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Low Back Pain

Low back pain is second in commonality only to the common cold. It affects more than 80% of people. Although most people are aware that the common cold is due to a viral infection, back pain is often puzzling to its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the puzzle.

Anatomy

Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is essential in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back are made of posterior joints called facets that link vertebrae to one another and serve to guide the action of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs join the bodies of the vertebrae and are comprised of a form of tough cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The primary function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also join the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is located between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

A large number of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cause of most back pain is the cumulative effects of unhealthy sitting posture, poor work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of proper exercise and other negative lifestyle-related factors.  All of these factors cause stresses and imbalances on the spine and eventually produce pain. This is why people can often injure their back simply by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already put in jeopardy and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the problem. When this comes about, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles around the spine can happen during and after prolonged sitting, particularly in a slouched position. Eventually the lower spine loses its usual function and no longer can accommodate for the normal day-to-day stresses in ones life. In the end, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, letting the soft nucleus to bulge the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it produces the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, an individual can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and sometimes weakness in the lower extremities. Occasionally if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is necessary to remove the herniated disc material. However, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully mend. If you are experiencing any of the problems defined above, it is crucial for you to seek chiropractic attention.

Spondylosis

Repetitive injury to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments may produce increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine. Bone spurs are formed when the cartilage around the joints is unfavorably affected by stress that causes calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae. These spurs can compress adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This condition – known as Spondylosis – is a form of arthritis that seems to affect almost everyone at some point in life, as it is a common part of the aging process of the spine as well. However, determinants such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic adjustments and overall chiropractic management is extremely beneficial in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as aiding Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another prevalent area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints link the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. However with damage such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and relocate to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Women may encounter this condition during or after their pregnancy. Sacroiliac subluxation produces imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Those with this syndrome will feel pain specifically with prolonged standing and walking, or during or after physical activity. Many complain of lack of energy and exhaustion.  Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and individuals can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in ameliorating this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can receive effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a prevalent disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can prevail on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only cause pain, but they can also imparel the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and produce nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is an alteration of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities usuallyoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is very often associated with nerve challengesin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also beassociated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Trauma such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and cause extreme pain and immobility. Proper chiropractic care at the onset of symptoms is very important in order to prevent long term disability and the development of any of the above conditions. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and skilled treatment for any of the above-mentioned problems of the spine and lower back.

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