
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR BACK PAIN
If you are considering seeing a chiropractor for back pain, you are not alone. Over 7 million people visit a chiropractor for back pain each year and the numbers are growing.
Chiropractic care is a form of treatment for back pain and other pain issues in the body that has been around since the late 1800s.
Chiropractors practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to treating patients with ailments in their spine, joints, and muscles.
The word "chiropractor" literally means "done by hand." This term refers to the gentle use of manual manipulation of joints and other soft tissues to relieve spinal misalignments (subluxations) which may be causing pinched nerves or muscle spasms.
The goal is not just to relieve symptoms but also to help correct problems with an underlying cause so they don't recur. They can do this by analyzing your posture, gait, balance, and range. In this article, we will discuss how chiropractic treatment can help with your back pain so you can get relief!
WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN?
Back pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as injury or overuse. The most common cause is muscle strain from lifting something heavy without proper form and alignment (or improper use).
Other causes include:
Arthritis in the spine: This is the most common cause of chronic back pain.
Poor posture: This can lead to muscle strain and injury, or even disc herniations(when a part in your spine pops out). Poor alignment also causes wear on joints that may eventually result in arthritis over time if not corrected early enough!
Disc herniation: This leads to pinched nerves between vertebrae discs causing radiating back pains down one leg with numbness/tingling sensations into the foot. This condition may also lead you to feel like your legs are giving out when walking upstairs (sciatica).
PEOPLE THAT ARE PRONE TO BACK PAIN.
Construction workers: Construction workers often suffer from back pain due to heavy lifting, bending, crawling, vehicle operations, and extended periods on their feet.
Nurse: Nurses often suffer from back pain due to prolonged sitting, standing, or walking for long periods.
Bodybuilders: Bodybuilders and weightlifters can also suffer from back pain due to the strain on their spine from lifting heavy weights, squatting, and powerlifting.
Pregnant Women: Pregnant women typically experience back pain due to hormonal changes and weight gain that occurs during pregnancy. The extra weight puts pressure onto the lower body, which in turn places more stress upon a woman's pelvis (causing herniated discs).
This is why it is important for pregnant mothers who are experiencing any discomfort or symptoms of sciatica/herniated disc(s) such as tingling sensations down one leg with numbness into the foot should see an experienced chiropractor immediately!
Delivery Drivers: Delivery Drivers and Warehouse Workers are prone to back pain because of the constant bending, lifting, and driving.
Truck drivers: Truck drivers also suffer from back pain because of the long periods of driving while sitting in the cab of their trucks. Some of them also load goods into their truck regularly which can place pressure on the spine.
Office workers are also prone to back pain because of sitting at a desk for long periods, which can lead them into slouching over their workstation or hunchback posture that puts stress on your spine (causing herniated discs).
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT BACK PAIN?
Many back pain problems can be prevented with simple adjustments in our daily routines. Here are just a few suggestions that can prevent back pain:
Lift with your legs: Lift with your legs, not just by bending over and using back muscles to lift heavy objects from the floor or up off of furniture (use proper form).
Practice Good Posture: Keep good posture when standing for long periods. This will help keep you aligned properly so that there is less pressure on discs in between vertebrae which can cause pain later down one leg if they are pinched too tightly together due to improper alignment/posture.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting to protect your back: Sit on a chair with good lumbar support. If you are sitting for long periods, try to change positions every 20 minutes or so and stand up straight when doing this (use proper form). This will help keep your back aligned properly.
Maintain a healthy weight: This will help to take pressure off of your back. Exercising regularly, eating healthy food, and drinking enough water can help you maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, this can put a lot more strain on the discs in between the vertebrae.
STRATEGIES TO ALLEVIATE BACK PAIN AND GET RELIEF
If you are already suffering from back pain, there are several good strategies one can use to get relief. Here are 7 specific things you can do to get rid of pain in your back:
Heating Pad or Ice Pack
Use a heating pad or ice pack on the back to reduce inflammation and pain. (Note: do not apply heat for more than 20 minutes at one time, as it can cause additional damage.)
Apply an oversized towel between you (or your child) with a hot water bottle so that they don't burn themselves while using this method of relief from their symptoms; use cold packs if there is swelling present because these are known antiinflammatory agents which help relieve discomfort due to swollen tissues around nerves exiting the spine.
Do NOT put anything directly against the skin! Use only thin cloths such as towels/sheets, etc.; never place any type of object under sheets when applying either heated pads OR cool compresses!
Improve your posture to eliminate back pain
Poor posture can lead to several problems, such as chronic pain in your neck and back. Maintaining good posture is important not just because it looks better but also reduces the pressure on nerves that causes these pains. A great way to practice this throughout the day is by tensing up your abdominal muscles; you should automatically sit or stand up straight when doing so!
When walking, standing, or sitting, avoid slouching or bending forward, as this will cause the muscles in front of the spine and neck (the erector spinae)to tighten up; instead try sitting with a straight-backed chair that supports you from behind.
If possible use an ergonomic desk set at eye level so it is easier on the eyes/neck when reading text for long periods -of time. When standing be sure feet are shoulder-width apart while toes point outwards slightly which helps keep the pelvis aligned properly over hips & knees! DO NOT cross legs because they can put pressure onto the sciatic nerve exiting the lower lumbar region!
Exercise and stretch regularly to strengthen the back.
Here are a few simple exercises and stretches that can be done at home to protect your back:
Step 1: Lying on your stomach, place a small pillow under your head for support.
Step 2: Lift the upper body off the floor by using your arms.
Repeat this exercise as many times in sets of 20 before taking a break; OR lie flat with knees bent so feet touch ground behind you (like when sitting) then bring one leg up towards chest while keeping the other foot touching down below knee--repeat set until both legs have been lifted once each side!
Stretching is also important because it will help increase flexibility which reduces the stress placed onto muscles from being tense all day long or doing repetitive movements like lifting heavy objects over time without proper rest periods between repetitions.
Strengthen your core
The best way to make sure you have a strong, stable center is by strengthening the muscles that surround it. Your abdominal muscles and obliques are the ones responsible for holding every part of you in place without feeling taut or stretched out.
When these become weak from an inactive lifestyle—or when they're neglected despite regular exercise routines—they cause poor posture which results in back pain. Strengthening them can help improve your overall posture as well as relieve pressure on those precious lower-back nerves!
Support your back while you sleep
Different sleeping positions put added pressure on the spine. To help lessen this effect, try using a pillow to support your knees when you sleep; for example, if you are lying down and face-up then use a knee supporter or stack two pillows under one leg (try not to lie flat).
If you happen to be side-sleeping during slumber time, place another cushion between both of your thighs. You should also avoid laying in the stomach position as it puts the most amount of stress on vertebrae than any other posture does--not just yours but everybody else's too!
Get a massage for back pain relief
A massage is a great way to relieve back pain. A good masseuse will know how to find the knots in your back and work them out. You can also try self-massage by using tennis balls or other types of massage tools on yourself, but be careful not to put too much pressure!
See a Chiropractor for back pain
A chiropractor specializes in the spine and overall wellness of the body. A chiropractor can evaluate your back pain and provide a chiropractic adjustment that will help relieve your pain.
A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, hands-on treatment that helps to restore the natural alignment of joints and improve nerve function for your body's healing process to work more efficiently--helping with back or neck problems as well.
A good chiropractor is well-trained in the many tools, skills, and knowledge of the human body that can aid in back pain relief and all other types of pain in the body.
A chiropractor can also help with other health issues, such as headaches and digestive problems. Chiropractic care is a natural way to relieve pain without the use of medication or surgery--and it's safe for people who are pregnant!
THE BOTTOM LINE WHEN IT COMES TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR FOR BACK PAIN RELIEF
Back pain is a very common problem that can be caused by many things, such as injury, poor posture, etc. It can also be the result of an underlying condition or diseases like arthritis or osteoporosis.
Back pain is also one of the most common reasons for doctor visits in the US, and it’s a major cause of lost workdays. Even if you don’t have back pain now, you could develop it at any time due to an injury or accident.
The most important thing to do when experiencing back pain is not to ignore it and push through it because this will only make your symptoms worse in the long run.
Seeing a Chiropractor for back pain treatment is one of the best ways you can treat your lower back aches and pains without having to resort to drugs that may have adverse side effects on your body.
At the Wright Start Chiropractic, we specialize in spinal adjustments and other manual treatments that can relieve discomfort caused by misalignment of the spine, muscle spasms, joint dysfunction, and nerve interference.
We can also provide advice on how to maintain proper posture and ergonomics at home or work so you don't experience future problems.
Do you need to see a chiropractor for back pain? The Wright Start Chiropractic has helped many people with their back pain issues and we are confident we can help you too.
Schedule an appointment to see a chiropractor for back pain today!
Request an Appointment
Call (925) 757-3309 or complete the form below to book your appointment today.