At some point in our lives we all experience some form of musculoskeletal spinal pain. Upper back, Mid back, Low back and Neck are areas that can cause us a measured amount of discomfort. Some of us manage our discomfort by using some of these modalities:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- ice
- Heat
- Stretching
- Rest
- or in some cases Chiropractic adjustments...
We have all heard of chiropractic but what is it exactly? The principle of chiropractic simply is to maintain the structural integrity of the spinal joints. The spinal column which is made up of bones ( vertebrae ) that articulate ( move ) with each other ; which along with muscles, ligaments and tendons allow us to move effectively and too efficiently navigate our daily environments.
Stress ( both good and bad ) can effect how our body functions. Namely, the stresses that place themselves upon our musculoskeletal system ( bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons). These stresses can "influence" the way the nervous system functions and how that "influence "can affect out BODIES.
When all other palliative activities are not providing relief. Chiropractic may be a solution. By assessing the various joints and being familiar with the nerves that innervate the muscles around or near a joint. An efficient Doctor of Chiropractic can with a through evaluation find the specific area(s) that maybe causing your DYSFUNCTION.
So, when I say that your back pain is not coming from your back it may be coming from some of the other structures in the area of the spine. For example; LOW BACK pain can have a few different diagnosis:
- Muscle strain
- Muscle spasm
- Ligament sprain
- Ligament tear
- Herniated disc
- Compression
- Hip Joint
- Lower ribs
- Sacrum
- Pelvic bones
As you can see there a # of things that can affect any area of your body and not necessarily be from where the pain is emanating. A chiropractor can properly evaluate and review each 1 of the different potential diagnoses and through proper testing determine which of these diagnosis can and could be contributing to your current DIS-EASE.
Once the area or areas are "discovered" the treatment process can begin. Here are a # treatments a Doctor of Chiropractic can and may use to provide relief to YOU:
- Stretch
- ice
- heat
- Ultrasound
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation
- Trigger point release ( deep pressure massage )
Some or all of the above may be used to provide relief. But these are MOST effective when combined with the chiropractic adjustive therapy. The adjustment overrides muscles and joint lock by stimulating the "stretch reflex". The Stretch reflex is when a vertebral joint with it's corresponding muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched rapidly to reduce or eliminate hypertonic ( high toned - "tight" ) muscles that are "inhibited" ( not allowing the joint to move ).
Once the adjustment has corrected the "fixation" ( the locked joint ) supporting the correction with strengthening and stretching activities can be employed to maximize the healing recovery process.
Not all musculoskeletal aliments can be solved by chiropractic. BUT, if chiropractic care can intervene early. It can be utilized to help YOU get better faster with less usage of OTC medications and the mental DIS-STRESS of dealing with your DIS-EASE.
If you feel that you have been regularly performing palliative care on your own and there is no resolution in your condition in 2-5 weeks. Then reach out and add the missing ingredient to provide you RELIEF! CHIROPRACTIC !!!
Next Level Fitness is a small private fitness facility in Oakland, CA. It is located in the GrandLake area of Oakland. Next Level Fitness provides chiropractic, personal training and small group training services to these areas of Oakland 94610, 94611, 94602. We cater to " Every-Body " but specialize in fitness services for adults 30 (+). Please join our fitness family!
A.Pigott DC
