues, including sprains and strains as well as spinal disc herniation and spinal stenosis. Chiropractic care is a popular, alternative treatment option commonly utilized to diagnose, treat and prevent a variety of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. After a thorough medical evaluation is performed by a chiropractor, the back pain specialist may use spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully restore the original alignment of the spine. By correcting spinal misalignments, or subluxations, a chiropractor can release the tension and pressure being placed agains the spine, allowing the human body to naturally heal itself without the need for surgical interventions and drugs and/or medications. Visit a chiropractic care office to discuss the treatment options for your specific type of back pain.
In conclusion,�back pain can occur as a result of a variety of injuries and/or conditions. However, mechanical back pain, caused by the movement of the spine, has been referred to as the most common cause of back pain and spine health issues. Understanding the type of injuries and/or conditions discussed above can help you and the healthcare professional determine the best type of treatment for your specific health problems. Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option commonly utilized to help treat back pain symptoms, among other types of health issues.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.
Chiropractic treatment is a nonsurgical option that can help reduce neck pain and related symptoms. Below are some of the different types of neck (cervical) conditions that Doctors of Chiropractic (DC’s) treat:
Chiropractors also use manual therapies to treat neck pain:
Cervical intervertebral disc injuries that don�t require surgery
Cervical sprain injuries
Degenerative joint syndrome of the neck (eg, facet joints)
A chiropractor evaluates the spine as a whole because other regions of the neck (cervical), mid back (thoracic) and low back (lumbar) can be affected as well. Along with treating the spine as a whole, chiropractic medicine treats the entire person and not just a specific symptom/s. Chiropractors may educate on nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle goals in addition to treating neck pain.
A chiropractor will do a thorough examination to diagnose the specific cause of the neck pain before deciding on which approach/technique to use.
They will determine any areas of restricted movement and will look at a walking cycle along with posture and spinal alignment. Doing these things can help the chiropractor understand the body’s mechanics.
In addition to the physical exam, a chiropractor will want to go over past medical history, and they may order imaging tests (eg, an x-ray or MRI) to help them diagnose the exact cause of the neck pain.
All these steps in the diagnostic process will give a chiropractor more information about the neck pain, which will help the� chiropractor create a customized treatment plan for the individual patient.
A chiropractor will rule out neck pain conditions that require surgery. If they believe surgery is the best treatment for the neck pain, then the patient will be referred to a spine surgeon.
Chiropractic Treatment: Neck Pain
A chiropractor may use a combination of spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and other techniques as part of the treatment plan.
Spinal Manipulation Techniques Used:
Flexion-Distraction Technique:�Gentle hands-on spinal manipulation that involves a pumping action on the intervertebral disc rather than direct force.
Instrument Assisted Manipulation:�Uses hand-held instruments, which allow the chiropractor to apply force without thrusting into the spine.
Specific Spinal Manipulation:�Restores joint movement with a gentle thrusting technique.
Chiropractors also use manual therapies to treat neck pain.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy: uses special instruments to diagnose and treat muscle tension.
Trigger Point Therapy is used to relieve tight, painful points on a muscle.
Other therapies used to ease neck pain symptoms.
Inferential Electrical Stimulation:�Is a low frequency electrical current used to stimulate neck muscles.
Ultrasound:�Sound waves travel into the muscle tissues to help stiffness and pain in the neck.
Therapeutic Exercises:�Helps improve overall range of motion in the neck and prevent neck pain from progressing.
The treatments listed are examples of possible chiropractic treatment for neck pain; The actual treatment plan will depend on the diagnosis. A chiropractor will thoroughly explain the treatment options available along with the actual customized treatment for the individual patient.
Chiropractic Clinic Extra: Neck Pain Care & Treatments
Suffer Migraines: If you�ve ever had a migraine you know that it�s more than just a headache. The debilitating pain can be accompanied by nausea and other symptoms � and it�s more common than you may think. Research shows that in every four American households, one person is a migraine sufferer. In fact, 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from migraines, including children. This means migraines affect more people that asthma and diabetes combined.
It is estimated that 18 percent of women suffer from migraines while 6 percent of men are migraine sufferers. It most commonly affects people who are between the ages of 25 and 55, but even young children have been diagnosed. Migraines can stop you in your tracks, but there are treatments that can help. Chiropractic care has been shown to help ease the pain, intensity, and frequency of migraines.
Suffer From Migraines
What Is A Migraine?
Migraines are vicious headaches that can last several minutes to several hours or even days. It is characterized by intense pulsing or a throbbing sensation that is typically confined to one area of the head. It is often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. The pain can be so severe that you can barely function. Many people find themselves confined to bed in a darkened room, waiting for it to pass.
Many times migraine sufferers report experiencing an aura, or sensory warning symptoms, such as strange smells, blind spots, flashes of light, or tingling in your leg or arm. They also tend to run in families. If one parent is a migraine sufferer the child has a 40 percent chance of having migraines as well. If both parents get migraines that chance jumps to 90 percent. It is the 8th most debilitating illness on a global scale.
For the most part, doctors do not know much about what causes migraines. However, there are some things that have been identified as migraine triggers:
Hormonal changes � at certain times during the month, women experience fluctuations in estrogen which can trigger migraines
Oral contraceptives � medications that change or replace hormones can make headaches worse
Certain foods � processed foods, MSG, salty foods, aged cheeses
Fasting or skipping meals
Aspartame
Alcohol
Stress
Sensory overstimulation
Dehydration
Intense physical exertion
Too much or too little sleep
Medications
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Migraine Sufferers
Many doctors believe that headaches and migraines may be caused by a spine that is out of alignment. When your spine is misaligned your entire body suffers. It can irritate the nerves that run from the brain to the spine causing a headache. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve the pain of migraines. In fact, many people report a distinct difference after just one session.
A Doctor of Chiropractic will align your spine and work with you to create a wellness plan that includes lifestyle changes and diet. Making changes to your sleep patterns and eliminating certain foods from your diet can help prevent migraines. By creating a whole body wellness program, you and your chiropractor can not only help prevent your migraines, but other health conditions as well.
Your chiropractor may also recommend that you keep a journal to help you pinpoint your own unique migraine triggers. You will record the foods you eat, environmental factors that may affect you, stressors, and sleep patterns, as well as when you have migraines, how long they last, and their severity. By tracking these things, you can determine what may be causing your migraines and make adjustments to your lifestyle, thus preventing them. Incorporating chiropractic care as part of your whole body maintenance, as well as migraine prevention, can help you stave off these headaches so you can get on with your life.
If you or a loved one suffers from migraine headaches, make sure you give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!
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A chiropractor may use a combination of spinal manipulation, manual therapy, and other techniques as part of the treatment plan.
