Low back pain is a very common problem, second only to the common cold as a reason for a doctor visit. In fact, at least 8 out of 10 people will have low back pain at some point in their lives, with more than 95% having the problem more than once. Muscle spasms, Trauma, Accident, Repeated damage to the spine, Heredity, Aging, Disease, Irritated nerves, Referred pain from other body organs, Stress, Poor Posture, Poor muscle tone, Excess weight, Strenuous activities, Inactivity are all causes of low back pain.

Even others symptoms, which seem unrelated can be important clues as to the source of your problem- such as abdominal pain, menstrual pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation.

An adjustment is intended to decrease muscle spasm and to help restore normal mobility to the painful area. The increased mobility helps promote circulation and helps ensure proper nutrition to the joints and spine, and is thereby believed to decrease irritation, inflammation and pain.

Gentle adjustment of the spine is given to alleviate the pain you are suffering and to correct as much as possible the area that is causing the problem. Adjustments are given after the initial pain is gone so that the area becomes strengthened and stable so that the first time you lift something or move a certain way your back goes out again and you have the same problem again. Each time that happens it becomes more chronic and hardly to stabilize and achieve maximum correction. 

Backache

B-A-C-K-A-C-H-E spells trouble. It is your body's way of telling you that it cannot take it anymore and something must be done. It you have had it for a long time or very frequently it is a cause of serious concern.

The reasons for backaches can be divided into 4 general categories. However usually there is not just ONE reason for backaches, often it is a accumulation of things that finally build up and then your body cries out in pain.

1. Muscle Spasm & Pain could be a result of a strain or sprain to your back. This could be caused from a misstep, turning, lifting and twisting at the same time, a fall or an automobile accident. More often than not a person complains of back pain when nothing at all has seemed to happen.

When nothing at all has seemed to happen often it is a result of weak under-exercised muscles. The body is build bilaterally and should be symmetrical or equally balanced on both sides. If one side is stronger or weaker the muscles may tug on the vertebrae in the back and this can result in a subluxation. 

Another cause for backache is muscle spasm by over-exertion or over use. Muscles need a time to relax and working or playing in the same position for long periods of time causes stress to the muscles. How many people do you know that sit for long periods of time and never get up to stretch for a while? Emotional tension is another cause of back pain, as well as poor posture. 

Often the above type of pain is in the lower back only over a wide area but does not always travel down the leg or have a shooting type of pain.

2. Pinched nerves can result from the above situation. If the vertebrae is pulled out of alignment (Subluxated) and nothing is done about it other more serious problems may result. Number 1 above is muscles, ligaments and tendons; now you have subluxations resulting in pinched nerves. This pain can travel to other parts of the body.

3. Pain can be caused from other parts of the body. Irritation or pinching of a nerve due to a subluxation can cause pain anywhere along the distribution of the nerve. This is called Neuralgia. Many times a person will complain of a deep pain. They may complain of pain down to their calves, toes, or heels. If not corrected it may develop into numbness or tingling, sometimes referred to as "pins & needles".

4. Pain can be caused from disease of the spine. Many types of arthritis can cause back pain. Cancer can of course cause back pain. These diseases are serious. That is why a complete Chiropractic examination is given to find the cause of the pain and correct if possible. In some cases you would be referred to another specialist. Luckily these types of back pain only account for about 5% of the cases.

Conclusion: We have seen that they are many reasons for back pain, the imbalance of the bony framework; muscles, ligaments and tendons. Subluxations causing pinched nerves which can alter the function of the muscle or internal organ to which it goes. Without normal nerve function, good health is not possible.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic I utilize the results of an x-ray examination in addition to my Chiropractic, Postural, Orthopedic & Neurological exam to determine the cause of your problem. In some instances outside laboratory tests or an MRI may be ordered. Once we find the cause you will be given "adjustments" to your spine. In this way the nerve interference is removed to allow your body to heal. Gentle adjustment of the Spine, Nutrition, & Massage Restores Natural Good Health. Remember there is No Charge for Consultation. Email with your questions or call for an appointment.

Call Dr. Mel Derickson D.C. with any other questions you may have. 937-426-9225