Lower back pain is a common problem that affects many people worldwide. It can hinder individuals from engaging in physical activities or working on important projects. Failure to treat it promptly can result in disability. Chronic musculoskeletal conditions can also be associated with low back pain, causing the body and spine to misalign and surrounding muscles to overexert themselves, thereby affecting lower body extremities. This article explores the effects of low back pain on the body and the various treatment options available to relieve it. We work with certified medical providers who use our patients’ valuable information to provide low back pain treatments for individuals with musculoskeletal pain related to their lumbar spine. We encourage patients to ask essential questions and seek education from our associated medical providers about their condition. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Low Back Pain Causing More Issues In The Body
Are you experiencing discomfort in your lower back? Do you feel stiffness or pain when stretching? Have you felt a radiating pain down your legs? Many people worldwide have dealt with low back pain, a common issue. Research studies reveal that low back pain represents a complex social and economic problem, as it can lead to various issues that overlap and can stem from many potential sources affecting the abdominal cavity in the body. These include nerve roots, muscles, fascial structures, bones and joints, intervertebral discs, and organs. Research studies also indicate that various factors can contribute to the development of low back pain and impact an individual’s routine function.
Since low back pain is complex, it is often associated with other musculoskeletal disorders affecting the lower extremities. Some factors contributing to low back pain include prolonged sitting, lifting and carrying heavy objects, poor posture, working with power tools, and vibrating workstations. Many individuals try to continue their routine despite experiencing low back pain, hoping it will go away independently. However, repetitive motions can cause the pain to recur, leading to spinal subluxation. Fortunately, there are ways to manage low back pain while reducing its associated symptoms.
The Hidden Link Of Chiropractic Care & Metabolism-Video
Low back pain is a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Multiple factors can contribute to its development, and the severity of the problem can vary. Treatment is often sought to reduce symptoms and promote healing. Research studies revealed that holistic and flexible approaches, such as chiropractic care, can effectively alleviate low back pain and its effects on the abdominals and lower extremities. Combining chiropractic care with other therapies can help individuals recover quickly and effectively. Check out the video above for more information on how chiropractic care and the body’s metabolism can help address low back pain and its overlapping risk profiles.
Various Treatments For Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a frequent problem that can make even the simplest tasks challenging and uncomfortable. Research studies revealed that low back pain is often undertreated due to its complex nature and potential for overlapping risk factors that can cause additional symptoms. Fortunately, various treatments are available to relieve the associated symptoms and realign the body. Down below are some of the remedies to alleviate low back pain.
Medications
While medications can temporarily relieve back pain, they may only work for acute low back pain. For those with chronic low back pain, taking medications can result in unwanted side effects that may worsen pre-existing conditions. According to Dr. Eric Kaplan, D.C., FIAMA, and Dr. Perry Bard, D.C., authors of “Ultimate Spinal Decompression,” over-the-counter NSAIDs and acetaminophen can be helpful for low back pain, but taking more than the recommended dosage can have negative effects on the body.
Spinal Decompression
Chronic low back pain can significantly impact people’s lives, so many opt for non-invasive treatments. These treatments are not only safer than invasive options, but they are also cost-effective and gentle. One such treatment is spinal decompression, which has been shown to improve lower back pain, according to research studies. This technique uses gentle traction to alleviate low back pain caused by compression on the spinal discs and nerve roots. Spinal decompression is a safe and non-invasive solution that can help improve mobility in the lower back. By alleviating affected nerve roots instead of aggravating them, patients can experience relief from chronic low back pain.
Conclusion
Experiencing low back pain can greatly affect your health and wellness, causing you to miss out on important activities and work. Unfortunately, this is a common issue that affects many individuals. When left untreated, low back pain can lead to more chronic problems and misaligned body posture. However, spinal decompression is a gentle traction technique that can help relieve low back pain by releasing aggravating nerve roots and stretching affected muscles. This treatment can be very effective and enable many individuals to return to normal activities without pain.
Many people in the workplace suffer from back pain, which can limit and affect their ability to function and lead to a lifetime of discomfort and disability. Back pain can range from a dull, slow ache to a sharp, radiating pain and can cause the body to be misaligned. Fortunately, non-surgical treatments such as spinal decompression can help to relieve pain and discomfort. In this article, we will witness the impact of back pain in the workplace, how different occupations are associated with back pain, and how spinal decompression can help to alleviate these symptoms. We work with certified medical providers who use our patients’ valuable information to provide non-surgical treatments, including spinal decompression, to relieve pain-like symptoms associated with back pain in the workplace. We encourage patients to ask essential questions and seek education about their condition. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Impact Of Back Pain In The Workplace
Are you experiencing headaches or neck tension? Do you feel pain radiating down your leg from sitting for extended periods? Or do you feel aches in your lower back after sitting at a computer for a long time? These symptoms could be due to the development of back pain. Research studies revealed that back pain is a common cause of missed work and reduced productivity. Depending on the severity, back pain has various mechanical or non-specific reasons. Some of the categories that many individuals in the workplace have back pain include:
Acute back pain: Last for a few days to a few weeks.
Subacute back pain: Last between 4 to 12 weeks.
Chronic back pain: Last longer than 12 weeks.
Occupations Associated With Back Pain
Back pain is a problem that many working individuals have experienced. This can lead to constant pain and compensating for the pain by using other muscle groups. Research studies revealed that both men and women in the workforce are affected by back pain, which can be influenced by psychological factors and can significantly impact their ability to perform occupational activities. Jobs like truck drivers, office workers, healthcare providers, and manual laborers are associated with back pain due to the physical demands of these occupations, increasing the risk of developing back pain. Some of the common causes associated with back pain at work include the back and surrounding muscles being under constant strain include:
Force: Exerting excessive force on the back muscles can cause injuries
Repetition: Repeating movements can lead to muscle strain on the surrounding muscles and affect the spine.
Inactivity: Sitting down for an extended period can lead to poor posture and cause the back muscles to be shortened.
Examples Of Workplace Conditions Associated With Back Pain
In many jobs, employees have to exert themselves physically, which can increase the risk of developing back pain. Some common workplace conditions that contribute to this risk include:
Using hands or body as a clamp to hold heavy objects while performing tasks.
Maintaining the same posture while performing tasks.
Performing motions constantly without small breaks in between.
Performing tasks that involve long reach, both vertical and horizontal.
Cold temperatures
Vibrating working surfaces, machinery, or vehicles.
The floor surface is uneven, slippery, or sloped.
Fortunately, there is hope for those experiencing back pain. Research studies have shown that available treatments can aid in modifying activities and improving workplace conditions, providing relief and preventing pain from returning.
Non-Surgical Treatments For Pain Relief-Video
If you’re experiencing back pain due to work-related strain, there are treatments available that can help alleviate the pain and reduce its effects from returning. Many people who work for a living suffer from this issue because of the physical demands of their job, which can lead to various risk factors. Fortunately, several non-surgical treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms of low back pain. Spinal decompression and chiropractic care are two examples of such therapies. These methods use traction, manual manipulation, and other techniques to restore the spine to its proper alignment and relieve back pain. Both treatments are gentle and non-invasive, as they work with the body’s natural healing process to stretch tight muscles and prevent future pain. The video above explains how these treatments can help enhance your body’s healing process and avoid recurring back pain.
Spinal Decompression Relieving Back Pain
It’s important to know that putting too much pressure on your back can lead to back pain. If you’re experiencing back pain, spinal decompression can help. This technique involves gently stretching out tight muscles in your back and reducing pain and other symptoms. According to Dr. Eric Kaplan, D.C., FIAMA, and Dr. Perry Bard, D.C., authors of “The Ultimate Spinal Decompression,” spinal decompression uses gentle traction to slowly pull the spine and alleviate painful spinal pressure that causes back pain. Adding spinal decompression to your daily routine can help reduce muscle weakness and pain and increase awareness of your body to prevent future injuries.
Conclusion
Missing work due to back pain is common among many working individuals. Certain job occupations require physical exertion, which can push the body beyond its limits. When individuals try to compensate for the pain in their back muscles, it puts more strain on other muscle groups. Fortunately, treatments such as spinal decompression can provide relief by realigning the body and reducing subluxation associated with back pain. This non-surgical treatment helps the body naturally heal, enabling individuals to experience a pain-free journey toward health and wellness.
For individuals with aches and pains after walking, the first thing to check is posture. How an individual holds their body is important in walking effortlessly and comfortably. Improving walking posture will make it easier to breathe and walk farther and faster. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can treat back problems, restore mobility, and retrain individuals on achieving and maintaining healthy posture.
Walking Posture
Sitting for extended periods weakens neck and back muscles and decreases spinal mobility, making it more difficult to maintain a healthy walking posture. Improving and maintaining healthy walking posture can go a long way regarding the body’s health.
Benefits
The benefits include:
Strengthened core, back, leg, and buttock muscles.
Improved balance and stability.
Easier breathing.
Increased energy levels.
Improved walking speed, distance, and gait.
Back and hip discomfort symptoms prevention.
Decreased risk of injury and falling.
Set Up Posture
Stand up straight.
Engage the core.
Relax shoulders.
Keep the chin parallel to the ground.
Eyes forward.
Minimize leaning forward or backward.
Spend the first 15 seconds of walking focusing on posture.
Once a rhythm is achieved, periodically check yourself to ensure you stay consistent with proper posture until it becomes normal.
Stand up Straight
Visualize standing tall and straight.
Resist the temptation to slouch or arch the back.
Control Leaning Forward or Back
Leaning strains the back muscles when sitting, standing, and walking.
Leaning slightly forward from the ankles when walking up a hill.
Going downhill, leaning slightly forward, or maintaining a straight back is okay.
Keep Eyes Forward
Avoid looking down.
The focus should be about 20 feet ahead.
Maintaining a forward visual path allows individuals to see anything from the side.
Keep Chin Parallel to the Ground
This reduces strain on the neck and back.
A proper chin position maintains forward focus rather than down.
Shoulders Back and Relaxed
Shrug and allow the shoulders to fall and relax slightly back.
Loosening up the shoulders helps relieve tension and…
Shrug and re-loosen at intervals during the walk to ensure the shoulders stay relaxed.
Engage Core Muscles
The core muscles help resist slouching and leaning.
Keep the stomach pulled in slightly.
Take deep, full breaths to maintain a healthy walking posture.
Maintain Neutral Pelvis
Ensure the hips are not tilting forward or back while walking.
Practice sticking out the buttocks, tucking them in, and finding a natural middle.
The middle is the healthy balance that will keep you from arching the back muscles and spine.
Devices
Resist the urge to engage with the phone or activity monitor while walking and looking down.
Only look when necessary and then mindfully regain posture.
Some activity monitors have vibration alerts to reduce the need to look down.
Utilize earbuds or headphones for making and taking calls and other tasks.
Certain earbuds or headphones allow for voice commands, so you don’t have to look at the phone.
Chiropractic Realignment and Retraining
Maintaining proper posture is a gradual process. A chiropractor can correct years of practicing unhealthy postures like forward head issues or chronic slouching and realign the spine to restore optimal function.
A chiropractic therapy team will work on bones and muscles in specific body regions.
Massage will relax the muscle tissues to restore correct balance.
Chiropractic techniques will realign the neck, spine, hips, and pelvis.
Strengthening and stretching exercises will maintain adjustments.
Posture retraining will teach individuals to stay aware of their spinal position and help create healthy habits.
Regular posture checks, whether at work, school, just walking around doing errands, or exercising, will help the body learn proper positioning until it becomes second nature.
Revitalize and Rebuild
References
Buldt, Andrew K et al. “The relationship between foot posture and plantar pressure during walking in adults: A systematic review.” Gait & Posture vol. 62 (2018): 56-67. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.02.026
Hackford, Jessie, et al. “The effects of walking posture on affective and physiological states during stress.” Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry vol. 62 (2019): 80-87. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.09.004
Lin, Guohao, et al. “The relationship between forward head posture, postural control, and gait: A systematic review.” Gait & Posture vol. 98 (2022): 316-329. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.10.008
Suh, Jee Hyun, et al. “The effect of lumbar stabilization and walking exercises on chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial.” Medicine vol. 98,26 (2019): e16173. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016173
Woollacott, Marjorie, and Anne Shumway-Cook. “Attention and the control of posture and gait: a review of an emerging area of research.” Gait & Posture vol. 16,1 (2002): 1-14. doi:10.1016/s0966-6362(01)00156-4
Back pain is a common issue experienced by people all over the world. The human body’s main structure is the back, divided into three sections: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. These sections help in body movement, including twisting and turning, moving the extremities, and have a relationship with the gut and central nervous system. The surrounding muscles in the back also provide support and protect the spine. However, normal activities like bending down to pick up a heavy object, sitting down for an extended period, or falling can cause changes that lead to back pain, misalignment, and risk profiles in the upper and lower extremities. Today’s article focuses on the causes of back pain and the treatments available to relieve its effects. We utilize and incorporate valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers using non-surgical treatments to reduce the impact of back pain. We encourage and refer patients to associated medical providers based on their findings while supporting that education is a remarkable and fantastic way to ask our providers the essential questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., comprises this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
An Overview Of Back Pain
Do you have pain in your upper, middle, or lower back? Do you experience aches and pains in the morning? Did lifting something heavy cause you pain? These symptoms could be signs of back pain, a common and costly reason for emergency room visits. Research studies reveal that back pain can have various causes and affect the entire body, either mechanically or non-specifically. The three sections of the back – cervical, thoracic, and lumbar – can all be impacted, causing referred pain in different parts of the body. For instance, cervical (upper) back pain can cause stiffness in the neck, while thoracic (middle) back pain can lead to shoulder and posture issues. Lumbar (low) back pain, the most common type, can cause hip and sciatic problems. Additional research studies reveal that back pain is a complex issue that can severely affect body function, and environmental factors can also influence it.
Causes Of Back Pain
Various factors can be the cause of back pain, thus resulting in spine misalignment. In their book, “The Ultimate Spinal Decompression,” Dr. Eric Kaplan, D.C., FIAMA, and Dr. Perry Bard, D.C., explain that the back muscles play a significant role in protecting the spine. Environmental factors can also impact the spine, leading to potential back pain. The book further notes that wear and tear and disc protrusion on the spine can result in disc herniation and degeneration, also associated with back pain. Some common causes of back pain include:
Visceral-somatic/Somato-visceral pain (Affected organ or muscle causes referred pain to different body parts)
Pregnancy
Further research indicates that various environmental factors, such as physical activity, lifestyle, stress, and work conditions, are associated with back pain and can overlap as risk factors. If left untreated, these environmental factors can lead to chronic conditions and significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Chiropractic Secrets Exposed- Video
Have you been feeling numbness or tingling in your arms or legs? Do you experience back muscle pain when you stretch? Or do you feel pain in your low back or other parts of your body? These issues are often associated with back pain and, if left untreated, can lead to disability and loss of function. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce back pain and its associated symptoms and promote natural healing. The video above explains how non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care can help alleviate back pain through manual manipulation. This treatment can realign the spine, stretch out tight muscles, and restore the body’s range of motion.
Treatments For Back Pain
If you are experiencing back pain, various treatments can help ease your symptoms and improve your mobility. You have two options for treating back pain: surgical and non-surgical. Surgical treatment may be necessary if you are experiencing nerve compression or have sustained an injury that requires spinal fusion. Non-surgical treatments can help relieve pressure on your spine, reduce back pain, and even alleviate pain in other areas of your body. Some non-surgical treatments for back pain include:
Physical therapy
Exercise
Chiropractic care
Acupuncture
Spinal Decompression
According to research, non-surgical treatments can alleviate pressure on spinal discs, loosen tight muscles, improve joint mobility, and promote natural healing. Many people supplement these treatments with healthy lifestyle choices, making small adjustments to their routine and paying closer attention to their physical well-being.
Conclusion
Since back pain is a widespread problem affecting people globally, it can be caused by various environmental factors that impact the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar back sections, leading to overlapping risk profiles and affecting different body parts. Tight and strained muscles and a compressed spine are common symptoms of this issue. However, treatments available can effectively reduce pain, stretch tight muscles, and relieve pressure off the spinal disc. By incorporating these treatments, individuals can alleviate back pain and allow their bodies to heal naturally.
References
Allegri, Massimo, et al. “Mechanisms of Low Back Pain: A Guide for Diagnosis and Therapy.” F1000Research, 28 June 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926733/.
Casiano, Vincent E, et al. “Back Pain.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), 20 Feb. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538173/.
Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.
Kaplan, Eric, and Perry Bard. The Ultimate Spinal Decompression. JETLAUNCH, 2023.
See, Qin Yong, et al. “Acute Low Back Pain: Diagnosis and Management.” Singapore Medical Journal, June 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8801838/.
Back problems can affect everyone. The most healthy individuals can experience back issues from time to time because of unhealthy postures, standing or sitting for extended periods at a job or school, athletes, and individuals with previous injuries. Back soreness and pain symptoms are common in today’s active and inactive world. The pain can range from dull and constant aches to sharp and sudden piercing sensations. This causes pressure to build up against different regions of the spine. Individuals trying to reposition the body can cause an imbalance in the spine that often leads to more pain and problems. It is impossible to adjust one’s spine effectively and should be evaluated and treated by a professional chiropractor and therapy team.
Professional Chiropractor
Problems With DIY adjustments
Self-cracking or having a friend/family/spouse walk on their back or squeeze the body to achieve the crack or pop forces an increase in mobility that can lead to overexerting the spine.
Can loosen all of the joints instead of just the tight joints.
This can overly loosen already flexible joints that must compensate for the stiff joints.
The muscles have to work overtime to maintain stability, adding stress which increases muscle tension.
This can cause the health of compressed segments to continue to decline and worsen and/or cause further injury.
It can cause abnormal vertebral degeneration.
It can be dangerous if the individual has weak bones.
Injuries can include herniated and dislocated discs.
In the worst-case scenario, fractures and broken vertebrae.
Although rare, there is the possible risk of rib fracture or subluxation.
This can cause pain and symptoms to turn into a serious health or chronic condition.
Chiropractic Training
Chiropractors are trained medical specialists on the body’s structure and function. Chiropractors know the correct positioning and function of every area of the spine, from the neck to the tailbone. The most common injuries that chiropractic treats include:
Muscle Strains
Sciatica
Overuse/Repetitive Strains
Neck Sprains
Whiplash
Headaches
Herniated Discs
Dislocations
Fractures
Proper Realignment
Individuals think the popping sound is the goal; however, it’s not what relieves the pain or symptoms. The relief comes from the improved movement of the joints. The term for the popping sound is cavitation. Chiropractic manipulation is a specific force applied in a specific direction to a particular joint. During a professional realignment session, the pressure inside the joint decreases, releasing gasses within the synovial fluid into the joint space. That’s the popping sound. When a professional chiropractor performs adjustments/cavitations, they:
ImproveJoint function.
Relax the muscles.
Relieve nerve irritation.
There’s also the possibility of an unknown underlying cause for the pain symptoms. Therefore, friends and family should not attempt back adjustments unless they are professional chiropractors. When symptoms persist, treatment from a professional licensed chiropractic clinic is safer and more effective, and early treatment can prevent permanent damage caused by chronic inflammation. Professional chiropractor treatments include:
Adjustments
To gently realign joints to decrease pain and increase range of motion.
Soft-Tissue Therapy
Relaxes tight muscles, relieves spasms, and releases tension in the tissues that surround the muscle fascia.
Exercises and Stretches
Restore and maintain joint stability and mobility.
Joint Bracing and Kinesio Taping
Supports sprained joints or muscles during recovery.
Referrals to Medical Experts
For guidance on diet and nutrition to reduce inflammation and promote healthy weight.
The Path To Healing
References
Dunning, James, et al. “CAVITATION SOUNDS DURING CERVICOTHORACIC SPINAL MANIPULATION.” International Journal of sports physical therapy vol. 12,4 (2017): 642-654.
Evans, David W, and Nicholas Lucas. “What is manipulation? A new definition.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 24,1 194. 15 March 2023, doi:10.1186/s12891-023-06298-w
Hardy, Katie, and Henry Pollard. “The organization of the stress response, and its relevance to chiropractors: a commentary.” Chiropractic & osteopathy vol. 14 25. 18 October 2006, doi:10.1186/1746-1340-14-25
LaPelusa, Andrew. and Bruno Bordoni. “High-Velocity Low Amplitude Manipulation Techniques.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 6 February 2023.
Navid, Muhammad Samran, et al. “The effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation on central processing of tonic pain – a pilot study using standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA).” Scientific Reports vol. 9,1 6925. 6 May. 2019, doi:10.1038/s41598-019-42984-3
A joint is where two bones meet. The two sacroiliac or SI joints connect the spine, pelvis, and hips. This strong joint balances and transmits stress from the upper body to the pelvis and legs. The joints can suffer a sprain causing pain and discomfort symptoms. There can also be the feeling of tightness wrapping around the waist and dull aching across the low back as the surrounding muscles tighten up as a form of protection, also known as muscle guarding. A correct diagnosis is vital to avoid any potentially serious complications. Chiropractors are experts on neuromusculoskeletal problems and can treat, heal, and strengthen the body through various MET, mobilization, and manipulation techniques.
Sacroiliac Sprain
The main function is to balance the upper and lower body forces. The sacroiliac joints are surrounded by muscle, connective tissue, nerves designed to withstand large stresses and a complex system of ligaments, further strengthening the joints.
Injury Causes
Sacroiliac sprains can be caused by direct trauma to the pelvis from a fall or automobile collision or jobs and sports that involve a lot of bending and twisting. However, sometimes there is no distinct cause. Common causes include:
Repetitive microtrauma is excessive/repetitive movements like prolonged twisting, bending, or lifting at work, home, physical activities, and sports.
The joint can be pushed out of alignment.
Muscular imbalance or weakness in the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joints can cause problems to develop over time, presenting little or no symptoms.
The tissues around a sacroiliac joint also can be stretched or torn.
Trauma such as a fall or road traffic accidents
Problems with the hips, knees, and feet can generate increased pressure on the joint, which can become painful over time due to repetitive strain.
Pregnancy hormones released to promote pelvis relaxation can increase the risk of SI sprain injury.
Excessive stress on the joint can cause microscopic damage to the ligaments surrounding the joint. The joint then becomes inflamed and presents with pain and sensations of discomfort. The body responds by contracting the muscles to prevent further damage. However, the muscle spasms may not stop, resulting in more pain. Referred pain is common from the muscles that go into spasm, with the most affected being the piriformis, gluteal/buttock, and psoas muscles.
Signs and Symptoms
Tenderness over the affected joint and area.
Pain symptoms on one or both sides above the joints and into the buttocks.
Standing or working with increased weight on one leg increases pain symptoms.
Pain after lifting or twisting that develops a little while later.
Pain travels to the back of the leg, front of the thigh, and the groin.
Pain gets worse when sitting and bending forward.
Lying down eases the symptoms.
Most cases report no loss of strength, tingling, or numbing sensations.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment will relieve the pain symptoms, but there are stages of treatment, each with specific goals before moving to the next.
The objective of the initial stage is to decrease pain and inflammation.
The second stage is stabilizing and restoring proper musculoskeletal function.
Rehabilitation and targeted stretches and exercises will be introduced as the treatment continues.
In the maintenance stage, there should be no pain, and the individual should be able to perform normal daily activities and return to normal life.
Recovery time for a sacroiliac sprain can be 4-6 weeks but can take months to heal completely.
Chiropractic Approach for Pain Relief
References
BIDWELL, A M. “Treatment of sacroiliac sprain by manipulation.” The Medical World vol. 65,1 (1947): 14-6.
Evans, P. “Sacroiliac sprain.” American family physician vol. 48,8 (1993): 1388; author replies 1390.
LeBlanc, K E. “Sacroiliac sprain: an overlooked cause of back pain.” American family physician vol. 46,5 (1992): 1459-63.
Sun, Chao, et al. “Cost and outcome analyses on the timing of first independent medical evaluation in patients with a work-related lumbosacral sprain.” Journal of Occupational and environmental medicine vol. 49,11 (2007): 1264-8. doi:10.1097/JOM.0b013e318156ecdb
Intercostal muscles are the muscles within the rib cage, commonly called the intercostals, which connect the ribs and make up the chest wall. An intercostal muscle strain refers to an injury between two or more ribs. If these muscles become overstretched, restricted, or suffer damage, it can cause inflammation and significant pain in the middle and upper back. Intercostal muscle strain is a common injury in athletes and physically demanding jobs. Chiropractic care and massage therapy can realign the vertebrae with the ribs and loosen and relax the muscles to increase circulation and restore mobility and function.
Intercostal Muscle Strain
The intercostal muscles have different layers attached to the ribs to help build the chest wall and assist in breathing. There are 11 intercostal muscles on each side of the rib cage. Each set is located between connected ribs in the upper and mid-back and consists of the following:
External
These are the outermost intercostals, responsible for expanding the chest during breathing to help inhale air and allow full deep breaths.
The external intercostals originate at the lower edge of a rib and run diagonally to attach to the upper edge of the rib below.
They are found in the rib cage’s back, sides, and front.
Internal
These sit directly underneath the externals and help collapse the chest during breathing to exhale.
The muscle fibers run perpendicular to the external intercostals, moving diagonally from front to back along the ribs, and are in the entire rib cage.
Innermost
These sit directly underneath, run parallel to the internal intercostals, and run from the back of the rib cage to each side.
The veins, arteries, and nerves lie between the internal and innermost intercostals.
When an intercostal muscle gets twisted, overused, or stretched too far, it can tear, causing muscle strain. Often radiating pain along the rib cage is experienced that extends to the back.
Causes
An intercostal muscle strain often occurs as the result of an injury or overexertion of the muscles. Common causes include:
Trauma to the rib cage, such as from a fall or automobile collision.
Impact trauma from sports or physical activities.
Over twisting the torso beyond its normal range of motion from lifting weights, sports, yoga postures, or dance positions.
Repeatedly reaching overhead for work or tasks like cleaning or painting.
Lifting heavy objects above shoulder height.
Repetitive torso movements.
A sudden increase in physical activity that the body is not used to can also lead to intercostal muscle strain.
This can happen when a lack of conditioning or unhealthy postures weaken muscles.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms can vary, depending on the severity and cause. Symptoms can include:
Intercostal muscle spasms.
Mobility difficulties.
Inflammation, swelling, and sensitivity in the affected area.
Stiffness and tension, causing upper back pain.
Upper back and rib pain.
Tenderness in the area between the ribs.
Muscle rigidity when bending or twisting the upper body.
Gradual worsening pain after repetitive movements.
Worsening pain when coughing, sneezing, or breathing in deeply.
Severe and sudden pain, particularly if caused by direct trauma to the chest or back.
Chiropractic
Diagnosis involves the individual’s medical history and a physical exam to check for movement limitations and assess affected and sensitive areas. Once the inflammation is reduced, chiropractic and physical therapy will focus on the following:
Pain relief treatment.
Breathing exercises.
Posture training.
Stretching under supervision.
Strengthing exercises.
Most cases fully heal within 6 to 8 weeks.
Rib Muscle Injury
References
De Troyer, A et al. “Mechanics of intercostal space and actions of external and internal intercostal muscles.” The Journal of clinical investigation vol. 75,3 (1985): 850-7. doi:10.1172/JCI111782
Lord, Michael J, and William G Carson Jr. “Multiple Rib Stress Fractures.” The Physician and sports medicine vol. 21,5 (1993): 80-91. doi:10.1080/00913847.1993.11947575
Morrison W. What is an intercostal muscle strain? Medical News Today. Jan 2020
Page P. Current Concepts in Muscle Stretching for Exercise and Rehabilitation. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2012;7(1):109-119.
Park, Kyung-hee, et al. “Difference in selective muscle activity of thoracic erector spinae during prone trunk extension exercise in subjects with slouched thoracic posture.” PM & R: the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation vol. 7,5 (2015): 479-84. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2014.10.004
Tran H. Causes of Intercostal Muscle Strain. Spine-health. October 2017
Yoo, Won-Gyu. “Effect of a combined thoracic and backward lifting exercise on the thoracic kyphosis angle and intercostal muscle pain.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 29,8 (2017): 1481-1482. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1481
Yoo, Won-Gyu. “Effect of thoracic stretching, thoracic extension exercise and exercises for cervical and scapular posture on thoracic kyphosis angle and upper thoracic pain.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 25,11 (2013): 1509-10. doi:10.1589/jpts.25.1509
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