It can be challenging for individuals trying to keep their homes clean with chronic back pain. Can learning and proper body mechanics help manage household responsibilities without aggravating pain symptoms?
Household Chores
Household-related back problems usually occur because we don’t take the time to consider how to move and perform the tasks from a musculoskeletal perspective to avoid and prevent injuries. Most ergonomic tips for household chores revolve around the same ideas for athletes and fitness enthusiasts: maintain a neutral spine, avoid twisting when possible, strengthen the body’s core, take regular breaks, stretch, and don’t overdo it. A healthy body mechanics system works for those who garden as well. Using strategies like cleaning a little here and there instead of taking an entire day whenever possible and organizing tools ahead of time along with training oneself how to perform them in a way that the spine, back muscles, and the entire body are protected from injury, pain, sciatica, or re-injury. However, implementing proper body mechanics requires a willingness to become aware of how each task is performed and to retrain the body where necessary to a healthier method/technique and a happier household.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is one of those chores that can quickly lead to a habitual bent-over posture. This is not recommended for the spine’s health; slouching, whether from a position held for a sustained period of time or an activity that requires repetition, can lead to problems with the intervertebral discs and pain symptoms. (Nazari J., Pope M. H., and Graveling R. A. 2012) Another posture that individuals tend to engage in is vacuuming with an overly straight back. Like slouching, keeping the spine rigidly over-extended while vacuuming can irritate the spine and cause muscle spasms. It can also increase the normal low back curve, which, in turn, may lead to extra tightness and a painful back.
Vacuuming with healthy body mechanics includes employing a minimal lunge that stays in a pain-free position that does not extend beyond the comfortable position. Individuals should place one foot in front of the other for a short distance. The stance is similar to the way fencers position themselves. This allows a shift forward and back during the vacuuming process instead of bending or rounding over at the spine. For those with sacroiliac joint issues, the forward placement of one leg may be more comfortable than the forward placement of the other. Try out and use the side that feels comfortable, and stick with that. Do not work in pain or through the pain. Switching legs and/or arms can help avoid muscle fatigue or injury triggers. Place the non-vacuuming hand on the thigh in front to help take the weight and pressure off the back. Maintain the pelvis in a level position when working. Another strategy for those who can get up and down from the floor without trouble is to vacuum while kneeling on one knee. This brings the body’s center of mass closer to the floor, reducing the degree to which the body has to deal with the force of gravity. Kneeling while vacuuming may also help prevent rounding over at the spine.
Dusting
When dusting, reduce the load off the back by propping the inactive arm on the item or area being cleaned. Alternatively, prop the arm on the thigh.
Laundry
In a large household, it is very easy to overdo laundry and trying to finish up as much as possible can lead to pain symptoms and injuries. If possible, break up the loads that have to be lifted or carried into smaller bundles that weigh less. This can mean more loads, but the strategy protects the back and spine. Avoid extremes in the spinal position; don’t round over at the spine or keep it rigid and over-extended. Lift with the legs and protect the discs. Adjustments that can be made to the basic lift with the leg and not the back strategy include putting the laundry basket on a table or chair that is preferably the same height as the washer or dryer. This will minimize bending. To relieve pressure on the back, use one hand to load the washer, dryer, or laundry basket while using one of the appliances to prop the other hand.
Dishes
During dishwashing, use a small step stool or box to help prevent injury and/or relieve pain. Place it in the cabinet under the sink and rest one foot on it. This strategy can work well for those with sacroiliac joint problems, especially if the foot on the pain-free side is the one placed on the box or stool. Ensuring foot placement reduces pain and discomfort and does not cause pain. Using a box or stool can also help with core stability. Core stability is one of the best ways, in general, to prevent injury and keep low back pain away. (Coulombe B. J., Games K. E., Neil E. R., and Eberman L. E. 2017) As the box is directly under the sink, the body has to firmly position itself against the counter, providing stability during the task. The box or stool will contract the pelvic and hip muscles and strengthen the core.
Sweeping
Many sweep, mop, and rake with their spines, which can be counterproductive to health, as twisting and bending simultaneously is a known risk factor for a herniated disc. (Shimia, M. et al., 2013) Use the arms and legs instead of overly involving the back during sweeping and raking. The idea is to reach and pull the broom or sweeper with the arms rather than twisting around to reach all the areas working with one leg in front of the other. When needing to change directions, pivot on the back leg, keeping the trunk relaxed, equivalent to a tai chi movement. Or, turn the whole body in different directions by taking small steps. Taking small steps or pivoting on the back leg to change the direction of the trunk and arms protects from overuse and extensive wear and tear.
Adjustments for a new method of household sweeping and raking include:
Sweeping or raking about 1 to 2 feet in front to avoid overreaching and strain.
Maintaining the spine in one long, flexible, but unbroken line.
The head, shoulders, rib cage, pelvis, knees, and feet should always face the same direction and be vertically balanced relative to one another.
This will mean changing directions by pivoting the back leg or moving the whole body around, taking small steps.
Consider using an ergonomically designed broom, sweeper, mop, rake, and other household tools. This will be a bend in the handle or stem to help avoid bending.
Injury Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop personalized treatment programs. We focus on what works for you and use an integrated approach to treating injuries and chronic pain syndromes to improve flexibility, mobility, and agility, relieve pain, and help individuals return to normal activities. Our providers use Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine principles. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers if other treatments are needed.
Heel Spurs
References
Nazari, J., Pope, M. H., & Graveling, R. A. (2012). Reality about migration of the nucleus pulposus within the intervertebral disc with changing postures. Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 27(3), 213–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.09.011
Coulombe, B. J., Games, K. E., Neil, E. R., & Eberman, L. E. (2017). Core Stability Exercise Versus General Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain. Journal of athletic training, 52(1), 71–72. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-51.11.16
Shimia, M., Babaei-Ghazani, A., Sadat, B. E., Habibi, B., & Habibzadeh, A. (2013). Risk factors of recurrent lumbar disk herniation. Asian journal of neurosurgery, 8(2), 93–96. https://doi.org/10.4103/1793-5482.116384
Footwear can cause lower back pain and problems for some individuals. Can understanding the connection between footwear and back problems help individuals find the right shoes to maintain back health and relieve pain?
Footwear Back Pain
The back provides the strength for physical activities. Back pain affects daily life and can have various causes. Unhealthy posture, walking, twisting, turning, bending, and reaching can contribute to back problems that result in pain. According to the CDC, 39% of adults report living with back pain (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Improper footwear can also contribute to back pain. Selecting footwear carefully can help bring pain relief and help maintain spinal health. Individuals can enjoy less pain and manage symptoms by choosing shoes that maintain spinal alignment and protect the feet from blunt impact.
Understanding the Back Pain-Footwear Connection
Improper footwear could be the cause of lower back pain. What impacts the bones at the bottom of the neuromusculoskeletal system radiates upward and affects the spine and back muscles. What footwear is used travels upward, impacting gait, posture, spinal alignment, and more. When back problems originate from the feet, these are biomechanical issues. Biomechanics means how the bones, joints, and muscles work together and how changes in external forces impact the body.
Movement
When the feet impact the ground, they are the first extremities to absorb shock for the rest of the body. Individuals will start to walk differently if they have a problem or change in their feet. Wearing shoes with improper support can increase the wear and tear on the muscles and joints, leading to awkward and unnatural movement. For example, consider the difference between standing on tiptoes in high heels and the natural flat-footed state. Well-cushioned shoes help absorb impact and lessen pain sensations. The pressures on each of the joints shift balance, which causes instability problems with less pressure on some and more on others. This creates an imbalance that leads to pain and joint conditions.
Posture
Maintaining a healthy posture is another factor in preventing or alleviating back pain. With the right footwear, the body can maintain a healthier stance and the right curvature throughout the spine, and it helps distribute the weight evenly. This results in decreased stress on ligaments, muscles, and joints. (Harvard Health Publishing. 2014) It’s recommended to see an orthopedist to get to the root of an individual’s condition. For some, a herniated disc, sciatica, automobile collision, fall, unhealthy ergonomics, or a combination, as well as other underlying issues, may be contributing to their back pain.
Shoe Types and Their Impact on The Back
How various shoes impact posture, potentially causing or relieving back pain.
High Heels
High heels can definitely contribute to back pain. They change body posture, causing a domino effect on the spine. The body’s weight is shifted to increase pressure on the balls of the feet, and the spine’s alignment becomes altered. High heels also affect how the ankles, knees, and hips move when walking, balance, and how the back muscles operate, all of which can worsen back pain.
Flat Shoes
Flat shoes may not be the best choice for spinal health. If they lack arch support, they can cause the foot to roll inward, known as pronation. This can contribute to misalignment, which can strain the knees, hips, and lower back. However, they can be a decent choice if they provide arch support. When wearing flat shoes with healthy support, the weight is distributed evenly on the feet and the spine. This helps maintain correct posture, which can help prevent and/or alleviate back pain.
Sneakers, Tennis, and Athletic Shoes
Sneakers, tennis, and athletic shoes can relieve back pain with thorough cushioning and support. Choosing the right ones involves determining the activity that will be done in them. There are tennis, running, basketball, pickleball, skating shoes, and more. Research what features will be needed for the sport or activity. This could include:
Heel cups
Insole cushioning
Wide base
Other features to meet individual foot needs.
It is recommended that athletic shoes be changed every 300 to 500 miles of walking or running or with any signs of unevenness when placed on a flat surface, as worn-out soles and degraded materials can increase the risk of injury and back pain. (American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, 2024). If a certain pair puts the legs, hips, or ankles into an unnatural position or impedes regular movement, it may be time to replace them.
Choosing the Right Shoes
The ideal solution for choosing shoe wear is to get a gait analysis and a review of how you walk and run. Various healthcare professionals may offer this service to tailor each individual’s search for the right shoes for back pain. In gait analysis, individuals are asked to run and walk, sometimes on camera, while a professional notes physical tendencies, like when the foot hits the ground and whether it rolls inward or outward. This provides data on affected posture, movement, pain levels, how much arch support is needed, and what type to wear to help prevent back pain. Once the analysis is complete, it will guide you on what to look for, such as what level of arch support, heel height, or material is best for you.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic specializes in progressive, cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, practical strength training, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after trauma and soft tissue injuries. We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional and integrative Nutrition, Agility and mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages. Our programs are natural and use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, unwanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We have teamed up with the city’s premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-quality treatments that empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living and live a functional life with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain.
Benefits of Using Custom Foot Orthotics
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Back, lower limb, and upper limb pain among U.S. adults, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db415.htm
Harvard Health Publishing. (2014). Posture and back health. Harvard Health Education. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/posture-and-back-health
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Ayne Furman, D. F., AAPSM. (2024). How do I know when it is time to replace my athletic shoes?
Sciatica From Working Out: There are benefits from strenuous exercise and a level of acceptance of the discomfort that goes with exertion. While this is true to a certain degree, when individuals feel the pump and are in the workout zone, it can be very easy to take off and overdo it. This is when the body and the back become susceptible to injuries. Sciatica from working out occurs when added pressure on the sciatic nerve results in a compressed/pinched nerve. Left untreated can lead to further back problems and other health issues. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team can relieve the compression, release the nerve, relax the muscles, and restore function.
Sciatica From Working Out
Microtrauma
Building muscle and increasing strength require a certain amount of physical damage to the muscles for successful progress. Intense and heavy exercise tear the muscle tissues causing microtrauma that triggers a healing response that creates muscle mass. These micro-injuries can cause the back muscles to tighten up, shifting the spine out of alignment, causing the discs to slip and compress nerves, or by tight leg muscles like the piriformis swelling and squeezing the sciatic nerve.
Causes
Rest and Recovery
It’s important to understand that proper recovery is essential to an exercise program.
It can take up to 72 hours to recover from the microtears.
Individuals that go right back for a similar workout can aggravate existing micro tears while creating more, resulting in a downward cycle of symptoms that can lead to other problems or become a chronic condition.
Rotating to exercises that go easy on the back and leg muscles assists in the normal healing and development of muscle tissue.
Not Warming up Before Workout
Not warming up before exercising can cause injuries.
When muscles are cold and not warmed up properly, they can become stiff and inflexible, causing them to strain and tear when exposed to sudden, intense exertion.
Before performing any exercise, always start with a low-impact, gentle warm-up.
Not Stretching Properly or at All
Full-body stretching is necessary as the torn, tight muscles need to be relaxed and kept loose.
Make sure to stretch the hamstrings and hips thoroughly.
After each workout, take 10 minutes and stretch.
Not Stretching After
Always do some stretching after a workout.
Stretching after can help prevent muscle fatigue and soreness from a lactic acid buildup.
Starting With Heavy Weights
Many injuries happen because individuals start too heavy.
Challenging the body’s performance is part of the process but should be done in small steps.
Start with lighter weights and add more gradually.
Improper Posture and Form
A leading cause of back problems is poor posture and form.
Curving the back while lifting weights is the most error.
Overarching can also cause injury.
When performing push-ups or planks, avoid sinking the hips.
Hard Surfaces
For runners, hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt force the body and back to absorb most of the impact.
This compresses the vertebrae, which can irritate the sciatic nerve.
Rotate by using running trails or a treadmill.
Work on running with a shorter stride to reduce bounce and impact.
Incorporate cross-training.
Rotate upper body strength training to give the legs, gluteals, and back muscles a rest.
Chiropractic Rehabilitation
Chiropractic care, massage, and decompression therapy can relieve sciatica pain. Using spinal manipulation techniques and other therapies, chiropractors can alleviate the pressure on the nerve. Treatment involves:
X-rays are taken so that the chiropractor can understand the cause.
Massaging the muscles to relax and release them and increase circulation.
Stretching and applying controlled pressure to the joints.
Specific exercises and stretches will be recommended to do at home.
Health coaching and nutrition and wellness recommendations.
Personalized Sciatica Treatment
References
Bonasia DE, Rosso F, Cottino U, Rossi R. Exercise-induced leg pain. Asia Pac J Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Technol. 2015;2(3):73-84. doi:10.1016/j.asmart.2015.03.003
Cook CE, Taylor J, Wright A, Milosavljevic S, Goode A, Whitford M. Risk factors for first-time incidence sciatica: a systematic review. Physiother Res Int. 2014 Jun;18:65-78. doi:doi:10.1002/pri.1572
Koes BW, van Tulder MW, Peul WC. Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. BMJ. 2007;334(7607):1313‐1317. doi:10.1136/bmj.39223.428495.BE
Lewis RA, Williams NH, Sutton AJ, et al. Comparative clinical effectiveness of management strategies for sciatica: a systematic review and network meta-analyses. (PDF). Spine J. 2015;15(6):1461-77. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2013.08.049
Salehi, Alireza, et al. “Chiropractic: Is it Efficient in Treatment of Diseases? Review of Systematic Reviews.” International Journal of community-based nursing and midwifery vol. 3,4 (2015): 244-54.
Cue sports use a cue stick to strike billiard balls off and around a pool or equivalent table. The most common game is pool. Although these are not contact sports, various musculoskeletal injuries can manifest. Therefore, it is recommended to know the common injuries so that they can be self-treated or treatment can be sought before the condition worsens. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can relieve symptoms, rehabilitate the body, and restore mobility and function.
Cue Sports Injuries
Sports medicine doctors say cue sports players suffer from sprains, strains, and fractures, among other injuries. Cue sports players are constantly:
Bending
Reaching
Twisting
Stretching their arms
Using their hands and wrists
Performing these constant movements and motions for extended periods increases the risk of sustaining injuries. Common symptoms include:
Inflammation
Warmth or heat in affected areas
Swelling
Tightness in the affected areas
Pain
Decreased range of motion
Injuries
Back and Waist
The posturing can cause individuals to tense their muscles, increasing the likelihood of injury. With all the bending, waist and back injuries are common. Back issues include:
Pinched nerves
Sciatica
Sprains
Strains
Herniated discs
Individuals with existing spine conditions or osteoarthritis have an increased risk of injury.
Shoulder, Arm, Wrist, Hand, and Finger
The shoulders, hands, wrists, and fingers are in constant use.
This can lead to overuse injuries affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones.
Consistent stress can lead to sprains, strains, or bursitis.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when too much pressure is applied, causing tendons to inflame.
This could lead to swelling and pain and could lead to long-term damage.
Foot and Ankle
The feet can slip when stretching too far while setting up and taking a shot.
This injury usually happens when trying to balance on one foot.
Slipping can lead to a sprained ankle or something worse, like a torn ligament or fractured foot.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments combined with massage therapy and functional medicine can treat these injuries and conditions, relieving symptoms and restoring mobility and function. When the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bones are properly aligned, recovery and rehabilitation progress faster. A chiropractor will also recommend stretching and exercise programs to help maintain the adjustments and prevent injuries.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
References
Garner, Michael J et al. “Chiropractic care of musculoskeletal disorders in a unique population within Canadian community health centers.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 30,3 (2007): 165-70. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2007.01.009
Hestbaek, Lise, and Mette Jensen Stochkendahl. “The evidence base for chiropractic treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents: The emperor’s new suit?.” Chiropractic & osteopathy vol. 18 15. 2 Jun. 2010, doi:10.1186/1746-1340-18-15
Orloff, A S, and D Resnick. “Fatigue fracture of the distal part of the radius in a pool player.” Injury vol. 17,6 (1986): 418-9. doi:10.1016/0020-1383(86)90088-4
The low back is a common source of discomfort and soreness among volleyball players because of repetitive jumping, bending, and rotating of the trunk. Adolescents have an increased risk of this injury because their vertebral bones are still developing, which increases the risk for stress fractures. Chiropractic care, massage therapy, decompression, rest, and athletic training can help expedite pain relief and heal the injury.
Volley Back Pain
Muscle or ligament strains are the most common injury from repetitive jumping, bending, rotating movements, and hyperextension during serving, hitting and setting. This can lead to excessive compression forces on the discs and joints, causing reduced blood circulation, increasing the risk of overload injuries. One study reported that low back pain is experienced in 63% of players. However, if low-back pain is accompanied by pain that runs down the leg along with numbness or weakness in the foot or ankle, the issue could be a herniated disc.
Causes
One common reason is endurance imbalances in the muscles that stabilize the low back. The core muscles provide stability to the low back and spine for all movements. If imbalances are present, a player may spike or serve the ball with intense turning and arching. The added actions cause increased pressure in the joints and hip, gluteal, and leg muscles, affecting the spine’s stability.
The gluteals run from the back of the pelvis/hip bones down to the outside of the thigh.
The gluteal muscles prevent the trunk and hips from overbending forward when landing.
If the gluteal muscles do not have the strength and endurance to perform this motion, the upper body will bend too far forward, causing poor landing posture and decreased spine stability.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Studies have shown that players with low back pain tend to stand and land with an anterior pelvic tilt. This is an unhealthy posture when the front of the pelvis tilts forward, and the back of the pelvis raises. Landing hard with an anterior pelvic tilt causes increased arching and increases the pressure in the joints.
Chronic back pain
Warning signs of a more serious back problem include:
Pain that has lasted for more than 1 week and is not improving or getting worse.
Pain that prevents sleep or causes the individual to constantly wake up.
Difficulty sitting.
Back soreness when performing basic tasks and chores.
Significant pain on the court when jumping, landing, or rotating.
Chronic pain ranges from aches to shooting or throbbing pain that can run down the buttocks and legs.
Chiropractic Care
A chiropractor can alleviate volleyball back pain, rule out a more severe injury, such as a stress fracture or herniated disc, and provide a healthier and faster recovery. According to a study, athletes who received chiropractic care showed better speed and mobility. Quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination depend on an optimal functioning nervous system. 90% of the central nervous system travels through the spine. When one or more spinal segments are misaligned, the effect on the nervous system can seriously impact and disrupt nerve circulation, affecting speed, mobility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination. Chiropractic adjustments will:
Relax and reset the back muscles.
Realign and decompress the spine.
Remove the pressure around the nerve roots.
Strengthen the core.
Improve and increase range of motion, strength, and overall endurance.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt
References
Haddas R, Sawyer SF, Sizer PS, Brooks T, Chyu MC, James CR. “Effects of Volitional Spine Stabilization and Lower-Extremity Fatigue on the Knee and Ankle During Landing Performance in a Population With Recurrent Low Back Pain.” J Sport Rehabil. 2017 Sep;26(5):329-338. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2015-0171.
Hangai M. et al., Relationship Between Low Back Pain and Competitive Sports Activities During Youth, Am J Sports Med 2010; 38: 791-796; published online before print January 5, 2010, doi:10.1177/0363546509350297.
Jadhav, K.G., Deshmukh, P.N., Tuppekar, R.P., Sinku, S.K.. A Survey of Injuries Prevalence in Varsity Volleyball Players. Journal of Exercise Science and Physiotherapy, Vol. 6, No. 2: 102-105, 2010 102
Mizoguchi, Yasuaki, et al. “Factors associated with low back pain in elite high school volleyball players.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 31,8 (2019): 675-681. doi:10.1589/jpts.31.675
Movahed,Marziehet al. (2019). “Single leg landing kinematics in volleyball athletes: A comparison between athletes with and without active extension low back pain.”
Sheikhhoseiniet al. (2018). “Altered Lower Limb Kinematics during Jumping among Athletes with Persistent Low Back Pain”
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts work hard to stay in shape, but they are also at an increased risk for a lumbar hyperextension injury. Lumbar hyperextension injuries happen when the low back is bent backward repeatedly or overarches repeatedly. The repetitive stress can lead to severe complications and damage the nerves, vertebrae, and backbones. Motorized decompression therapy could be a treatment option.
Lumbar Hyperextension Injury
Injuries can be caused by overuse, improper mechanics and technique, lack of proper conditioning, insufficient stretching, or trauma. When looking for symptoms of lumbar hyperextension injuries, the first is low back pain that is severe and lasts at least a few days while becoming more intense with time. The lower back pain that worsens when extending, or arching the back, in addition to stiffness, muscle spasms, radiating buttock and thigh pain, tight hamstrings, and difficulty standing or walking, can be indicators of a lumbar hyperextension injury. However, this could be difficult to distinguish from other injuries like muscle strain, disc herniation, and stenosis; this is why a proper examination by a medical professional is recommended.
Treatment
Initial treatment consists of resting, sitting out from the sport, and other activities that could aggravate the back.
A doctor may recommend over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Heat and ice can also be used to increase circulation and relieve pain.
If hyperextension of the back continues even after rest, it could signify a stress fracture in the vertebrae. This condition is referred to as spondylolysis.Spondylolysis is an overuse injury. It occurs in individuals who participate in sports like gymnastics, diving, volleyball, football, and weight lifting. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are common in adolescent athletes experiencing lower back pain.
A doctor may assign a back brace to prevent movement, allowing the bone to heal back together.
A doctor could also recommend physical therapy for 6-12 weeks after the diagnosis and once the bones have had time to heal.
Rehabilitation exercises focus on improving back flexibility and strength.
Athletes can be cleared to return to their sport within 3-6 months.
Surgery is rarely necessary and only looked into if the individual continues to have persistent pain after 6-12 months of treatment.
This changes the spine’s position, takes the pressure off the nerves and discs, and restores the cushioning.
As the machine pulls the body, a vacuum effect fills the discs with oxygen and nutrients to stimulate healing.
Computer technology controls treatment duration, angle, intensity, and relaxation.
Prevention
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are recommended to seek professional help to retrain how they perform repetitive and excessive high-impact activities. Specifically, those involving hyperextension movements like kicking, jumping, running, and back bending help minimize the risk of developing a back injury. They are also recommended to maintain body conditioning, back and hamstring flexibility, core muscle strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and properly warming up and stretching before and after the physical activities.
DOC Decompression Table
References
Ball, J.R., Harris, C.B., Lee, J. et al. Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Review of the Literature and Current Treatment Recommendations. Sports Med – Open 5, 26 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-019-0199-7
Carter, D R, and V H Frankel. “Biomechanics of hyperextension injuries to the cervical spine in football.” The American journal of sports medicine vol. 8,5 (1980): 302-9. doi:10.1177/036354658000800502
Goetzinger, Sara, et al. “Spondylolysis in Young Athletes: An Overview Emphasizing Nonoperative Management.” Journal of sports medicine (Hindawi Publishing Corporation) vol. 2020 9235958. 21 Jan. 2020, doi:10.1155/2020/9235958
Lawrence, Kevin J et al. “Lumbar spondylolysis in the adolescent athlete.” Physical therapy in sport: official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine vol. 20 (2016): 56-60. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.04.003
Low Back Pain: Could it be a Spondy? Nationwide Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-articles/low-back-pain-could-it-be-a-spondy.
All can help relax muscles, relieve pain and increase mobility.
Proven Reduced Back Pain with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
Kent S. Greenawalt, President, and CEO of Foot Levelers discuss how custom foot orthotics can help reduce back pain, low back pain, and sciatica.
In a recent research study published by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), researchers demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics help considerably reduce back pain and several of its associated health issues.
The research study also demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care help tremendously reduce low back pain and sciatica.
Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care helped improve the patient’s overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX. can help provide these benefits through the utilization of chiropractic care and Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics, among other treatments.
NCBI Resources
Pain in the upper and/or mid-back is not as common as lower back or neck pain. The upper back is called the thoracic spinal column, and it is the most secure part of the spine. The reach of movement in the upper back is limited because of the backbone�s attachments to the ribs (rib cage).
Upper back pain is generally caused by soft tissue injuries, like sprains or strains, muscle tension caused by bad posture, or looking downward for long time spans (eg, texting, mobile phone use).
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
Shoe Types and Their Impact on The Back
