The most common reason (and most likely your reason) for visits at Charge into Health Family Chiropractic. Back pain is either a mild or debilitating condition which comes from trauma from stressors with physical, mental and environmental factors. This condition can exist in the upper/mid back (Thoracic Spine) or the lower back (Lumbar Spine). In more serious cases, there can be a damaged disc of the spine, narrowing of the spinal canal (aka “Stenosis”) or a growth such as a tumor on the spine itself. These conditions can exhibit a pattern of pain which travels down to the foot and toes, which is known as “Sciatica,” which is considered to be a more serious condition.
It is our job at Charge into Health Family Chiropractic to correctly identify what type of back pain is present so that we can proceed with care and have success with treatments.
How does Back Pain present?
As explained in the paragraphs above, the main cause of back pain is due to repetitive trauma to the back itself. Trauma is classified in two different categories: “Microtrauma” and “Macrotrauma.” “Microtrauma” is due to repetitive stress on the spine due to a repetitive motion or a prolonged sitting/standing position, among other situations. “Macrotrauma” is due to a major trauma such as a slip, fall, sports injury, or motor vehicle accident.
Oftentimes, patients will describe pain with even the slightest movements or routine activities which can vary from achy, stiff, sharp, tension, numb, burning and in more severe cases, electrical.
Common Causes:
- Poor posture/spinal alignment
- Inactivity
- Prolonged Sitting/Standing
- Major Traumas (Slips, Falls, etc…)
- Stress (Mental, Physical, Environmental, Family…)
- Sports Injuries
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Underlying Disease or Pathology (Rare)
- Pregnancy
What is the most common cause of Back Pain?
Once the underlying cause has been determined, and any underlying disease or major problem is ruled out, the most common cause of back pain is mechanical in nature. In other words, the joints are “stuck” and are not moving the way they’re designed to. If this lack of movement goes unaddressed over time, pain and restriction of movement might arise. These can lead to degeneration (arthritis) of the spine, muscle spasms, bulging discs, and irritation of the nerves surrounding the back.
Inflammation of these lower back joints in more severe cases can lead to irritation of the Sciatic Nerve, which is a large nerve which travels from your low back down to your feet and toes. This will result in an electric shooting pain down the back of the leg.
How can Chiropractic help Back Pain?
At Charge into Health Family Chiropractic, we not only look at the symptoms associated with Back Pain, but the cause of other issues which might arise. Back Pain is usually not limited to one area, and can affect other areas of your entire body. There are a variety of factors which might contribute to your Back Pain, so it is important to provide an accurate diagnosis.
During this examination process, we will perform a variety of exams which include, but are not limited to: orthopedic, neurological, and muscle tests to find the cause of the problem. Once we have all of this information, you will be adjusted the same day. If we cannot adjust you, then you will be referred for X-Rays to see what is going on with the joints of your Lower and Mid Back.
From here, we will create a personalized plan to aid in your natural recovery without the need for drugs or surgery. The treatment will include spinal adjustments, muscle work, at home exercises, Kinesio taping, low back supporters, and lifestyle recommendations.
We will also be looking at any other factors which might have led to the injury and will help you make the modifications necessary to quicken your recovery and prevent further injury!