Chiropractic Hits Back!
Back pain’s ability to utterly incapacitate an otherwise healthy man or woman has few equals among human maladies. Research suggests that eight of ten people suffer significant back pain at least once in their lives, while for many, undetected and uncorrected back trouble becomes a permanent part of life.The possible causes are many and seldom occur alone. Here are a few of the many possibilities: Pinched nerves, short leg syndrome, whiplash injury, falls, swayback, incorrect lifting, repetitive overuse injuries, poorly fitting backpacks, sport and work injuries, postural abnormalities, spinal weakness, obesity, inactivity and undetected subluxation.
Two Misunderstood Causes of Back Pain:
The nerve-rich facet joints on the back side of each vertebra are a common cause of back pain. The pain can be a sign that these interlocking “fingers” aren’t moving correctly. The discs between spinal bones can also be involved. Trauma can cause the soft, pulpy material in the middle to bulge, putting pressure on nearby nerves.
Slipped Discs & Pinched Nerves:
A disc can’t slip. But, it can wedge, bulge, protrude and herniate. The disc is a special piece cartilage between the vertebrae. It attaches to the vertebrae above and below it. This creates the separation and space between vertebrae so that pairs of nerves can exit the spine and continue on towards various organs in your body.
Disc degeneration may lead to irritation of spinal nerves and contribute to endometriosis, infections (bladder, vaginal, kidney), urinary retention, prostate problems, miscarriage, sterility, impotence, cystitis, menstrual cramps and constipation. It is not uncommon for an individual with low back pain to also suffer from one or more of the above problems.
Aren’t Disc Problems Simply the Normal Aging Process?
No. All of your discs are the same age – the problematic ones aren’t any older, they’re the ones that have been under the most stress as a result of years of neglect. Many subluxations are without symptoms until they are complicated by degeneration. Our team adjusts many older patients who have maintained their spine throughout their lives and enjoy excellent spinal health and function!
What About Sciatica?
Sciatica is the distracting pain that begins in the lower spine and extends down one or both legs. It typically worsens with periods of sitting or standing. The discs between the vertebrae of the lower back are often involved.
Trauma can cause one or more discs to bulge. This crowds nerves, causing irritation and inflammation. Coughing, sneezing or other kinds of movement can be painful. If neglected, the nerve irritation extends down one or both legs along the sciatic nerves. The pain appears in the leg, but the culprit is often subluxation in the lower spine! It’s often easy to trace some subluxations to an event, such as a car accident. Yet, sciatica is often the result of cumulative damage. Years of bad posture, poor muscle tone, excess weight or other countless causes can set the stage. Then, something like bending over to tie your shoe can trigger an episode. Spinal decay can be another culprit. Instead of disc thinning that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve roots, arthritic bone spurs can intrude into the space normally reserved for the nerve to exit the spine.
But I Didn’t Do Anything, So How Can A Disc Be Involved?
This is a common comment. Because our bodies are unusually adaptive, we can often accommodate a variety of stresses for years. Finally, like the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” we turn or bend in a funny way, and suddenly our spine succumbs to the accumulation of stress.
Can Chiropractic Cure Low Back Pain, Disc Problems & Sciatica?
Actually, chiropractic doesn’t cure anything – only your body can do that. The chiropractic approach to low back pain and its complications (and every other health problem) is to help the way your spine works, reducing nerve irritation and revitalizing your own healing ability. Specific, gentle chiropractic adjustments at Great Plains Chiropractic and Wellness can help your spine “right itself.” By restoring the shape and position of your spine, your nervous system is allowed to work without stress or compromise, allowing your body to begin to heal. If you want to be healthy, you should continue to receive chiropractic care throughout your entire life!
Explain It To Your Friends Like This:
“Please, before your problems get worse, have a simple chiropractic spinal check-up. You get your eyes, teeth and blood pressure checked, why not your spine?”
Remember, this month’s Theme of the Month is Low Back Pain. This month, all of your friends, co-workers and family members who are battling with Low Back Pain are entitled to an initial subluxation check-up. Be sure to speak to a member of our team to get your “New Patient Welcome Packet” that you can give to the friend, co-worker or family member that you have in mind.
For Your Health,
Dr. Mark Hardwick and Dr. Mitchell Jacobs