Back Pain -- Hoekstra Chiropractic
Chiropractic and Back Pain
Back pain affects most of us at one point in our lives. You may have lifted something heavy or participated in an activity that caused a few muscle strains and acute back pain. For some, back pain is chronic in nature and can range from a minor annoyance to debilitating pain.
We tend to abuse our backs. We lift things that are too heavy and usually without bending our knees and using our leg and core strength. For some, back injuries come from those weekend warrior activities, whether it’s a landscaping mishap or playing softball.
As well, back pain can come from chronic degenerative conditions. The discs that cushion the vertebrae become worn due to aging and misuse. The coverings of the discs might tear causing a herniated disc. The discs can also become “deflated,” which results in a bulged disc that extends beyond its normal parameters. When the spine is in poor shape, something as minor as a sneeze can lead to sudden excruciating and debilitating pain! And you may not know for many years that your back is slowly but surely deteriorating.
Your back is compromised of bones (vertebrae and facet joints) cartilaginous discs, muscles, tendons and ligaments (connect bone to bone or bone to muscle), nerves (including the spinal cord) and blood vessels. There is also fascia which is a connective tissue.
Every component of the back is intertwined and meant to function together. Injuries to the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) such as sprains, strains and tears result in painful inflammation and a potential for nerve entrapment or impingement (pinched nerve).
Arthritis and degeneration of the bony vertebrae and facet joints leads to limited mobility and compromises the integrity of the other components. This can also lead to a pinched nerve as well as spinal misalignment. Spinal misalignment can lead to further degeneration. Disc degeneration leads to excessive wear and tear on the vertebrae and facet joints. A herniated disc leaks fluid and irritates the soft tissue causing painful inflammation.
You can see how chronic back conditions can occur. As one area is injured, it affects another area and so forth. And remember that the spine protects the spinal cord and nerves that is the all-important hub of communication from the brain to the rest of the body. When this communication system is compromised, it can lead to problems in other areas of the body.
It’s important to nip the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the back.
Your Oak Lawn, IL chiropractor can evaluate your back pain and recommend a customized treatment plan to restore spinal health and prevent further back pain and complications. Of primary importance is to restore spinal alignment through gentle spinal manipulation, adjustments and decompression. Soft tissue massage can reduce painful inflammation and restore fluid flow to provide a better healing environment.
Your Oak Lawn, IL chiropractor can also recommend a continued maintenance plan to help keep your back injury free. Maintaining back health through regular chiropractic appointments is much like visiting your dentist for regular cleanings to avoid major and expensive problems down the road.
Advice on exercises and nutritional supplements will also be given to help you develop core strength and improve overall musculoskeletal health. Chiropractic care considers the patient as a whole and continuously strives to improve overall health.
Please call your Oak Lawn, IL chiropractor today to schedule an appointment and start down the painfree path! Find out how Dr. Hoekstra can ease your back pain today!
