Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain

At Orewa Chiropractic, we specialise in back pain treatment. Our chiropractors are experts in spine care and can help you effectively treat and manage your pain. We also recommend strengthening and preventative exercises. They aim to reduce aches and pains for good and improve your overall quality of life. Book a consultation with us today.

Main clings to lower spine seeking back pain treatment.
Woman grasps upper and lower spine in need of back pain treatment
Man touches lower spine seeking back pain treatment.

Four out of five people feel pain in their low back during their lives. To research over 13,000 people suffering over 16 years in Canada, 20% had persistent and 30 % recurrent pain over time. Most of the people not suffering anymore are under a form of monitoring. It is, therefore, wrong to say “the pain will resolve in the broad majority”.

Back pain is one of the most disabling conditions globally, and you should not ignore your symptoms. “Early intervention can help prevent a chronic problem from developing and obviate the need for medication and surgery,” says Mrs Wilmarth from Havard University.

However, finding the correct information for its care isn't easy. Learn more about the origins of the issue. More importantly, discover the proper spine treatment to enjoy life pain-free.

Mechanical Back Pain and Chiropractic Treatment

Mechanical pain is the most common cause. In your back, vertebrae are piled one on top of the other forming spine segments. As a result, the spine can adapt appropriately to a particular movement or posture as they move. However, a segmental dysfunction of the spine, commonly known as a displaced or 'out-of-place' bone, provokes moderate mechanical back pain. When these parts of the spine do not move appropriately, symptoms arise depending on your position or movement. 

Poor fitness and musculature can create weakness, decreasing the control of these joints. When this happens, awkward movements like picking up an object or getting to your feet can quickly lead to spasms, locked joints, and muscle strain. The pain caused by this can make it difficult to move without discomfort. Thus, it restricts our ability to perform everyday activities.

Segmental dysfunctions are always present after an injury to the spine. Severe mechanical back pain is primarily due to a sprain or a strain of the lumbar spine’s components. They include muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue. Muscular and ligament tears may be extremely painful.

The most common causes include:

  • Poor lifting technique—when the spine is curved or twisted.
  • Slipping or falling—causing unexpected stress on the spine.
  • Repetitive movements—such as playing golf or bending to unload grocery bags.
  • Prolonged poor posture—such as sitting in front of a computer all day.
  • Sustained impact—such as injuries from sports practice.
  • Digging or shovelling—this is highly hazardous as the movement combines flexion and twisting.
  • Bending forward and twisting—the lumbar spine is particularly vulnerable.

Back pain symptoms are manageable and preventable with consistent care and treatment. Depending on the type of back pain, several treatment options are available to help. Some remedies include effective adjustments by our chiropractors and exercises to strengthen the muscles to improve movement and reduce pain. Talk to our chiropractors to create a personalised treatment plan for your spinal issue.

Slipped Disc

A 'slipped disc' is an improper term that refers to an injured intervertebral disc. 

Discs include water, ligaments, and some jelly material called the nucleus. As the result of an accident, the nucleus may go through the inner ligaments, leading to a bulged disc or protrusion. The injury is even more severe if the material goes through the disc's outer layer. We name it 'excluded herniation.' The nearby nerve root is likely irritated. Then, they provoke sciatica with numbness or tingling in the leg. This type of back pain is called compressive. If you're experiencing discomfort caused by this, our chiropractors can make adjustments to treat and relieve pain caused by bulged discs.

Degenerative Spine or Osteoarthritis

Like any tissue in the body, after 25, the intervertebral disc will degenerate. We then use the term degenerative disc disease or spondylosis. The disc becomes dehydrated and thinner with age, making the spine less stable.

Force applied to the spine can become more harmful. As a result, it may cause inflammation in the cartilage, labelled osteoarthritis. This degeneration causes the bones to receive more pressure and grow anarchically like spurs. Consequently, the altered structure leads to chronic pain (over three months). Spondylolisthesis is a typical example of degeneration when a vertebra slips over the disc, potentially worsening pain.

You should not ignore back pain. Like any injury, the body heals, and the pain wanes. However, the segmental dysfunction likely remains. The spine can function adequately but with increased stiffness, weakness, and recurrent pain in everyday activities like driving or vacuuming. Fixing dysfunctions prevent chronic lower back pain.

Chiropractors are health care professionals. They use adjustments to restore proper function freeing the spine. Thus, they release pressure on nerve roots, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. They also prescribe a large scale of exercises. They aim to improve strength, gentle stretches for flexibility, and endurance to prolong pain relief. Get in touch with the team to book an appointment today.

Low Back Pain Treatment

The treatment varies according to the condition and the cause.  

Low Back Pain in the early stages

It would be best if you did not stay more than 2 to 3 days in your bed in acute pain. Except for sharp pain, it is even better to move around reasonably. Do not go for a walk for an hour.

The use of medication should not be the first step. The inflammation is part of the normal healing process, and anti-inflammatories can have secondary effects such as gastrointestinal problems, heart/stroke, or kidneys. Ask your doctor first, always.

There is much controversy about heat/ice use. Most back pain syndromes are due to a strain or sprain, so the swelling accompanies it. A hot bottle on it may cause a flare-up and lead to extreme pain. If you do not know what to use with sharp pain, you’d better not use it.

Low Back Pain after the acute phase

You have probably exercised/stretched at some stage. Exercising is highly recommended while suffering from chronic low back pain. It has been shown that lasting pain has an inhibitor effect on the muscles stabilising the spine. The vicious cycle between pain and muscle weakness is the main reason for chronic back pain. The exercises should include strengthening, stretching and aerobics with a detailed plan including different phases.

A brace should be avoided if possible and kept only for heavy-duty. The spine has a natural mount called “core muscles” (not the 6-pack). Unfortunately, the lack of physical activity leads to some weakness, and the body “forgets” to use it. The rehabilitation phase should include exercises reprogramming the use of this natural brace.

Surprisingly, the pain is not in your back but in your brain and can affect your mood, like a breakdown can tremendously increase the level of resenting pain. It is essential to keep some positive thoughts and plan goals to achieve.

There is, unfortunately, no miraculous and instant treatment for back pain. Most of the time, it will go away. However, the previous research demonstrates that it is better to get the proper treatment rapidly to avoid future chronic pain. Orewa Chiropractors can help alleviate acute pain and then assist you in preventing chronicity or recurrence.

 

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To book an appointment call us on 09 426 4545 or book online