Low Back Pain

Low back pain is second in prevalence only to the common cold. It affects more than 80% of people. However, unlike the common cold, back pain is often a mystery to most of its sufferers. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor is an expert at solving the puzzle.

Anatomy

Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is very useful in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back consist of posterior joints called facets that join vertebrae to one another and serve to dictate the motion of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs connect the bodies of the vertebrae and are made of a form of tough cartilage that surrounds a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also link 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 exit the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

The majority of back pain patients have not experienced any trauma, accidents or major injuries prior to the onset of their problem. The cumulative effects of unhealthy sitting posture, harmful work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise, and other poor lifestyle-related factors produce most back pain.  These cumulative factors create stresses and imbalances on the spine and, therefore, individuals may injure their back just by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The instability of the spine makes it vulnerable to even the most simple movements, such as bending. 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 Fort Worth Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles encompassing the spine can occur during and after prolonged sitting, specifically in a awkward position. Eventually the lower spine loses its customary function and no longer can make room for the normal day-to-day stresses in ones life. Ultimately, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, allowing the soft nucleus to bulge the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it causes the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. Sciatica develops when the disc presses on the spinal nerve. The symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling, numbness, and often weakness in the lower extremities. On occasion if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition is not managed correctly, surgery is needed to dispose of the herniated disc material. Nonetheless, with the correct chiropractic adjustments and management, as well as postural exercises, most of these cases can healthfully recover. If you are experiencing any of the problems defined above, it is very important for you to seek chiropractic assistance.

Spondylosis

Increased wearing away and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive injury to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. Bone spurs are formed when the cartilage around the joints is negatively 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 kind 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. But, factors 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 very effective in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as assisting Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Fort Worth Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints attach the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. Trauma from falls, sports injuries, or the lifting of heavy objects can cause the joints to become unstable and relocate to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Women may get this condition during or after their pregnancy. Sacroiliac subluxation causes imbalances in the lower extremities giving a person a functional long and short leg. Pain occurs particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during and after physical activity, and the individual may experience a lack of energy and fatigue.  Often this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and people can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments establish the proper alignment of the joints and are extremely affective in correcting sacroiliac problems. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a common disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can exist on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. Subluxations are not only painful, but they can constrict the nerves as they exit the foramen (or spaces) between the vertebrae, causing paraesthesia. Paraesthesia is a change of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities oftenoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is most often associated with nerve challengesin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also belinked to, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can cause harm to the spine and lower back. Often these traumas cause over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine. When this takes place a person can feel considerable pain and immobility. In order to avoid long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is crucial. 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 conditions of the spine and lower back.