How to Relieve Back Pain
Can Chiropractic Help Back Pain?
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is second in prevalence only to the common cold. It affects more than 80% of people. Although many of us are aware that the common cold is due to a viral infection, back pain is often perplexing to its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the puzzle.
Anatomy
Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is very useful in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back consist of posterior joints called facets that join vertebrae to one another and serve to dictate the action of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are comprised of a form of tough cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The primary function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. It is connected to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is positioned between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae.
Causes of Back Pain
A large number of back pain victims have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cumulative effects of unhealthy sitting posture, harmful work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of healthy exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related factors cause most back pain. These cumulative factors create stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, some may injure their back just by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already put in jeopardy and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the challenge. When this happens, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.
Disc Problems & Sciatica
Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles around the spine can happen during and after prolonged sitting, particularly in a unsuitable position. Eventually the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, letting the soft nucleus to distend the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it creates the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. Sadly, if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition isn’t managed correctly, surgery may benecessary to clear away the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc complications, including sciatica, can be alleviated. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms defined above, it is very important for you to seek chiropractic assistance.
Spondylosis
Increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive assault to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. This stress can unfavorably affect the cartilage around the joints and cause calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. These spurs can restrict adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis - is a type of arthritis that seems to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. But, influences such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic treatment and overall chiropractic management is very effective in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as aiding Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has assisted many Spondylosis sufferers.
Sacroiliac Problems
The sacroiliac joints are a general area of dysfunction or injury in the low back. These weight-bearing joints attach the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. Disturbances from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and change to an abnormal position. This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Women may encounter this condition during or after their pregnancy. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can create a functional long and short leg. Individuals with this problem will feel pain particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and exhaustion. Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in correcting this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can get effective pain relief.
Spinal Subluxation
Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a common disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. Subluxations are not only painful, but they can constrict the nerves as they exit the foramen (or spaces) between the vertebrae, causing paraesthesia. Paraesthesia is an alteration of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities usuallyoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is commonly associated with nerve challengesin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also belinked to, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best corrected by chiropractic adjustments.
Trauma
Damage such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause trauma to the spine and lower back. Often these traumas create over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this takes place a person can encounter considerable pain and immobility. Proper chiropractic treatment at the onset of symptoms is very important in order to avoid long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.
When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and skilled treatment for any of the above-mentioned dysfunctions of the spine and lower back.
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