Chiropractors are typically viewed as back pain doctors. Over years of practice I have seen every type of patient you could imagine, from; Professional athletes to little leaguers, work-from-homers to over-the road-truckers, 90-year olds and 9-day olds.
After giving hundreds of thousands of adjustments I have learned two major truths about back pain:
Truth #1
It can be debilitating. Even a muscle strain can make something as simple as getting out of bed a horrific experience.
Truth #2
It can be fixed - and it's not as complicated or expensive as you may think.
The first step in fixing a problem is identifying the cause. So let's take a look at the 3 major regions of the back and why they hurt.
1 - Lower back pain
The pain you typically feel on one side at a time right around the belt line and hips. It can be so intense that walking or even sitting becomes difficult and if the nerves and discs become involved you may feel pain, tingling or numbness in the legs or feet.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Disc Herniations - Bulging and herniated discs typically come from traumas like a car accident but they can also develop from long term degeneration or microtraumas like running and certain sports. Determining a disc herniation and its results, like sciatica, should be assess by a professional
Muscle Spasms - Muscle spasms can be some of the worst pain you have ever experienced. One wrong movement can cause sharp stabbing pains. Sometimes they develop from an improper lift of a hard day of physical work, others develop for no particular reason at all.
Poor Posture - This happens more than you may think. Sitting, slouching and bending all day puts tremendous strain on the lower back muscles that can lead to herniations, degenerative arthritis and spasms.
Exercise with Lower Back Pain
5 Best Stretches for Low Back Pain
Stretching can be therapeutic and relieving for low back pain but it's important to remember that sometimes stretching - while relieving in the moment may in fact be worsening the problem - If you are concerned that you may have more than a little muscle tension -Consult a chiropractor.
3 Best Exercises for Lower Back Pain
Everyone needs to strengthen their body - when it comes to injury recovery and prevention - nothing beats strength training. But before you start throwing the weights around you should have a plan in place. And if you are dealing with any low back symptoms like pain, tingling, weakness or numbness - talk to a doctor first.
2 - Neck Pain
Common Causes of Neck Pain
Tight Trapezius Muscles - Your “traps” are the muscles between the neck and shoulder - maybe the most commonly irritated muscle. This can cause pain both in the shoulders and in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades.
Disc Herniation/Disc Bulge - The discs of the neck are commonly thought of as shock absorbers - this is a bit misleading because their primary function is mobility. If too much strain is put on the discs from posture, repetitive movements or traumas like a car accident they can protrude outward causing local pain and radiating nerve pain.
Muscle Spasm - This commonly happens after a poor night of sleep or a workout with bad form. Muscle spasms can be severe enough to prevent you from working, driving and may even cause migraines.
How Do I Know If My Neck Pain is Serious?
Sometimes a mild “tweak” of the neck can cause irritation for a day or two - sometimes it's a sign of something more serious. If you had any type of trauma - like a fall or car accident, if it's severe in pain, if it radiates, makes breathing difficult, if you’re getting dizzy or losing coordination, visual disturbances or difficulty swallowing - it's time to get a professional evaluation.
How to Relieve Neck Pain
5 Best Stretches for Neck Pain
Stretching can be a simple at home routine that can sometimes provide immediate relief. If you are going to integrate stretching into your daily routine I suggest consulting a chiropractor or physical therapist to learn what is the best stretch for your neck.
5 Best Exercises for Neck Pain
Strength training is beneficial for everyone. It may be the most effective way to recover from old injuries and prevent new ones. Again - If you are new to exercise or having more serious neck symptoms - consult a professional - Exercises can be done for the rest of your life - so start with a little bit of guidance to build your plan.
3 - Relief of Upper Back Pain
The pain typically felt between the shoulder blades can be an annoying ache or a severe stabbing pain. This is very common with desk workers and drivers due to slouched posture but this can also be a sign of something much more serious. A proper evaluation may be necessary.
Mobilizing the mid back can provide instant relief in some. This may be the first step to relieving your pains
Imaging having a back brace custom fit for you to take with you everywhere. Now imagine building it out of your own muscles for free. Performing the correct exercises for your condition is one of the best ways to fix pain and prevent future issues.
Conclusion
Back pain may seem like a minor issue for some, but if you have ever experienced it - you know that it affects every aspect of your life. Exercise is more difficult, sleep gets interrupted, work is exhausting when you are in pain and your quality of life diminishes.Simple exercises, stretches and daily habits can make back pain a thing of the past.
If the advice above helps, we want to know!
If you are concerned that your symptoms may be more than muscle tension and want an individualized professional evaluation of your spine, follow the links below!
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Dr. Mike Sebastian
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