Throbbing, dull and achy, sharp and excruciating. All of these words can be used to describe lower back pain.
Unfortunately, lower back pain is a common occurrence in adults. According to the American Chiropractic Association, low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, with millions of reported cases�every year.
What Treatment Should You Seek If You Experience Pain in Your Lower Back?
The good news is that it often heals on its own. A few days of over-the-counter pain meds, ice,�and taking it easy, and you could be back to normal.
However, those who continue to deal with the pain after a few weeks’ time may choose to look for other solutions. This is also true for people who experience repeated flare-ups, or chronic lower back pain.
One of the best and most popular options is chiropractic care.
Why?�
First of all, chiropractic care doesn’t focus solely on the pain but helps the body heal itself. Chiropractors understand the bones,�muscles, discs, and nerves�in the back, and can figure out the reason for the pain.
From there, they can create a customized treatment plan from compresses to spinal manipulation to exercises that help heal the area and reduces the pain.
Second, It’s A Drug-Free Solution.
Because of its healing, therapeutic approach, chiropractic treatment tends to the source of the pain, instead of simply dulling it. Spine Universe estimates 6 to 12 treatments are typically needed to treat low back pain, but each person’s requirement may vary.
Throughout these�treatments, spinal alignment begins�to balance the other parts of a person’s back and helps correct the issue causing the pain. Also, spinal manipulation helps improve mobility and function in many cases, whereas drugs alone do not.
Finally, Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain Also Helps Minimize Relapses
Patients who experience lower back pain never want to deal with it again, but�it can flare up periodically. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, roughly 20% of those who suffer from low back pain will eventually deal with it chronically. This can cause frustration, primarily when it affects mobility.
Before you run screaming in horror to the medicine cabinet, one of the best reasons to participate in chiropractic treatment is that it helps reduce the chance of a recurrence. By working on the total body and getting it in the best shape possible, the patient is stronger and more balanced to handle their workload and other strenuous activities. Chiropractors also impart advice on how to minimize the chances of re-aggravating the lower back.
Millions of people suffer from back pain each year, and some never visit a chiropractor. Those who do choose chiropractic treatment are privy to treatment that reduces their pain, increases healing, shortens their downtime and lessens their chances of a recurrence. If over the counter medication and ice packs haven’t worked within a few days, it’s time to make an appointment for a consultation with a licensed chiropractor. You will be happy you did.
Back pain can be debilitating, causing immobility, inflexibility, and have a significant impact on a person�s quality of life. It can make even the most mundane daily activities extremely difficult � and even excruciating. Building the muscles that make up your core (abdominals and back) can help support your spine and reduce back pain. In many cases, strengthening these muscles can assist a patient to avoid medication with its unpleasant side effects and even avoid surgery. With just a few smart moves you can significantly decrease your back pain, increase your mobility, and take back your life.
The Role of Abs and Back Muscles
The spine is the supporting structure for the back, but it also is a vital infrastructure for the entire body. It houses the central nervous system, and neural impulses are transferred along what is�a spinal superhighway.
The arms, legs, neck, and head are all connected and stabilized by the spine through an intricate network of ligaments and muscles. The back muscles and abs, or abdominal muscles, are at the center, or core, of this muscle network. They keep the body upright and facilitate movement. When these core muscles are not in good condition, it puts stress on the spine, impacting its ability to support the body. This often results in back pain and even injury in some cases.
Postural Alignment
Postural alignment is a frequent contributor to back pain. This is often due to weak core muscles.
As the muscles fail to do their job to stabilize the spine, the body adjusts structurally to accommodate the weakness. This can result in postures that cause joint pain as well as muscular pain and even headaches.
For instance, stooped or hunched shoulders can cause back pain, but it can also create tension in the shoulders and neck. This, in turn, can cause tension headaches and migraines in patients.
A sway back, where the lower back bows, causing the pelvis to tilt up, can cause severe lower back pain, especially after standing for long periods of time. Swayback can be the result of weakened core muscles or a combination of a weak core, combined with obesity or pregnancy.
The weight in the abdominal area pulls the spine forward so that it curves. A pregnancy sling can sometimes help with the pain, but it is just a band-aid. The real cure is to strengthen the core muscles so that they are better able to support the spine and body adequately.
Foundation Training
Eric Goodman, a chiropractor, developed Foundation Training as a way to help his patients who suffer from lower back pain but are not physically able to do Pilates or yoga. It is also designed to help those who sit for long periods of time to counteract the associated adverse health effects.
Foundation training incorporates powerful yet straightforward movements that work to integrate the body�s muscular chains, increasing strength and realigning the core and spine. It does not require any equipment so the actions can be performed anywhere. The muscles are trained how to move correctly and work together so that you the body learns to move how it is designed to move. The critical, essential exercise can be viewed in this video.
Creating a strong core can help relieve back pain but also have added benefits such as increasing energy, better mobility, and an improved mood. By allowing the body to support itself, it can naturally relieve pain and heal certain conditions without invasive surgery or medication which can have unpleasant or even harmful side effects. When you take good care of your body, it will take good care of you.
If you�ve ever had a rib slip out of place, you know well the extreme pain it can cause. Every breath can be excruciating. Movement and laughing can also be very painful. It can be located in the back, side, or front on of the ribcage. It is often confused with other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, a heart condition, pleurisy, or heartburn. The area is usually very tender, and sometimes the area will swell, and a lump will form over the joint. Chiropractic care has been proven to be a very effective treatment for this painful condition.
Structure of the Rib cage
Many people believe that the ribcage is a fixed skeletal structure that houses and protects the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. That is only partly true.
The ribcage is somewhat flexible. Note how the chest expands when inhaling. This is because each rib is attached to the spine by three joints in the back, and to the breastbone by one joint in the front. These joints are small but do allow some movement or flexing so that the ribs do not impair breathing. Instead, they rise and fall with each breath.
However, these joints can become inflamed, and that is where the problems start. Because breathing is an involuntary response � and necessary for life � it is impossible to avoid movement in these joints. When there is inflammation in one or several, it can be unbearable.
Causes of a Rib Subluxation
There is any number of reasons for a dislocated rib. Some experience it by doing simple, everyday things like putting dishes in the dishwasher or putting the milk in the refrigerator. Some of the more common causes include:
Extreme sneezing or coughing � Excessive or severe coughing such as is associated with bronchitis or pneumonia puts a great deal of strain on the ribcage. However, even coughing due to a common cold can add enough stress to cause the rib to dislocate. Sneezing very hard can also cause it. Often the illness associated with coughing and sneezing can make a person more susceptible to rib dislocation due to the weakened state of the muscles.
Excessive vomiting � Much like sneezing or coughing, vomiting can also cause this condition. While it does not necessarily involve the lungs, the convulsive action of vomiting can cause a rib to �pop.�
Exercise � Working out can cause the ribs to move out of position, particularly if the person has poor or improper form, or if they do a lot of work with their arms extended in front of them. This is especially true when weights are involved. The muscles involved in the movement may not be strong enough to handle the added weight and movement combination, causing the rib to move out of place.
Improper Posture � Poor posture puts stress on the body, including the spine which, in turn, puts pressure on the posterior portion of the ribcage. Over time, this can cause ribs to dislocate.
Pregnancy � As a woman�s body changes toward the end of her pregnancy, her weight shifts to the front. This can create a continual downward pull on her rib cage, increasing her risk of rib dislocation.
Pain or discomfort in the area of the chest or back.
Swelling and bruising in the affected area.
The formation of a lump over the injured rib.
Extreme pain and difficulty when breathing, trying to sit up, or while straining.
Painful sneezing and coughing.
Pain when moving or walking.
Difficulty breathing.
Numbness or paralysis in nearby or surrounding ribs.
Tenderness in the affected area.
Treatments for a Dislocated Rib
Chiropractic care is considered one of the best, most effective treatments for dislocated or subluxated ribs. Once the chiropractor has determined that the rib is out of place, he or she will often begin by using various techniques that will �loosen� the area, making the muscles more pliable.
They may do this by using stretching, massage, or a vibration tool. They will then apply gentle but firm pressure to �pop� the rib back into place. In some cases stabilization may be used after to keep the area protected, allowing it to heal. The treatment is usually far less painful than the condition, and some patients report not experiencing any pain at all.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that typically begins during adolescence or in a person�s early twenties and occurs more often in men than in women. However, once experiences onset, they are affected for the rest of their lives. It is estimated that between 0.2% and 0.5% of individuals in the United States suffers from ankylosing spondylitis. �It can cause significant pain, discomfort, and immobility. While there is no cure for the condition, the symptoms can be treated, bringing some degree of comfort and mobility.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis, or AS, is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine. While the vertebrae are primarily involved, it can also affect other joints as well, including the hips, shoulders, heels, ribs, and the small joints of the feet and hands.
In some cases, the heart, lungs, and even eyes can be involved. If left untreated, the condition can progress, causing chronic pain that can be severe as the spinal inflammation increases. More advanced cases can cause the spine to grow new bone formations so that it is immobile, or fixed, sometimes resulting in kyphosis, which is a bowed or forward-stooped posture.
What Causes Ankylosing Spondylitis?
While genetics is believed to be a key player in the development of Ankylosing Spondylitis, the exact cause has not yet been determined. The majority of people who have AS also carry a specific gene that has been linked to the condition.
This gene produces HLA-B27, a protein or genetic marker, that more than 95% of Caucasians with ankylosing spondylitis have. However, some people don�t have this protein who develop AS and many people do carry this marker yet never develop the condition.
Researchers theorize that there may be other genes that may be involved, as well as environmental factors that trigger the gene activation, such as a bacterial infection, causing people who are susceptible to AS to activate it. Scientists have identified more than 60 genes that are believed to be associated with AS with only about 30% that are linked to HLA-B27 regarding overall risk. Other genes that have been identified as key to AS include IL-23, IL-17, IL-12, and ERAP.
It is also believed that AS can be triggered when the intestinal defenses break down, allowing certain bacteria into the bloodstream. This can, in turn, cause an immune response.
How is Ankylosing Spondylitis Treated?
AS cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated to relieve stiffness and pain as well as delay or prevent spinal deformity and other complications. The damage that it does to the joints is irreversible, so it is best if treatment is started before that occurs. There are several ways that AS is treated:
Medication � Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like indomethacin (Indocin) and naproxen (Naprosyn) are commonly used to treat the symptoms of AS. They can be useful in relieving pain, inflammation, and stiffness but may cause some side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding. This makes long-term use impractical and even unsafe. If NSAIDs do not help, other medications may be prescribed, including:
Golimumab (Simponi; Simponi Aria)
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
Adalimumab (Humira)
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Infliximab (Remicade)
Physical therapy – PT is often recommended to help with flexibility, strength, and pain relief. It can help with posture and prevent some of the more debilitating symptoms.
Surgery � Most people with AS do not require surgery, but it may be recommended if there is severe joint damage or pain. In some cases, it can cause significant damage to hip joints, and they will need to be replaced.
Chiropractic � Many patients with AS have with outstanding results with chiropractic treatment. It is non-invasive and does not have the unpleasant side effects that many medications have.
Chiropractic Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Chiropractors strongly recommend chiropractic treatment for the non-acute inflammatory stage of AS. Once the condition has progressed to acute joint disease, there is a very high risk of injury or damage to the connective tissue. Adjustments and exercise are used to relieve symptoms, but some of the traditional spinal manipulation treatments are not performed.
A chiropractor will also make recommendations to the patient regarding lifestyle changes that can help with symptoms, such as stopping smoking. Tobacco use can increase inflammation and damage connective tissue. They may also advise increasing their intake of omega three fatty acids in their diet. Regular chiropractic care can help patients manage symptoms and prevent disease progression, improving their quality of life.
Roberto Varela was always actively involved with chores at home before he started to experience neck, shoulder and leg pain. Due to his symptoms, Mr. Varela had difficulties engaging in regular physical activities, such as driving. However, after being recommended by his wife, he first received chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez, and Roberto Varela experienced tremendous relief from his neck, shoulder and leg pain, regaining his quality of life. Mr. Varela highly recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff for their services.
Shoulder Pain Treatment
Shoulder pain or leg pain is common; however, sometimes these problems don’t originate in the location of the symptoms. Shoulder and leg pain may also occur due to health issues in the neck or cervical spine. A variety of injuries and conditions can have their roots in improper posture, sports injuries or automobile accident injuries, causing misalignments, or subluxations, in the cervical spine or neck. Many healthcare professionals will discuss how damage to the cervical spine can be an underlying cause for shoulder pain and leg pain, among other symptoms.
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As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
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If you are considering going upright in your workplace or workspace, you are not alone. Companies large and small are recognizing the benefits of this healthy, spine-friendly way of working and they are incorporating it into their employees� workstations. It places the body in an optimal position, between standing and sitting to provide an ergonomic solution to working at a desk that saves space too. Even home offices are getting in on the movement. These case studies tell the stories of four companies that incorporated upright workspace technology for their organizations.
Shape Up
Rhode Island-based start-up company, ShapeUp, is a health and technology-centered small business with just employees. It manages the design and implementation of socially activated wellness programs in the workplace. They were looking for furniture that was high quality and sturdy enough to withstand a workforce that was very active. At the same time, it needed to promote good health to remain consistent with the company�s health-oriented ideals.
Their first step moving in that direction was to purchase several community upright workstations. This would allow employees to get upright at various points during the day. The feedback from employees was so great that upright workstations were placed in each employee�s work area.� They reported reduced back pain and increased energy, attributing it to the simple act of going upright.
FLUX
FLUX, based in San Francisco, is a small tech company with fewer than 50 employees. The venture-backed start-up created software that �reimagines sustainable building design.�
In 2012, Nicholas Chim, the company�s founder, began searching for body-friendly workstations that would help keep his energy level up and help him maintain his focus. He purchased an upright station for himself to�use in his work area. Many of the employees expressed great interest in this new workstation. Once, Chim came home from a business trip and found that one of the employees had taken over his upright station.
It was then that Chim realized he needed to purchase upright stations for all of his employees if he was going to keep them happy and healthy. He now offers upright workstations to all of his employees; all they have to do is request it.
Katie Rowe Mitchell
Katie Rowe Mitchell has a home office where she runs her start-up, Unfold Yoga + Wellness with her friend and partner Nicole Elipas Doherty. The company brings meditation practices and accessible yoga to organizations as a wellness measure for the companies� employees. She left a�longtime corporate job that left her feeling physically uncomfortable, overstressed, and overworked due, in part, to her sedentary work style.
She recognized the link between yoga and having more energy and better focus so she left her corporate job to start her own company that would bring yoga to be stressed out workers. In her own home office, Katie wanted a more active work style, and an upright workstation was the answer. It keeps her engaged in mind, body, and spirit. She has a newfound sense of freedom that sitting behind a desk for hours every day did not provide. Going upright opened a whole new world for Katie.
Wikimedia Foundation
Tech non-profit Wikimedia Foundation is based in San Francisco and has 200 employees. It powers several collaboratively edited projects including Wikimedia. When the company decided to redesign their office space, they decided that they wanted to create a work environment that empowered and encouraged employees to work together. They chose a dynamic environment with an open floor plan � and they included several upright stations. These workstations were grouped so that all of the employees would have an opportunity to use the stations at different times. The standing desks also proved to be space saving and took up less room in the work area than traditional desks and chairs.
Sleeping. New parents chase it, Type A personalities fight it, but everyone needs it. The thing is, most people don�t get enough of it. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 45 percent of adults in the United States report that in a seven day period lack of sleep affected their daily activities.
Sleep quantity is not as much of a problem as sleep quality. Around 35 percent of people who said they slept for 7 or 8 hours a night still reported that their sleep quality was �only fair� or �poor� and 20 percent said that they did not feel refreshed upon waking. When a person is dealing with pain, such as lower back pain, it can make it even more difficult to get a good night�s sleep.
The Importance of Sleeping
Sleep is vital for good health. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cites insufficient sleep as a contributing factor to a variety of conditions including obesity, diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular disease. It is also a significant contributing factor in many machine related crashed, worksite accidents, and automobile accidents, leading to injury, disability, and even death.
Sleep allows your body to heal and the spine to rejuvenate. It helps you handle stress better and manage pain more effectively. It is an essential part of good health so making sure that you get good quality sleep should be a priority � and it is possible. These are the best sleep positions to get your best sleep when you have lower back pain.
Stomach Position
Sleeping on your stomach is usually the least back friendly sleep position, but some people can�t sleep any other way. Take the strain off of your back by supporting it with a pillow under your lower abdomen and pelvis. Using a pillow may put too much stress on your back, so you might need to try to sleep without one. Another alternative is to use a flatter, less fluffy pillow. Try different positions, such as drawing one leg up or splaying your legs more until you find on that is right for you.
Back Position
If you sleep on your back, you likely won�t be comfortable just lying flat. Try different positions such as placing a rolled towel under your knees or the small of your back to provide added support. Use a good pillow to support your neck. Some pillows are made specifically for people who sleep on their backs; you may want to give it a try.
Side Position
Many people with lower back pain find sleeping on their side to be the most comfortable sleep position. If you sleep on your side, pull your knees up slightly so that they are almost perpendicular from your body. You may have to make some adjustments to how bent your legs are before you find a position that takes the pressure off of your back. Place a pillow between your thighs and knees. You may want to use a body pillow to provide even more support all along your legs.
A Word about Your Pillow and Your Bed
The position that you sleep in can help relieve your back pain, but getting good quality sleep will help you manage your pain much better so it should be your goal to get a�good, restful sleep every night. You should change out your pillow on a regular basis.
Pillows can get worn and no longer deliver the support they once did. If you are waking up with neck or back pain or headaches, it could be your pillow. Additionally, studies show that making your bed every day improves your quality of sleep. Make sure that the temperature is comfortable and avoid electronic devices for about an hour before bedtime. Be kind to your body; make sleep a priority.
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