3 Lesser Known Low Back Conditions

1. Lumbar Stenosis

This condition occurs when there is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar vertebrae (low back). Often, this results in compression of the spinal cord, which can lead to pain, numbness, discomfort and radiating symptoms. This is usually mechanically caused by the degenerative changes of aging. However, there are other causes.

The main physical causes of this condition are:

• Degeneration of the lumbar spine
• Lumbar disc herniation putting pressure on the spinal cord
• Osteoporosis
• Dwarfism (achondroplasia)
• Tumor

Degeneration of the spinal column is inevitable with aging and may reflect normal changes in an aging spine. It does not necessarily always result in lumbar stenosis but is often the most common cause.

While it is difficult or impossible to combat normal aging of the spine, there are some habits and tips you can use to reduce this condition related to the other causes. Reduce your chances of a lumbar disc herniation by learning proper bending and lifting biomechanics. Crouch, rather than bending, and lift by utilizing the power from your legs and not your back. As far as osteoporosis goes, make sure you are meeting your recommended calcium intake as well as incorporating weight-bearing activities into your exercise routine (lifting weights). Post-menopausal women tend to be more susceptible to this condition and should ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent osteoporosis.

2. Facet Syndrome

Over half of facet syndrome cases occur in the neck (cervical spine), and a third occurs in the low back (lumbar spine). Facet joints are the small joints in the back of the spine that are responsible for much of rotational movement and limit side-to-side movement. The pain is often worst when moving from a sitting position to a standing position or moving from a bent-over position back to an upright standing position.

The main physical causes of this condition are:

• Excessive weight
• Overuse (sports or labor)
• Whiplash/motor vehicle accident
• Pre-existing arthritis
• Sitting for long periods of time

However, with the proper education, you can protect yourself from many of these causes. The primary sufferers of this condition, especially chronic cases, often are in poor physical condition with weak stabilizing paraspinal muscles. A comorbid factor of this condition is often a desk job that involves sitting for most of the day. This type of patient usually has poor sitting posture, which can lead to a weakening of your spinal erectors and destabilize the spine, contributing to the condition. The importance of a strong core and training your spinal muscles cannot be overstated.

In cases where the injury stems from a problem related to overuse, poor posture or improper exercise, there are steps that you can take to help prevent these injuries from happening. Proper instruction about your postural habits can reduce the detrimental effects of sitting on the spine. In addition, education about correct lifting form can reduce these episodes of low back pain and help you build a healthy spine.

3. Lower Crossed Syndrome

The abdominal muscles are inactive and not supporting the spine, while the spinal erectors are pulling the lumbar spine forward, resulting in something called hyperlordosis. This means that the spine in the lower back has an exaggerated curve, which can result in accelerated degeneration of the joints of the spine.

At the same time, the hip flexors are facilitated and are chronically tight while the gluteus muscles are inhibited and have reduced activation. This leaves the back muscles to do most of the work to extend the spine instead of the gluteus muscles keeping the pelvis level.

Back to Health Chiropractic’s Treatment Approach for These Low Back Conditions

1. Chiropractic spinal and extremity adjustments

Adjustments help restore normal motion, balance musculature and reduce pain.

2. Physiotherapy

Your chiropractor will use this to reduce acute pain and inflammation.

3. Muscle and soft tissue techniques

These help to reduce muscle pain and tightness and improve muscle/ligament function.

4. Therapeutic exercises

Specific “low tech” rehabilitation exercises and assisted stretches are given to improve flexibility, function, and strength and prevent re-injury.

5. Diet and supplement suggestions

An anti-inflammatory diet and specific supplements can help reduce neck pain.

6. Lifestyle modifications

Postural and repetitive stress activities may need to be addressed.

All these treatments depend on the needs and tolerance of each patient.

For more information or to get help treating your low back pain, especially these lesser known low back conditions, contact Back to Health Chiropractic today!

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How Can Spring Result in Back Pain?

In many instances, as fall gives way to winter, not only do we lose daylight, but the weather also becomes unsuitable for most, causing us to retreat indoors. As the cold air takes over we tend to become dormant like plants and animals, taking shelter in our homes. During this time, inactivity can take a heavy toll on our bodies, and specifically our muscles. While indoors, many of us resort to sitting in our favorite chair and letting our televisions entertain us for hours on end.

Sitting for long periods of time day after day can cause certain muscle groups, such as your hamstrings and hip flexors, to shorten and become weak. When we experience dysfunction in one muscle group, we tend to use or overcompensate with another. The result of overworking a muscle group almost always results in pain. For example, when we experience low back pain, it could very well be due to the dysfunction of another muscle group. That dysfunction can cause us to overwork the muscles of the lumbar spine. For that reason, it is so important to maintain an exercise and stretching regiment all throughout the year. So, as we get back outside and engage in the activities we love, it is important to start gradually allowing our bodies to regain strength and mobility that we may have lost during winter.

Seek Chiropractic Help for Back Pain

We at Back to Health don’t just focus on maintaining the alignment and functional health of the entire spine. We also care for the function and proper mobility of other joints and muscle groups throughout the body.   Something to remember: be vocal with the doctor when you are in for your regular adjustments! If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort in your joints or muscles other than the areas of the spine, please inform the doctor. If you do, we can treat a potential painful chain reaction resulting in pain and immobility of the spine.

Now that Spring Has Arrived, Let Us Get You Back to Health!

At Back to Health, we work with our patients on an individual basis. That means we give specific, age-appropriate stretches and exercises that address your condition and help you maintain a quality of life. It’s wonderful to be pain-free and able to perform the tasks and activities you love. Contact us today for an appointment!

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First of all, is chiropractic safe when you’re pregnant? Yes. Not only is it quite safe, it’s even provided at most chiropractors – including Back to Health Chiropractic. Read below how chiropractic care can help you during pregnancy.

Can Chiropractic Care Help During Pregnancy? 3 Major Ways

1. Pain Relief

Back and pelvic pain are common throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. The extra weight in your abdomen can cause muscle strains, especially in your lower back. Most chiropractors, including ours, are trained to treat pregnant clients using special, accommodating tables. No matter how far along you are, special adjustments can be made to help relieve back pain caused by pregnancy.

 2. Reduced Nausea and Discomfort

Nausea and vomiting occur more frequently in the first trimester of pregnancy, but these symptoms may appear anytime during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Discomfort and swelling in the joints can also pop up, leaving you feeling uncomfortable. Chiropractors can use adjustments and massage techniques to reduce discomfort caused by pregnancy.

 3. Smoother Labor

Research has shown that chiropractic treatment during pregnancy can reduce labor time by up to 40%. This can make a world of difference for anyone who is nervous about prolonged time in labor. Your treatment plan will vary with your doctor, but anywhere between 1-3 visits per month during pregnancy is proven to lead to an easier, smoother labor.

At Back to Health Chiropractic, we’re specifically trained in addressing needs of pregnant clients. Our wonderful clients can attest to this. Our mission is to provide gentle and effective care for each client, and pregnancy does not prevent you from a visit.

Not only can chiropractic care help during pregnancy, it is even recommended if you are suffering from frequent pain or concerned about your overall wellness. Give us a call today and see what we can do during one of the most joyous and life-changing experiences of your life.

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For that reason, it’s no wonder that Americans spend billions of dollars yearly to relieve these mental health issues. Most of that amount goes toward psychiatric care and medications.

However, when it comes to mental health care, chiropractic care is an effective partner to other types of therapy. Chiropractic care can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Let’s look at the link between your mind and your body – and how it affects mental health.

Where Can Anxiety and Depression Come From?

We can’t directly trace anxiety and depression to a single cause. These mental health conditions develop over time and from many factors. According to researchers, genetics is involved. But your family history is just a small part of the story. Stress, circumstances, and trauma can be involved.

And part of the cause may be physical – an existing medical condition.

As you deal with mental health, especially if you suspect you may have an illness, please hear this: you’re not alone. Many people struggle from similar emotions, thoughts, and responses. You should absolutely see a mental health professional. Therapy is a powerful tool to help bring relief. And medication has been useful and beneficial to many people. Not as a default, because side effects can be a struggle in themselves. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have.

As you seek mental health and focus on your mind, remember your body as well.

How Can Your Body Affect Your Mind?

For years, the symptomatic connection between mind and body was known but not proven academically. Until research into Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While being treated as a digestive disorder for so many years, IBS frustrated both patient and doctor alike. And IBS often affects many people with anxiety. After doctors started treating the mind as well as the body, IBS treatment became much more effective.

Since we know that the mind can affect the body, it makes sense that the body affects the mind. They’re intrinsically linked. When we treat both body and mind, patients find greater relief. When the body is cared for properly, the mind is relieved alongside it.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Mental Health?

If you’re seeking care for depression or anxiety, chiropractic care may be a great help to you. If you think about it, your thoughts aren’t the only symptom you experience. You probably also have symptoms like these:

• Tension headaches
• Neck or back pain
• Weakness

These are just a few of the symptoms we find in patients with mental health concerns. And chiropractic can be a useful tool to bring you relief. Your spine and neck are the main conduit for all your body’s nerve communication. When back and neck are aligned, your whole body functions better – and this helps you to think clearly and feel more emotional stability.

Lessening stress and tension in your body brings relief to your mind to some degree. Can chiropractic care help mental health? Yes.

If you have depression or anxiety, you may be the perfect candidate for chiropractic treatment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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However, arthritis is more complicated than its basic name suggests. It’s not just one disease. Doctors are aware of more than 100 unique types of arthritis – and many levels of severity. In fact, arthritis is the leading disability cause in the U.S.A. and afflicts over 50 million people.

If you have arthritis, you know how much it can hurt. But did you know how chiropractic can reduce arthritis pain? There are 2 major kinds of arthritis that regular chiropractic can help: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

For both types, your at-home care can be supplemented by gentle, non-addictive treatment to help manage pain and discomfort.

How Chiropractic Can Reduce Arthritis Pain

When your arthritis hurts most, chiropractic care can step in with relief and pain management. Based on your condition, your chiropractor may be able to safely give you an alternative to those addictive pain meds. If approved for treatment, you’ll receive gentle adjustments to lessen painful joint restrictions.

With every patient suffering from arthritis, we hope to reduce inflammation and increase the function of joints and nervous system alike. This helps your body to respond to symptoms better and start to manage your arthritis on its own.

Besides reduction of pain and inflammation, you may also gain:

• Better range of motion
• More flexibility
• Higher desire to be active

Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?

If your doctor agrees that you’re a good candidate, come in to Back to Health Chiropractic. You can click here to schedule your appointment. You’ll get a free consultation, exam, and x-rays to discover how chiropractic can help arthritis – in your specific case. We hope to help you find relief from arthritis pain.

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Fortunately for you, the answer may be “yes.” At Back to Health Chiropractic, we love to provide effective treatment for patients with fibromyalgia.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the body’s musculoskeletal system. Mainly characterized by tingly, painful sensations and constant fatigue, it is often accompanied by:

• Chronic pain in the joints and muscles
• Sleep and memory problems
• Depression and anxiety
• Severe headaches

Women are twice as likely to be affected by fibromyalgia than men. It can cause major sensitivity to pain, and there is also no known cause. However, a family history of fibromyalgia or environmental stresses are linked to the risk of developing fibromyalgia.

How Can Chiropractic Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

Chiropractors can treat the various symptoms of fibromyalgia using adjustments at the pressure points at the spine, neck, or back where patients may be feeling pain. Fibromyalgia patients also often report headaches and muscle tension, and chiropractic care is known to alleviate these. Additionally, massage techniques and stretching can be included in your chiropractic treatment plan for optimal pain management.

What are the Long-Term Benefits?

Pain management and relief is the long-term goal for treating fibromyalgia, which has no known cure. Seeing a chiropractor regularly, learning exercises, and taking other recommendations your chiropractor makes will help relieve the stress that comes with chronic pain. Our patients with fibromyalgia often report significant pain reduction and decreased fatigue after chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic care can be beneficial for you if you suffer from fibromyalgia. Here at Back to Health Chiropractic, we can create a treatment plan for your fibromyalgia. We want to ensure the best possible treatment for your specific needs.

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Why Does High Blood Pressure Cause Damage?

First, a definition: blood pressure is the measure of how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls. If you have high blood pressure, your heart needs to work harder. What’s more, your arteries can be damaged. But, it’s a silent killer. Many people experience no symptoms until their blood pressure is dangerously high. Stroke, memory loss, heart disease, and kidney damage can all result from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Are You at Risk for High Blood Pressure?

The short answer is that it’s hard to know if you’re at risk. Some develop high blood pressure at a young age, seemingly out of nowhere. Others have family history of high blood pressure. Generally speaking high blood pressure afflicts:

• Many people who are overweight
• Smokers more than non-smokers
• Many people with family history of high blood pressure
• More men than women under age 45
• More women than men over age 65
• Sedentary people more than athletes

Here are some sobering numbers: nearly 1 in every 3 Americans suffers from pre-hypertension (blood pressure that is higher than normal, but not considered “high”).

You have pre-hypertension if your blood pressure measures 120-139 systolic (during-heartbeat) / 80-89 diastolic (resting heart).

Anything higher on either measure is considered “high.” Your normal pressure should be less than 120/80.

Because you may be at risk without knowing it, simply stop by the pharmacy every so often. You can use the blood pressure machine to keep track of your status. It’s a vital early-warning system that may help you catch a problem before it fully develops. Catching and addressing high blood pressure can help reduce your risk of serious health issues.

How Chiropractic Can Help Your Blood Pressure Come Down

First, remember that chiropractic’s main purpose is to help your body reach optimal balance – so it can heal itself. Because of that, we don’t try to bring your blood pressure down. We try to restore your body’s proper function.

One of the ways your body’s function can be impaired is through misalignment of the C-1 vertebra, or “Atlas bone” at the top of your neck. If it’s out of line, it can put stress on nerves and arteries around it. This impingement is a contributing factor to raised blood pressure.

If your spine is in proper alignment, health usually improves. Through chiropractic care, many patients experience lower blood pressure. The reason for healing is two-fold:

• When the spine is aligned, you experience relief of communication-hindering pain.
• When your C-1 vertebra is in its correct place, pressure on your brain stem is relieved, allowing your body’s systems to communicate with each other clearly.

According to researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center, chiropractic care is an effective treatment. Fifty patients in the early stages of high blood pressure were included in an 8-week study. Half got chiropractic treatment meant to address blood pressure directly by realigning the Atlas bone. The other half were given general adjustments.

Here’s how chiropractic can help your blood pressure, in real numbers. The patients whose adjustments were real experienced an average drop in their blood pressure of an incredible 17 points. These results are equivalent to what the patients may have experienced using 2 blood pressure medications.

Do you have high blood pressure? Don’t wait any longer to find out how chiropractic can help your blood pressure. Call Back to Health Chiropractic today at (706) 841-9969 or schedule your appointment here.

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First, we need to know what allergies are in general.

What Causes Allergies?

A functioning immune system does two things: recognize harmful substances and remove the threat. Inflammation, sneezing, cough­ing, and runny noses come as a result.

Even if a substance is harmless for most people, it can cause an allergic response. In that case, your allergies don’t come from “pollen” (or lactose, or gluten … etc.) – they come from your body’s interpretation of that substance. Your immune system treats it like a threat.

Can Chiropractic Help Relieve Allergies?

The benefits of chiropractic care on the human nervous system have been detailed in many places. It comes as no surprise that time after time, chiropractic patients notice relief of their allergies with regular treatment. Can chiropractic help relieve allergies, then? The answer would seem to be yes.

Here’s why.

Misaligned or less functional vertebral movements can irritate the spine, causing a focused irritation. This sends an abnormal signal to your central nervous system. When your system receives this faulty signal from the same pathway that normal messages would be sent along, your body interprets the information as a threat, and tries to eradicate the “threat.”

Two Things are Important to Remember

1. Scientific research has shown that chiropractic adjustments don’t relieve symptoms in all allergy sufferers.
2. Chiropractic definitely relieves allergies in some patients.

So … yes, chiropractic can relieve allergies! And it’s worth a shot. If it doesn’t work, at least you’ll know you made an informed choice. Anecdotally speaking, our patients tell us time after time that they notice their allergies diminish and relief of symptoms after an adjustment. When the body is in harmony, it puts many things right that can’t be pinned down by a double-blind study.

If you’re an allergy sufferer, consider chiropractic care at Back to Health Chiropractic. You just may be glad you did. Call us at (706) 841-9969 or fill out our contact form here today.

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As we move into spring, weather changes can cause sinus pain and pressure. And we know what that means – headaches. If your sinus pain and pressure are giving you headaches that get in your way, you know how it can keep you from living your optimal life. But there’s good news! Chiropractic can help sinus pain and pressure in many patients. 

Chiropractic Can Help Sinus Pain and Pressure and Bring Relief  

Because chiropractic can help sinus pain and pressure, we want everyone to benefit from it. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Sinus pain comes from sinusitis 
• Chiropractic adjustment can bring relief 
• Chiropractic may even be able to prevent further symptoms by addressing the cause 

What is Sinusitis? 

Sinusitis is the medical term for inflamed sinuses. Allergies, the common cold, and any other illness that causes increased mucous can be the beginning of sinusitis. When fluid backs up in your sinuses for long enough, infection is inevitable. Pain and pressure follow. Without treatment, it will stick around. If ignored, it can even become chronic. Fortunately, chiropractic may even help alleviate chronic sinusitis.  

What is The Solution? 

Chiropractic sinus adjustment. Not only can your chiropractor adjust your neck and back – we can even adjust facial bones. If we adjust facial bones that are out of line, we can improve sinus drainage. Another area we look at is your spine, particularly your neck. If a vertebra is misaligned, it can get in your nervous system’s way. Once we address these two areas, your sinuses may drain more quickly. This is how chiropractic can help sinus pain and pressure. 

What is the Real Cause? 

Sinusitis is not the cause of pain and pressure. Yes, you wouldn’t have the pain if it weren’t for sinusitis. But it’s also caused by another condition: blockage of your nervous system. Because your body’s function relies on your nervous system, by improving your nervous system’s communication, you can make your whole body work better. That includes your sinuses. 

Chiropractic can help sinus pain and pressure by treating the cause, not the symptoms. It’s a long-term solution, not just a quick fix. 

Do you suffer from sinus pain and pressure? Chiropractic can help you live your optimal life. Tell us about your symptoms during your next visit. We may be able to offer not only adjustment but also some natural alternatives to allergy medication. Find relief at Back to Health Chiropractic today.

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In this post, we’ll look at how to choose your chiropractor using a simple, 3-step process. You’ll find some questions you can ask, expectations to have, and warning signs to watch out for.

Read on to learn…

How to Choose Your Chiropractor

You could be looking for a chiropractor for 2 reasons. Either you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, or you’re interested in maintaining optimal health. You may find yourself getting sick often, with no obvious cause. Or, you may have had an injury.

Here’s how to choose your chiropractor – one you’ll be able to work with for the duration of your treatment.

Step 1: Get Recommendations

Do you have a primary care doctor, or are you in physical therapy for an injury? Ask them to recommend a chiropractor they trust and respect. Ideally, they’ll send you to a chiropractor who they’d trust with their family’s care. You can even tell them that’s the kind of chiropractor you’re looking for.

In addition, chances are high that your friends and family can recommend a good chiropractor. However, you should ask questions to make sure their “good chiropractor” matches up with your definition. You have specific needs. Knowing how to choose your chiropractor according to those needs is key.

When you get multiple recommendations for the same chiropractor, take notice. That individual is likely a good choice to move on to your next step: research.

Step 2: Research Potential Choices

You’re looking for two things: past history of disciplinary actions, and graduation from an accredited chiropractic college. For disciplinary history, check your state’s Chiropractic Regulation & Licensing Board website.

When you have a list of squeaky-clean candidates, move on to the interview.

Step 3: Conduct an Interview

It may be tempting to simply jump into long-term treatment with one of your choices. However, that may be a bad idea. If you’re incompatible with a chiropractor’s style of treatment, reaching optimal health may be harder. First, talk to each chiropractor over the phone (if possible) or during a consultation (preferred). Ask a pre-determined list of questions to find out what the chiropractor’s philosophy of care is. Discover what techniques they use. Ask for testimonials from current patients, if available.

Remember: feeling comfortable with your chiropractic care provider is essential. Take note of everything, even items as simple as an uncomfortable waiting area.

Here’s a list of questions you may seek answers for:

• Is the chiropractor friendly?
• How courteous is the chiropractor and staff?
• Can I feel comfortable talking about my health with them?
• Do they give me a “bad feeling?”
• Will they answer every question I ask to my satisfaction?
• Do they let me finish explaining my symptoms and preferences before beginning treatment?
• How many years of established experience does the chiropractor have?

In the end, only you know how to choose your chiropractor. Just remember this: your care is important. For that reason, don’t feel like you owe the first chiropractor you see. Take your time and interview several recommended, qualified options. You need to find the one who can treat your condition most effectively. If you feel pressured in any way, move on to another chiropractor.

Now that you know how to choose your chiropractor, we’d love to help you reach optimal health. Back to Health Chiropractic employs a list of wonderful treatments for your wellness. Give us a call to discuss your care, or visit our website to schedule your first consultation today!

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