Some Root Causes Of Back Pain

Root Causes of Back Pain: Your Job

I know you’ve heard it before,my job is a pain in the neck! But, in this case it literally could be a pain in your back. If you are experiencing back pain that is affecting your day-to-day life, your job may be to blame. Although there are many potential root causes of your back pain, one of them could be related to your job.

Here are some common workplace issues that might be contributing to your discomfort:

• Lifting heavy objects (Although, simply twisting sideways in your chair to move a book, or picking something up off the floor while seated is enough to precipitate an acute pain.)

• Pulling or pushing items

• Twisting movements with the spine

• Sitting at a desk for long periods in an uncomfortable chair

• Slouching while sitting at a desk

If any of these above sound familiar, it’s time to seek out professional help from a chiropractor who can assess the source of your pain and provide targeted chiropractic treatments.

Root Causes of Back Pain: Your Bag

Did you know that the cause of your back pain could be something as simple as the bag you carry around every day?

Here are 3 key reasons why your bag might be causing your back pain:

* Your lower back supports the upper body – including any extra weight from an overstuffed bag. This can strain the lower back when carried day after day.

* An overloaded or heavy purse, backpack, or briefcase can put added stress on muscles in your neck and shoulders leading to tension headaches and other issues.

* Carrying a heavy load all day long may lead to posture problems due to uneven distribution of weight which causes muscle imbalances that affect how we move.

Root Causes of Back Pain: Your Workout

Your workout routine, or rather how you approach your workout, may help you get to the root of your back pain. It’s important to look at how your workout routine might be contributing to the pain you are experiencing in your back. Here are some common causes of overextended muscles leading to low back pain:

– Overdoing it at the gym or golf course

– Being inactive during the work week and then doing intense physical activity on the weekend

– Not stretching before or after exercising

– Doing exercises that put too much strain on your lower back muscles

– Using incorrect form when lifting weights or doing other exercises

If you are experiencing back pain that is related to your workout, it may be beneficial to visit a chiropractor. A chiropractor can assess the source of your pain and provide targeted treatments such as spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and/or physical therapy in order to help.

Root Causes of Back Pain: Your Posture

Is your posture to blame for some of the lower back pain or spine pain that you are experiencing? Here are some of the root causes of back pain that can be addressed with a few simple changes:

- Maintaining good posture, including sitting with proper lumbar support for your lower back, shoulders back, and feet resting on a low stool.

- Keeping weight evenly balanced when standing on both feet.

- Making sure to move around frequently throughout the day to avoid long periods of inactivity.

By addressing these root causes through chiropractic care, you may find yourself feeling more comfortable and less anxious about living life without chronic or acute pains from specific areas like your neck or spine!

Root Causes of Back Pain: Herniated Disc

Are you experiencing back pain and looking for relief? You’re not alone. Back pain is one of the most common ailments in America, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives. While there are many potential causes of back pain, one of the most frequently encountered is a herniated disc.

This occurs when one or more vertebrae discs become weakened and rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots and causing intense discomfort.

If you’re suffering from back pain that won’t go away with rest or over-the-counter medications, it may be time to see a medical professional to determine if you have a herniated disc and explore options for treatment.

Root Causes of Back Pain: Chronic Conditions

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults today, and it can have a variety of causes. Many people seek help from chiropractors or medical professionals to find relief from musculoskeletal and skin diseases.

Chronic Conditions: spinal stenosis, ankylosing spondylitis, & fibromyalgia

One possible cause of your discomfort could be a chronic condition such as spinal stenosis, ankylosing spondylitis, or fibromyalgia.

Spinal stenosis

A condition known as spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can cause pain in the lower back. It occurs most commonly in people aged 50 and older, though it can occur at any age. Symptoms include persistent pain that radiates from the lower back into one or both legs, numbness and tingling in the legs, difficulty walking and balancing, and muscle weakness.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a long-term inflammatory disorder that affects the spine and other body parts, such as the eyes. It is an autoimmune condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back and neck that is worse at night or when getting up from a seated position. Symptoms generally start before the age of 45 with episodes of acute pain in the lower back or hips.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain throughout the body, including the lower back. Other symptoms include fatigue, muscle stiffness, headaches, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety and cognitive dysfunction. Treatment for this condition often includes medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Each of these conditions can lead to low back pain that may require specialized treatment in order to ease the symptoms and provide lasting relief. If you are struggling with persistent back pain, consulting with a medical professional may be able to help you identify potential root causes so that you can take steps towards finding long-term solutions.

Root Causes of Back Pain: Your Wallet

It may surprise you to hear, but one of the most common causes of back pain is an overloaded wallet being carried in your back pocket. Carrying a large and heavy wallet in your back pocket can cause excess strain on your lower back muscles, resulting in discomfort that may be hard to ignore.

The slight difference in the height of each buttock while sitting, with one side slightly elevated due to the wallet in your back pocket, can cause spinal misalignment over time.

If you’re experiencing ongoing back pain and carry a large wallet, it may be time to lighten your load and switch to a smaller, lighter option. Or better yet, start carrying a small wallet in your front pocket. Doing so can help you alleviate the strain on your back and help you find relief from your pain.

It’s important to remember that there are many causes of back pain, and it’s not always easy to determine what is causing yours. If you are having trouble finding relief, talking to your doctor or a chiropractor may help you identify the root cause of your pain so that you can take steps towards recovery

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Unexpected Causes of Back Pain

Back Issues, Pain / Martin

12 Unexpected Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is a common issue that many people experience, but its causes may not be immediately obvious. While some back pain can be caused by lifting heavy objects or straining the muscles, there are other more surprising causes of this issue. As a matter of fact, some of the causes of back pain may surprise you, especially when you discover that there’s such a thing as a “fat wallet syndrome” or simply wearing skinny jeans and your flip flops may be something that affects your back and causes you back pain.

But, rest assure, there is help to be found, and chiropractic care is an effective way to address these issues and reduce or eliminate back pain. From poor posture to stress and even dieting, chiropractors can help identify the cause of your back pain and develop a plan for treatment so you can get relief quickly. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most surprising and unexpected sources of back agony and how seeing a chiropractor can help resolve them.

Insomnia

Struggling with back pain? It could be related to insomnia. A recent study found that if you suffer from chronic sleeplessness, your risk of developing a sore back is 1½ times higher than those without the condition. Further research has yet to pinpoint the exact cause but stress and lack of good sleep routines may play an influential role in this phenomenon. If you’re having trouble getting restful shut-eye at night, relaxation techniques or therapy might prove beneficial for alleviating both problems simultaneously!

C- Sections

C-sections can help you bring your baby into the world safely, but they may also leave a lasting impact. A study found that women who received epidural anesthesia during their cesarean were more prone to lower back pain in later life. This could be because lying for long periods of time on an awkward posture while under anesthesia prevents one from reacting appropriately and leads to weakened core muscles due to limited activity afterwards – both of which are contributing factors towards chronic muscle aches such as low back pain.

Smoking

Smoking has an unwelcome effect on your lower back. The nicotine in tobacco restricts blood flow to the spine, leading to a degeneration of tissue which can cause severe pain and discomfort. To make matters worse, healing is hindered by smoking; so any ache could last for prolonged periods of time. Before you light up another cigarette or allow yourself exposure second-hand smoke talk with your doctor about different ways that may help you quit this habit!

Your Walk

Your feet may be more important to your overall well-being than you think! Most Americans take 3,000 – 4,000 steps per day. Issues with foot pain or flatness can interfere with the balance and stride of this everyday activity – potentially leading to strain on other parts of your body like backaches when standing up or walking around. If persistent discomfort persists in these areas consider seeking out a consultation from a specialized medical professional for an evaluation into potential underlying causes related to problems with the feet

Your Clothing

For those who want to stay fashionable, beware: tight pants can cramp your style! A study revealed that they impair the movements and posture of men who switch from their usual slacks size to something smaller. Not only do tighter clothes force you into awkward postures in your lower spine and pelvis when standing, but sitting in tight pants leads to weakened muscles which ultimately compromise core strength and spinal stability.

Your Height

Stature may be a risk factor in back pain – recent studies have suggested that women 5’7″ and above are 20% more likely to experience lower back discomfort, while men 6 feet or taller face an elevated issue with posture-related issues. Researchers suspect this could be due the body’s mechanics when bending over for tasks such as getting into cars, or even conversing with those of smaller sizes.

Video Game Play

Video Gaming can have its downsides, such as muscle tension and bad posture from hours of sitting. To avoid this problem, set a timer to take regular stretching breaks and re-evaluate your seating position – why not try a therapy ball instead? This is an easy way to protect yourself against the physical effects of gaming while still enjoying it!

Fat Wallet

“Fat wallet syndrome” has been around since the mid-1960s, when more men began to carry bulky wallets in their back pockets due to credit cards being used for the first time. The slight height difference in each glute can cause stress and pain in your spine that radiates into your lower back – putting a strain on both muscles and nerves. An easy fix is to simply carry a smaller wallet with just one or two credit cards in your front pocket- so let’s keep those back pockets free from “fat wallets” and help resolve those painful back issues.

Carrying a Heavy Bag

Your backpack, laptop bag or purse may seem like a harmless addition to your daily routine – but carrying it around for extended periods of time can put a strain on the neck and back muscles. Make sure the strap is correctly fitted and try to switch sides once in a while so that you don’t

Scar Tissue

Scar tissue can be your back’s worst enemy after an injury or surgery; it grows in the sensitive area around nerves and may pull on them when you move, leading to pain. Your doctor might turn to electric pulse therapy as a way of diverting these signals away from the affected nerve – if this isn’t effective enough then additional more invasive treatment such as surgery may need to take place.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTIs, can be painful and inconvenient for those who experience them. Though bladder infections are more common than kidney infections (which requires a hospital visit), both types of infection originate from bacteria entering your urinary system – often through the rectum or skin area. Symptoms such as fever chills and nausea alongside lower back pain should alert individuals to seek medical attention immediately if they believe a UTI is present; antibiotics will help clear up any existing symptoms quickly in most cases. Women and girls tend to suffer with this condition more frequently which goes some way towards explaining why taking adequate steps against it has become so important over recent years.

Flip Flops

When the weather warms up, our wardrobe choices turn to flip-flops for their simplicity and cool comfort. But before throwing caution to the wind with this footwear choice, it’s important to keep in mind that these flat sandals don’t provide much cushioning which can affect your stride and lead to aches from feet all way up into hips and lower back. Invest a little extra time when selecting summer shoes; look beyond just style & casual sandal design – pay close attention to protection or support features so that you may enjoy countless hours of comfortable strolling and back pain free days!

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Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Children, Chiropractic Care, Hip issues, Pain, Pain Relief / Martin

What Is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip or Congenital Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is an abnormal or delayed development of the hip joint, causing a dislocation between the socket and thigh bone. This condition appears in around 1.5 per 1,000 births with girls being 8 times more likely to be affected. In normal circumstances, the femur should fit securely into its respective hip socket (the acetabulum). But sometimes during gestation or shortly after birth this connection becomes misaligned due to excess movement in the joint; usually leading to an upward displacement of the femur from out of its corresponding hip socket.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip can cause life-long physical issues, such as leg and hip pain, an awkward gait, restricted range of motion in the legs, unequal length between the limbs or even early onset arthritis. Being a firstborn child with female gender increases one’s risk factor for CHD; furthermore breech delivery as well as family history may play a role too. Therefore, it is essential to detect this condition at an early stage, so that any joint development difficulties can be addressed promptly and prevent long-term complications from arising.

If you think your child might have developmental dysplasia of the hip/hip dysplasia, it’s important to get medical attention right away because this condition can lead to severe problems if left untreated.

It is important to note that most infants treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip develop into active, healthy kids and have no future hip problems.

Can a Chiropractor help with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

Chiropractors are trained to recognize warning signs that could indicate the presence of a condition, such as:

-A discrepancy in leg length

-An unevenness at the thigh skin folds

-Restricted mobility or range of motion when bending the hip due to muscle tightness and tension

-The distinctive ‘waddle’ gait associated with this ailment

-The clunking sound emitted from within the affected hip upon walking.

As part of the six post-natal check ups your newborn should receive in their first year, Chiropractors can perform simple assessments for hip problems. If any issues are identified, chiropractic adjustments can help bring the joint back to ideal working order and condition. Additionally, strengthening exercises, pain management techniques and functional activities will be carried out by a chiropractor while they can also provide take home exercises that could supplement treatment from the comfort of one’s own living space.

What are the risk factors associated with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

The cause of developmental dysplasia of the hip is mostly unknown, but there are many contributing factors, usually both genetic and environmental. There are a number of risk factors that have been associated with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), including:

- Use of forceps during delivery

- Family history of DDH

- Being born a female

- Breech position delivery

- Tight swaddling of an infant’s legs

- Oligohydramnios or low amniotic fluid during pregnancy

- Being born twins, triplets, etc.

- First-born babies are at greater risk of dislocation of the hipOther factors

- Having flexible ligaments

- The presence of other conditions
  - - infant torticollis, clubfoot malformation, congenital conditions, metatarsus adductus, etc.

It is important to note that even in the presence of the aforementioned factors, DDH may not develop, but it is critical to have your child diagnosed further should they be present. Early detection and treatment are critical to avoid more invasive procedures discussed at the end of this article.

What Happens in a Hip With Developmental Dysplasia?

Our hips have a remarkable ball and socket system that allows us to move in all directions, from the front, back and side-to-side when walking or running. The ball part of the joint usually sits inside a socket forming part of the pelvic bone. The ball moves around in different directions inside the socket and usually stays put in normally developing children. Unfortunately, with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), this joint does not form correctly which results in an incorrectly positioned ball within a shallow socket. When this occurs, there is too much space between your baby’s thigh bone and pelvis. This additional space causes his or her thigh bone to slip out of place when he or she moves around in the womb, or during and after birth.

Unless these issues are quickly treated, they can result in severe pain while walking, and can cause arthritis at a young age. Both of these conditions can cause immense suffering for those affected.

What are the Symptoms of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip rarely causes pain in babies, but can be very difficult to diagnose without an exam. Parents should pay particular attention to the following signs and symptoms:

- One hip/leg moves differently or has a different range of motion

- A popping or clicking that is heard from the hip area

- A limp when first starting to walk

- The folds of skin under the thighs or buttocks do not line up

- A difference in leg length

How Is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Diagnosed?

Before three months of age, your chiropractor that specializes in treating infants and children will perform two physical exams to test for DDH.

- In the Ortolani test, your child’s pediatrician or chiropractor will apply upward force as they move your child’s hip away from the body (abduction).

- In the Barlow test, your child’s pediatrician or chiropractor will apply downward force as they move your child’s hip across the body (adduction).

Once diagnosed, they will work closely with your pediatrician or pediatric orthopedic doctor to come up with the best treatment plan and physical therapy regimen.

How Is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Treated?

Getting the ball of the hip into the socket and keeping it there, so that it develops normally will be the main objective of treatment.

Your doctor will choose the treatment based on the child’s age, and the options include:

- bracing as through a Pavlik Harness

- a closed reduction with casting

- an open reduction/surgery and casting

Pavlik Harness bracing

If the baby is younger than 6 months old, the use of a soft brace is usually the best route. The brace most often used is a Pavlik harness. Utilizing a shoulder harness that attaches to foot stirrups, the Pavlik harness puts the baby’s legs into a position which guides the ball of the hip joint into alignment with the socket.

The normal amount of time in a Pavlik harness will be from 6 to 12 weeks. Utilizing a Pavlik harness usually means that most babies will not require further treatment.

If for some reason the harness does not realign the ball and socket joint, doctors may perform one of the following:

- a closed reduction/manually moving the ball back into the socket, and casting
  - - Used when a baby commences treatment after age 6 months.

- an open reduction/surgery and casting
  - - Used when a baby commences treatment after age 18 months.

What is the long term prognosis for Children with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

If treatment is sought early, then the long term prognosis for Children with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip is a healthy one. Most infants identified and treated within the first two weeks of life have healthy hips as adults, with very few experiencing any pain or disability associated with the hip joint. However, treatment for infants can be time consuming and complex, involving specialized equipment, so it’s important to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect DDH is present. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to achieving a healthy long-term prognosis for these children.

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Can Chiropractors Help Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Back Issues, Chiropractic Care, Pain, Pain Relief / Martin

What is Sciatica or Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that originates in the lower back and travels down the legs. It can be caused by a herniated disk, an overgrowth of bone, or other medical conditions.

There is some research which shows that a lumbar herniated disc causes upwards of 90% of sciatica cases.

Can Chiropractors Help Relieve Sciatica?

Recent studies indicate that chiropractic care has a sound track record for both alleviating symptoms and tackling the root cause of ailments, with one study indicating an impressive 72% success rate in treating sciatica. Comparable to physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT), chiropractic treatment utilizes manual techniques, stretching, and strength-building exercises as part of its regimen.

What Methods do Chiropractors Use to Treat Sciatica?

Chiropractors help relieve sciatic nerve pain by using several different manual techniques such as ice/cold therapies, ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, spinal decompression, and spinal adjustments. Chiropractors also use stretching and strength-building exercises to alleviate the symptoms of sciatica, and help reduce future flare ups.

Spinal Adjustments Help Reduce Pain from Sciatica

Chiropractors use manual adjustments to restore spinal alignment and reduce inflammation. This helps to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and provide relief from sciatica-related pain. Spinal adjustments can also reduce muscle tension and improve movement in the spine, which can further reduce pain from sciatica.

Chiropractors also endeavor to strengthen muscles that support the spine, which helps limit or lessen future episodes of sciatica. By strengthening these muscles through targeted exercises, chiropractors can help minimize the risk of recurring pain from sciatica.

Ice/Cold Therapies To Treat Pain from Sciatica

A chiropractor will use ice therapy in treating sciatica in order to accomplish the following:

Lessen pain
Numb the affected area
Reduce muscle spasms
Decrease inflammation
Prevent swelling

Spinal Decompression To Treat Pain from Sciatica

A less invasive sciatica treatment alternative is a gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression treatment using a spinal decompression machine such as the ABS spinal decompression DRX9000 pictured. This spinal decompression treatment involves gently decompressing the involved spinal disks, thus relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve.

What are the results of Spinal Decompression Research to relieve pain?

Patients now have a non- surgical option to relieve the nonstop pain they have been experiencing from various ailments such as sciatica. This spinal decompression technology today appears to be a dream come true for those who suffer with compressed disks. Research indicates that 92% patients report overall improvement, and of these, 5% improved 25-50%; 17% improved 50-75%; 70% improved 75-100%. (Gose, Naguszewski & Naguszewski , The Journal of Neurological Research, Volume 20)

As more people are experiencing relief and full recovery using the technology available, this dream becomes a reality. If you have tried chiropractic manipulations, physical therapy, drugs, and do not want to assume the risks associated with back surgery, then spinal decompression is the next logical choice in treating sciatica.

Ultrasound Stimulation To Treat Sciatica

Chiropractors treating sciatica may opt to use ultrasound therapy in order to help their patients manage any discomfort or pain caused by this ailment. This treatment uses sound waves that penetrate deeply into the soft tissues of the affected area, aiming to improve circulation and reduce muscle spasms,as this has been known to alleviate pain. Ultimately, ultrasound therapy seeks to provide relief from sciatica-related discomfort and pain.

Electric Muscle Stimulation To Treat Sciatica

Electrical Muscle Stimulation is an exceptional way to help the body in the healing process if you are suffering from Sciatica. This is accomplished by sending a very small electrical current into the affected area of the sciatic nerve. The therapy utilizes this current in an effort to help reduce swelling and release trigger points that may have the muscle locked up. It does this by helping the body to release natural relievers of pain often referred to as endorphins.

This is a great therapy to treat Sciatica. It works well in relaxing the muscle and allowing it to return to its normal state rather quickly. Short therapy sessions are excellent at facilitating healing from acute and chronic pain associated with Sciatica.

What Exercises Do Chiropractors Recommend For Sciatica?

Types of exercises that chiropractors may use to help reduce sciatic nerve pain include strengthening exercises, such as weightlifting, resistance training and core stabilization. These exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, stretching and range-of-motion exercises can be used to increase flexibility and help alleviate pain associated with sciatica.

Here are three very useful stretching exercises that you can use to help alleviate sciatica related pain:

Lying Knee-to-Chest Stretch for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Lie on your back with your legs extended. Try not to arch your back.
Slowly bring one knee toward your chest and grasp it with both of your hands (either behind or on top of the knee).
Gently pull on the knee until you feel a mild stretch in your lower spine and hip.
Hold 5 to 30 seconds. Lower slowly.
Do two to four repetitions

Glute Bridge Exercise for Sciatic Nerve pain

Strengthening your glutes can help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve overall muscle tone to decrease future sciatica flare ups.

Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Your arms should be relaxed at your sides.
Push through your heels to raise your hips until you create a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, and hold this position for a few seconds
Now, slowly lower them back down to the floor.
Repeat as necessary for best results

Standing Hamstring Stretch for Sciatic Nerve pain

Stand straight up and put one foot on a higher surface, like a chair or stair step
Straighten the leg on the chair while pointing your toes up in the air
Lean forward slowly while keeping your back straight
Hold for 15 to 30 seconds while breathing regularly
Alternate legs and do the same for both for three repetitions per leg

Does Acupuncture help relieve Sciatica pain?

The results from recent research found in the national library of medicine, “indicate that acupuncture is clinically effective, reduces pain intensity, and increases pain threshold in patients with sciatica compared with medication.”

As such, Chiropractors licensed in acupuncture, such as DR. Eric LeBeouf, licensed and practicing for over 20 years, is adept at relieving sciatica pain through acupuncture.

Other Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Research has shown that regular visits to a chiropractor can lead to improved mobility, better posture, and less fatigue throughout the day—all of which can help relieve symptoms associated with sciatic nerve pain. Through manual adjustments and targeted exercises, chiropractors work to alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve while also strengthening other muscles in order to prevent future episodes of sciatica from occurring. Furthermore, because chiropractic care focuses on holistic wellness rather than symptom management alone, it helps people achieve optimal health without relying solely on medications or surgery.

If you’re suffering from chronic sciatic nerve pain and would like relief without taking medication or undergoing surgery, consider visiting our doctors at Anewchiro chiropractic for sciatica pain relief today.

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