Chiropractic care, which includes a combination of joint and vertebral adjustments, is often used for back pain management and prevention. Chiropractic care helps to decrease the frequency and duration of back pain. The most common question we get in our practice is “Is back pain age-related?”
Not necessarily, older adults may suffer from back pain due to degeneration of the joints however younger adults can suffer from back pain due to a number of reasons.
It is estimated that 8 in 10 people in the United Kingdom will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain can be caused by multiple causes and if not dealt with appropriately can have a debilitating effect on daily life. In certain cases, chronic back pain (lasting longer than 3 months can have a negative effect on your mental, emotional, and social well-being, often impacting on family, work, marriage and self-confidence.
Spondylolisthesis: is a slipping of vertebra that occurs, in most cases, at the base of the spine. Spondylolysis, which is a defect or fracture of one or both wing-shaped parts of a vertebra can result in vertebrae slipping backward, forward, or over a bone below. We address the spinal joints above and below the slipped vertebra—helping to address the mechanical and neurological causes of the pain, not the spondylolisthesis. This can help relieve low back pain and improve motion in the region.
Specific spinal adjustments: we identify the joints that are restricted and perform a gentle technique that helps to return motion to the joint by better control of the soft tissues and stimulating the nervous system. Instrument-assisted adjustment: We apply force using a hand-held instrument applying gentle and specific impulses into the spine.
Lumbar disc herniation: The inner core of the disc may lead out and irritate a nearby nerve root, causing sciatica (leg pain). Sciatica: a term used to describe radiating pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, running from your lower spine through the buttock and down through the back of the leg and into the foot. It flares when the sciatic nerve is irritated or pinched by any of a range of problems in your lower back.
Our adjusting techniques are very specific and only adjust the areas under the most pressure, allowing the body to self-healing and promoting correct rehabilitation.
Trigger point therapy: we identify specific hypertonic (tight), painful points on a muscle and by applying direct pressure we can help the muscles relax, and release pressure on the joint.
TIPS and EXERCISES
Cold vs Hot: Generally, it is best to apply cold therapy to the lower back in the first 24 to 72 hours following a lower back injury. Cold therapy can help minimise the inflammation and swelling—which in turn may help reduce pain. Cold also helps minimise tissue damage and numb your sore tissues. Always ensure that there is something between the cold source and the area where you apply it to avoid cold damaging your skin (a towel tends to work). We do not recommend applying cold therapy for more than 20 mins at a time.
We recommend heat to treat chronic injuries and lower back pain that have occurred over time, as these conditions often respond better to heat. This is because heat stimulates blood flow to the area, which brings restorative oxygen and nutrients.
Additionally, heat can inhibit the transmission of pain signals to your brain and decrease your stiffness. If you suffer from back pain, you should avoid sitting down (desk, driving etc.) for long periods of time. If you must sit down, take a break, and walk for at least 5 to 10 mins.
References:
– Passive care and active rehabilitation in a patient with failed back surgery syndrome.
– Chiropractic Management of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Report of Positive Outcomes with Patient Compliance.
– Improved Spinal Alignment, Chronic Low Back Pain and Improved Quality of Life in a 62-year-old Patient Undergoing Chiropractic Care Following Failed Surgical Syndrome: A Case Study & Review of the Literature.