What Chiropractic Patients Need To Know About the Lumbar Spine

The lumbar ѕріnе, оr lоwеr bасk, tаkе a lоt of ѕtrеѕѕ and strain thrоughоut thе dау. Thе ѕріnе provides ѕtаbіlіzаtіоn fоr thе еntіrе bоdу аnd thе lumbаr ѕріnе bеаrѕ thе brunt оf muсh оf thе mоvеmеnt аnd асtіvіtу. Thіѕ wеаr аnd tеаr ѕhоwѕ uр аѕ lоwеr bасk раіn іn mаnу реорlе. Pаіn іn thе lumbаr ѕріnе (the fіvе vеrtеbrае thаt make uр the bаѕе of thе ѕріnе) іѕ оnе оf the mоѕt соmmоn dіѕоrdеrѕ іn mоdеrn ѕосіеtу. Nеаrlу еvеrуоnе еxреrіеnсеѕ low bасk pain аt ѕоmе роіnt in thеіr lives. Thеrе аrе mаnу possible саuѕеѕ оf lower back раіn, іnсludіng ѕсіаtіса, оѕtеоаrthrіtіѕ, herniated dіѕс and spinal ѕtеnоѕіѕ. Chiropractic саrе іѕ a conservative trеаtmеnt орtіоn сhоѕеn bу many patients tо hеlр rеlіеvе thе раіn саuѕеd bу thеѕе conditions.

Whаt іѕ thе Lumbаr Sріnе?

Located іn thе lоwеr bасk аrеа, thе lumbаr rеgіоn іѕ thе роrtіоn оf thе ѕріnе thаt bеgіnѕ bеlоw thе ѕhоuldеr blаdеѕ, аbоut fіvе оr ѕіx іnсhеѕ, аt thе lоrdоѕіѕ (whеrе іt сurvеѕ іn tоwаrd thе аbdоmеn). Thеrе аrе fіvе vеrtеbrае thаt mаkе uр thе lumbar ѕріnе, L1 thrоugh L5 – whісh аlѕо happen tо bе thе lаrgеѕt unfused vеrtеbrае іn thе entire ѕріnаl соlumn. Thе lоwеr vеrtеbrае bеаr more wеіght thаn thе uрреr vеrtеbrае ѕо thеу аrе соnѕtruсtеd tо bе ѕturdіеr, but аrе аlѕо mоrе рrоnе tо іnjurу and dеgrаdаtіоn.

Thе L5 vеrtеbrа meets thе S1 (the ѕасrum) аt thе lumbоѕасrаl jоіnt. It is this jоіnt thаt рrоvіdеѕ mоѕt оf the rаngе оf mоtіоn іnсludіng rotational flеxіbіlіtу оf thе hірѕ аnd pelvis, аllоwіng thеm tо ѕwіng durіng movement ѕuсh аѕ running аnd walking.

Thе ѕріnаl соrd ends аt аrоund thе L1 аnd mаnу nerve rооtѕ that оrіgіnаtе аt thе ѕріnаl соrd fоrm whаt іѕ саllеd thе саudа еԛuіnе. Thеѕе nеrvеѕ trаvеl dоwn thе ѕріnе, brаnсhіng оut tо the lеgѕ, buttосkѕ, аnd fееt. Thе арреаrаnсе rеѕеmblеѕ a hоrѕе’ѕ tаіl, hеnсе thе nаmе. Bесаuѕе thе ѕріnаl соrd does nоt extend іntо thе lumbаr аrеа, thе сhаnсе оf a рrоblеm with thе lоwеr back rеѕultіng in раrаlуѕіѕ оr dаmаgе tо thе ѕріnаl соrd іѕ vеrу rаrе.

Lоwеr Back Pаіn

Thе mоѕt соmmоn саuѕеѕ fоr lоwеr bасk pain аrе ѕоft tіѕѕuе іnjurіеѕ аnd mесhаnісаl рrоblеmѕ. Either оf thеѕе саn dаmаgе thе іntеrvеrtеbrаl dіѕсѕ, соmрrеѕѕ thе nеrvе rооtѕ, аnd іnhіbіt соrrесt funсtіоn оf the ѕріnаl jоіntѕ ѕо that thеу dоn’t mоvе рrореrlу. Lоwеr bасk раіn іѕ most commonly саuѕеd bу a рullеd оr tоrn muѕсlе оr ligament, knоwn аѕ a ѕрrаіn оr ѕtrаіn. Thеѕе іnjurіеѕ саn hаvе a numbеr оf саuѕеѕ, іnсludіng:

Prоlоngеd improper posture
Imрrореr lіftіng оf ѕоmеthіng hеаvу (wіthоut uѕіng уоur lеgѕ)
Sроrtѕ іnjurіеѕ, раrtісulаrlу thоѕе whеrе thе рlауеr ѕuѕtаіnѕ high іmрасt or whеrе a lоt оf twіѕtіng іѕ іnvоlvеd
Lіftіng whіlе twіѕtіng thе ѕріnе
A fаll оr mоvеmеnt thаt occurs ѕuddеnlу аnd рutѕ a grеаt deal оf ѕtrеѕѕ оn thе lumbаr аrеа

Chiropractic Care fоr thе Lumbаr Sріnе

Chіrорrасtіс саrе іѕ a vеrу рорulаr, еffесtіvе trеаtmеnt fоr lоwеr bасk раіn. A сhіrорrасtоr саn hеlр раtіеntѕ mаnаgе thеіr bасk pain thrоugh ѕріnаl аdjuѕtmеntѕ аnd lіfеѕtуlе аdvісе. They may rесоmmеnd ѕuррlеmеntѕ, еxеrсіѕе, аnd dіеtаrу сhаngеѕ. Thе whоlе-bоdу аррrоасh tо сhіrорrасtіс mаkеѕ іt аn орtіmаl сhоісе fоr mаnу people, еѕресіаllу thоѕе whо don’t wаnt tо tаkе medications оr undеrgо invasive рrосеdurеѕ.

Thе сhіrорrасtіс treatment іtѕеlf uѕuаllу іnvоlvеѕ ѕріnаl manipulation and mоbіlіzаtіоn. Sріnаl manipulation іѕ the tесhnіԛuе thаt mоѕt реорlе thіnk оf whеn thеу thіnk of сhіrорrасtіс. It іnvоlvеѕ a ѕhоrt lеvеr, hіgh vеlосіtу аrm thruѕt аррlіеd dіrесtlу to thе vertebra thаt іѕ іnjurеd оr іѕ causing the раіn. Thіѕ tесhnіԛuе tурісаllу rеlіеvеѕ раіn, іmрrоvеѕ thе funсtіоn оf thе ѕріnе, аnd rеѕtоrеѕ thе bасk’ѕ rаngе оf mоtіоn. Mоbіlіzаtіоn іѕ a lоw vеlосіtу mоvеmеnt реrfоrmеd bу the chiropractor tо mаnірulаtе thе аrеа, ѕtrеtсhіng аnd moving thе jоіntѕ аnd muscles.

When a раtіеnt complains оf lоwеr bасk pain, Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic will tаkе a complete medical history, оrdеr tests аnd perform an еxаmіnаtіоn tо dеtеrmіnе the саuѕе. If the dіаgnоѕіѕ can rulе оut an еmеrgеnсу соndіtіоn and points tоwаrd more соmmоn іnjurіеѕ lіkе bulgіng discs оr spondylosis, thе сhіrорrасtоr will сrеаtе a treatment plan which may include:

Hot оr соld thеrару. Iсе or hеаt расkѕ mау bе applied tо thе lower bасk tо reduce ѕwеllіng, lооѕеn muѕсlеѕ and rеlіеvе раіn.
Flеxіоn-dіѕtrасtіоn. Thе раtіеnt lіеѕ flаt on a table thаt is ѕрlіt іn hаlf horizontally. The chiropractor rаіѕеѕ аnd lоwеrѕ thе bottom half оf thе tаblе іn a repetitive ѕеԛuеnсе. Thіѕ саuѕеѕ the joints, vеrtеbrае аnd muscles оf the lower bасk tо flеx and stretch, wіth thе gоаl оf relieving pressure аnd tension аnd rеturnіng motion to thе ѕріnаl jоіntѕ.
Elесtrісаl stimulation. Electrical іmрulѕеѕ mау be соnduсtеd tо the muѕсlеѕ of thе lоwеr bасk thrоugh electrodes placed оn the раtіеnt’ѕ body. The еxресtеd result of thіѕ рrосеdurе іѕ tо fatigue thе muscles tо thе роіnt whеrе thеу are fоrсеd tо rеlаx, thereby rеlіеvіng tightness and stiffness.
Manual manipulation. Mаnuаl mаnірulаtіоn is thе main tесhnіԛuе сhіrорrасtоrѕ use tо rеlіеvе pain and is соmmоnlу саllеd an “аdjuѕtmеnt.” In manual mаnірulаtіоn, thе сhіrорrасtоr wіll use hіѕ оr hеr hаndѕ to рuѕh and рull on thе muscles аnd jоіntѕ of thе lumbаr ѕріnе, аѕ wеll аѕ оthеr areas thаt аffесt thе lumbаr spine. Thіѕ mаnірulаtіоn mау be gеntlе or mоrе fоrсеful. The goal іѕ tо rеlіеvе pain and pressure by correcting vertebral ѕubluxаtіоnѕ (оut-оf-аlіgnmеnt vertebrae) аnd re-aligning the ѕріnе.

Thеѕе tесhnіԛuеѕ tурісаllу rеѕtоrе rаngе оf mоtіоn аnd flеxіbіlіtу tо thе spine whіlе rеduсіng раіn. Fоr реорlе wіth сhrоnіс lоwеr bасk раіn, сhіrорrасtіс саrе саn bе a game сhаngеr. Most сhіrорrасtоrѕ today mіx thе traditional сhіrорrасtіс tесhnіԛuеѕ оf manual mаnірulаtіоn оf thе ѕріnе and jоіntѕ wіth a mоrе mainstream mеdісаl оutlооk. Chiropractic care tends tо bе holistic аnd mау incorporate lіfеѕtуlе coaching, exercise and general health аdvісе. Chiropractic іѕ a fоrm of Cоmрlеmеntаrу and Alternative Mеdісіne. As such, a сhіrорrасtоr mау аlѕо еngаgе in other аltеrnаtіvе mеdісаl treatments, like ultrаѕоund аnd trасtіоn. With proper chiropractic treatment, this condition can be managed successfully.

Chiropractic Care Techniques for the Elderly

With time, our bodies age gradually. This necessitates the need to live a healthy life to maintain strength in our bodies. Although our muscles and bones do weaken, you still have the chance to go around doing those things which interest you. If you are a senior citizen, it is common to get chronic pain, so you don’t need to panic if it happens. Chronic pain and other disorders have a close association with your body’s depreciation with time. Fortunately, research shows that you can rely on chiropractic care to improve your mobility. Chiropractic care for the elderly goes into helping them to reduce the risk of falls as well as other injuries.

I have come across senior citizens who raise concerns over the use of spinal manipulation. This is because of their bodies’ delicate nature. Chiropractic doctors have enough experience to allow them to treat sensitive conditions such as senior citizens suffering from neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Any older adult needs advice on the need to check their spine regularly. This enables a chiropractor to detect any disorientation in their vertebrae as early as possible. The results of such subluxations to an elderly person’s health. Early signs of subluxations include pain as a result of misalignment. This is usually the case when there is a blockage of the nerve endings.

Most seniors tend to suffer from a decrease in mobility. Luckily for the elderly folks, studies support the use of chiropractic care to remedy immobility effectively. Depending on the individual’s needs, the results can vary accordingly. An elderly person recovering from partial immobility will be able to bend over and even play with their grandchildren in the backyard after a few sessions of treatment.

We all know how the rich elderly folks love golf. If you are one of these gentlemen, I do not need to stress the importance of fitness and flexibility. You can increase your mobility using chiropractic care techniques. This is also a nice way to increase your drive distance. Generally speaking, chiropractic care for the elderly people can help them to improve their quality of life in their old age.

Types of Chiropractic Care Techniques for the Elderly.

Senior citizens are usually affected by old age in different ways hence the need to have different options of treatment to choose from. Most chiropractors tend to suggest a specific treatment for this respectable lot. A qualified chiropractor should lay the options on the table. He or she must then explain the benefits and the risks that each method involves. This will give you a good measure of each alternative to prefer.

We have two broad chiropractic care and treatment methods that senior citizens choose from. One of these methods is the manipulative technique. Alternatively, you can request for nonmanipulative chiropractic techniques depending on your preferences and needs.

Spinal Manipulation as a Chiropractic Care Technique.

This chiropractic technique is very popular among most chiropractors. Also known as a spinal adjustment, this process traces its origin in the ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Greek communities. Thus technique involves the massage and manipulation of the joints to readjust or realign the spine. This chiropractic care method is superior because it also helps to heal the tissues related to the spine. Almost every chiropractic doctor bases their practice on the spinal manipulation technique.

The majority of system reviews on this method support its effectiveness in helping to deal with chronic back pain. Ask any senior citizen which pain they suffer from most and chronic back pain will pop up. There are, however, concerns over the safety of manipulative technique in the treatment of various conditions among the elderly. Despite such concerns, it is a good thing that chiropractic care treatment rarely results in death. In fact, statistics show that manipulative care treatment has a null probability of resulting in death.

Types of Manipulative Techniques

There are several types of manipulative treatment alternatives that you can choose from. These methods can be a suggestion from your chiropractic depending on your condition. Among the common techniques used include Atlas/orthogonal technique, diversified technique, Activator method, the Koren specific technique, Graston technique, Trigenics, Cox flexion, Gonstead and the Thompson technique.

Diversified manipulative technique

This technique is an eclectic and nonproprietary approach used in spinal adjustment. It is mainly used method among chiropractors. We attribute this method to the works of Joe Janse. It is estimated that 96% of chiropractors use this method to treat 70% of their clients. This technique features high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust. We consider this to be the most generic manipulative technique.

Atlas Orthogonal

This technique was developed by Roy Sweat and is it is the most common technique that we use to treat upper cervical. A percussion instrument is usually used in this technique to correct any disorders that an X-Ray shows. These are generally subluxations of the atlas vertebrae. Most straight chiropractors make use of this technique.

Advantages of Manipulative Technique

This method proves to be effective in the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. The treatment that an elderly will get for this disorder will be for lower back pains, neck pains as well as other related disorders.
Manipulative techniques are also the best when senior citizens are looking to remedy non-musculoskeletal disorders. However, you need to note that there are controversies on this subject.
General costs of manipulative treatment options are low for the treatment of chronic lower back and sub-acute pain.

Non-Manipulative Chiropractic Care for the Elderly

Non-force chiropractic adjustments are of great benefit to a group of patients belonging to the following categories: those in acute pain, patients in spasms, those who have a very sensitive nervous system and all the elderly patients. In addition, non-manipulative chiropractic care for the elderly helps patients who have arthritis, degenerative joint syndrome, spinal stenosis, and children as well as adolescents. It also goes without saying that the use of gentle and non-manipulative adjustments is crucial when attending to infants.

There are several non-manipulative techniques that the elderly citizen can choose from. The most common ones are electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and massage. Massage might also provide a range of options. These options are myofascial release, deep tissue massage or acupressure.

Myofascial massage is intended to release the pressure inserted on the fascia sheath. The constriction of the fascia usually causes pain. During the myofascial release, the chiropractor will use his or her fingers to stretch the fascia gently and firmly. Deep tissue massage is intended to improve the flow of the lymphatic fluids. Overuse and injury can cause numbness and stiffness.

Advantages of Non-Manipulative Technique

This particular chiropractic care technique is usually a favorite of many people because it is gentle on the body. More often than not, patients do not believe how painless the procedure is. I would recommend non-manipulative to anyone especially those who are very sensitive to pain.

If you have the responsibility to take care of your old man, do not frown whenever you need to help them back to their feet. Better still, bring your senior folks to our chiropractic clinic and let them know of the many ways through which they can regain their mobility. We strive to make a better life for your aging days.

8 Things To Consider When Seeking Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic as we know it is a spinal manipulative form of treatment that most people usually seek whenever they suffer from some form of muscle pain. Chiropractic care has been around for some centuries now, and its popularity has become a matter to consider. It is good for you if you choose chiropractic for a number of treatments. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consider some factors before seeking chiropractic treatment. In our article today, we shall go through some of the basic considerations that you should keep in mind. These factors will enable you to get the best treatment. It is also good to have a way of weighing your options. This will ensure that you only select what is best for you.

Keep reading to get a better understanding of the eight most relevant considerations to remember.

1. Type of Injury

This factor can be divided into;

Spinal/Back Pains

Chiropractic care and treatment is recommended for the majority of pains. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the cause of the pain. Consider back pains for instance which is often associated with the natural aging process. Back pains can be an indication a serious medical condition which requires immediate medical attention. However, not all back pains can be cured by spinal manipulation. For chiropractic care, you will be advised to seek it medical attention if your back pains are related to your spinal code. Herniated discs sacroiliac joint inflammation or a degenerative disc disease are some of the back pain related conditions that can be cured by chiropractic treatment.
Accident injuries which lead to back injuries with unseen damages. A chiropractor will be able to treat your back pains by adjusting the area of your spine that is affected.

Sports Related Injuries

You can get injured during a sporting event, which leads to worsening of the pain every day. If such a case, you need to have a chiropractic check your condition. A chiropractor can adjust the injured area to eliminate anything that is preventing or slowing the healing and relief. Due consideration is essential especially if you are suffering from a hip or knee pain due to a sport’s injury. A chiropractor can offer a quick and safe solution.

Arthritic Pain

Your bones inside the body are connected to one another by a thin semi-elastic tissue. The tissue is commonly referred to as cartilage. The cartilage tissue slowly wears away over time. The wearing off of the cartilage can happen much faster especially if you have a poor dietary plan as well as lifestyle. As your bones come in contact with each other, the movement causes friction. This friction can be quite painful. This may occur anywhere inside your body, but it is more common around your knee and spine areas. As a matter of, your chronic back pain could be arthritic in nature.
Arthritis can be a serious medical condition, and as such you need to be careful when evaluating your options. Your chiropractic doctor has some approaches they can use to treating arthritic pain. Manual manipulation of the affected muscles and bones is one of the commonly used options. In addition to that, the chiropractor may also recommend other techniques such as trigger point therapy, ultrasound therapy, therapeutic stretches, and exercises as well as low level lesser therapy. All of these methods are effective in alleviating arthritic pain in many levels.

2. The types of conditions the chiropractors treat

It is better to consider a chiropractor who can treat a wide range of conditions. We almost can’t believe it when we learn about the many conditions that chiropractors treat besides back pain. This is a common misconception. In reality, chiropractors treat a wide range of medical conditions that result in pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility. Typically chiropractors treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints as well as joint pains in your entire body.

3. Consider the chiropractic treatments offered

Once you have the types of conditions the chiropractor treats, it is time to consider the treatments they offer. Chiropractic doctors will mostly prefer two types of chiropractic treatments. These are therapeutic massages and adjustments. A common mistake that most of us make is believing that we can perform these procedures at home. This can be quite risky. A chiropractic treatment such as the adjustment is a professional practice which only qualified chiropractors can perform.

4. The Tools the Chiropractor uses

You should also know that for chiropractic treatment, the doctor uses several tools. In most cases, chiropractors only use their hands.The preference for hands is because they can improve mobility enhance function and reduce the pains. Your joints are crucial for general mobility. One wrong move whether in the treatment or using the tool can be disastrous.
Chiropractors also use special beds on which you lie on when undergoing treatment. The bed must be comfortable for you. It should not develop any stress or pressure on your stomach or back depending on the position that you lie in.

5. Safety of the Chiropractic treatment

For your information, chiropractic treatment is one of the safest. Most of are in awe after learning about the high safety standards of chiropractic treatment. It is a lot safer than most traditional forms of medicine. Chiropractic doctors unlike conventional medical doctors, do not prescribe medication. The reason for this is because they have a strong belief in natural relief. Chiropractors always aim for more than just a temporary relief. They seek to provide a more permanent solution to the problem. Most primary care physicians mask the pain with over-the-counter or prescribed pain pills.

6. The Pros and Cons

Although you might think this as an obvious consideration, many people do not know the advantages that can make them prefer one form of chiropractic treatment over the other. In light of this, it is worth noting what pros chiropractic treatments hold for you. As a result, I have some few pros listed here for you that you can refer to.
Pros
•    Therapeutic care is provided
•    Fewer complexities and uncertainty
•    Takes less time
•    Healing effect is almost instant
However, some people might also want to know the cons that await then in chiropractic care. For this reason, it is only fair that we also list for you the cons for easy comparison.
The Cons
•    There is very little research in chiropractic care and treatment
•    No proper insurance policy
•    Soreness is a common complaint
•    Side effects include nausea and dizziness

7. Pregnancy

The stress and additional weight on body’s framework during pregnancy can cause pain in almost any part of the body. Because pregnant women more often unwilling to take any over-the-counter as well as prescription pain relievers, they often turn to chiropractic care to help alleviate pains associated with pregnancy.

8. Pains when undergoing treatment

Some of us are highly sensitive to pains of any sort, and it is for this reason that you need to consider this particular concept. So you may have to ask the obvious question: Does pain go hand in hand with the chiropractic treatment you have chosen? It shouldn’t.
If you choose a certified chiropractic doctor who performs all procedures as required, the pain will not be an issue. There is an exception, however. The exception is that for therapeutic massage, you might have to contend with some level of pain.
A lot of us always what a life of choices. And what is life if not an ocean of choices? And as such, chiropractic clinics must offer patients a range of options to choose from. If you are looking to seek any form of chiropractic treatment, you must always consider the factors mentioned above among other things.

5 Reasons Why Chiropractic Care is Cost Effective

Chiropractic care as a science of treatment is getting so much attention recently. The reasons for this are many but most importantly, it is due to its cost effectiveness. Many studies provide real and accurate statistical data on this subject. Majority of these studies prove that chiropractic treatment is more cost effective than conventional treatment options. As we aim to compare the cost effectiveness of chiropractic, there are other factors that we need to consider. Such factors include after treatment care as well as the effectiveness of the treatment itself.

In our article, we shall be looking at five reasons why chiropractic care is famous for its cost effectiveness. In light of this, we shall have to quote several studies to support our claim. We hope to keep you well and truly informed. Information is power and with that power, you can change and improve your health for the better.

Treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders

Many patients who suffer from neuromusculoskeletal disorders usually seek conventional treatment. Osteopathic and medical physicians are common in treating this condition. however, they involve other third parties in the proceedings. Doctors of chiropractic who treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders work alone to remedy the condition.

In a study: J Manipulative Physiologic Therapy 1993 (Jun); 16 (5): 291–299, the researchers look to compare the cost effectiveness of chiropractic care compared to other treatment options for neuromusculoskeletal disorders. The basis of this research is simple, compare the treatment care as well as the insurance against the relative components. This 2-year research gives some revealing insights.

We can make comparisons as before. We can consider the 10 insurance categories and the admission rates for the hospitals. From the results, we learn that nearly ¼ of those patients who get chiropractic treatment experience a significant saving on the costs of treatment. The difference in costs of treating neuromusculoskeletal disorders is in the range of $ 1000.00.

Chiropractic Care is cost effective in the treatment of common neck pains

Neck pain receives the credentials of a chronic illness. It is a constant occurrence we seem not able to shrug off. You come back from work and you have a very painful neck pain. You sleep in a certain position and you wake up with a stinging neck pain. In all these instances, we always seek painkillers to help relieve the pain. We end up using so much money on this painkillers that we forget to keep a record of it.

What if I told you, that there is an effective option both in treatment and in costs? There is really no debate about the effectiveness of chiropractic care in treating neck pains. What we need to prove is how cost effective chiropractic is in treating chronic neck pain. As a matter of fact, we only need to point you in the right direction since, studies exists that prove the cost effectiveness of chiropractic care in relation to the subject. consider the study below;

Background of the study: Neck pain is a disturbing and prevalent condition especially among older folks. However, although neck pain is a heavy burden, we know little with regards to the cost-effectiveness of the common treatments used.
Purpose of the study: An estimate of the costs of spinal manipulative therapy, home and exercise and supervised rehabilitative care in addition to SMT and HEA combined.

Study setting: The cost-effectiveness of the chiropractic was conducted basing on a clinical trial which is random.

Sample: 241 older adults, suffering from a chronic mechanical neck pain of ages over 65 years.
Measures for the outcome: consider indirect as well as direct costs over a 1 year period.

Methods: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (#F32AT007507) as well as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal together with the Skin Diseases (#P60AR062799), and Health Resources and Services Administration (#R18HP01425) all contributed to the financing of this study.
For the primary analysis of this study, we adopt a societal perspective. In the analysis phase, a healthcare perspective is preferable. The difference in cost as well as outcomes of the trial are estimates of a general equation of estimation.

The results of the study point out that the cumulative cost of SMT together with HEA is much lower at 5% in comparison to HEA alone. This cost is also 47% less than Supervised Rehabilitative Exercise together with HEA.

Lower back pain treatment costs less in chiropractic

Another chronic pain that we can’t seem to eliminate entirely is the chronic back pain. Chronic back pain is similarly common in most folks. Poor sitting positions as well as strenuous exercises can result in lower back pains. At present there are many remedies for lower back pain. However the cost effectiveness of these options is not clear.

Relative studies which we can identify following systematic searches in databases such as CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE as well as MEDLINE strive to make clear the relevant cost effectiveness of the chiropractic treatments in comparison with other alternatives.

We can group these studies as; manual therapy, information and education, lone physical exercise therapy or a combination of both physiological as well as physical therapy. The data we collect from these studies shows that anything related to a combination of chiropractic treatment offers a better treatment alternative for lower back pain in terms of costs.

International Health Conferences agree on the cost effectiveness of chiropractic care

On a yearly basis, the health sector always holds conference. These conferences intend to bring to light the developments we make in the health sector. These includes measures we take to ensure that humanity receives the best affordable treatment.

In majority of these conferences, chiropractic care has always received applauding. This is primarily for the way it has been able to cater for and provide low rate treatment. Here are some opinions from such conferences:

“Doctors of chiropractic are a vital part of our nation’s health care system. Your services have been proven both effective and cost-effective and every day you help countless Americans with a variety of health conditions.”

~ Kathleen Sebelius,
Secretary of Health and Human Services
2011 National Chiropractic Legislative Conference

“In the U.S., at least 200,000 microdiskectomies are performed annually at a direct cost of $5 billion, or $25,000 per procedure. Avoiding 60 percent of these surgeries [by sending the patients to chiropractors] would mean a reduction savings of $3 billion annually. In the Canadian study, patients receiving chiropractic care averaged 21 visits during their course of care. If a cost of $100 per patient visit is assumed for the care provided by the chiropractor, then the total cost per patient would be $2,100, yielding per patient savings of $22,900, or $2.75 billion dollars annually.”

Daniel Redwood, DC,

Professor at Cleveland Chiropractic College–Kansas City.

Chiropractic has less and affordable insurance policies

A look at the insurance policies of both chiropractic as well as conventional medical treatment is overwhelming. In the normal hospitals you are to pay for medical insurance. This is directly cut from your salary. It doesn’t matter whether or not you will get sick.

Besides that, if you go to the hospital and request a surgical operation, there are more charges for you to pay. The accumulative insurance cover from the hospitals can really eat into your pockets. This is besides the normal charges for the outpatient care as well.

You will find chiropractic charges to be less accumulative and less costly. The reason for this is because most chiropractic treatments are not risky. As a result, the costs of insurance charges are less expensive. Chiropractic doctors transfer this cost advantage over to you. In addition, with chiropractic treatment, you do not have to pay upfront insurance charges.

We all look to make life more affordable and enjoyable. Health on the other hand, is one human right that we cannot be compromise on. For this reason, chiropractic strives to ensure you get best care without the hassles of expensive costs.

5 Stretches That Can Help Relieve Sciatica Pain

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine estimated that more than 5 percent of the adult population in the United States suffer from sciatica, and over the course of a lifetime, an individual has a 40 percent chance of experiencing it. The good news? Regular chiropractic care and stretching can help you overcome sciatic nerve pain.

Sciatica is defined as tenderness and pain along the sciatic nerve, typically presenting itself on one side of the body. The sciatic nerves (one for each leg) are the longest nerves in the body, running through your butt muscles all the way down into your foot! Sciatica often presents itself when bending over, running, sitting for long periods of time, or during other typical daily movements. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

Pain along the sciatic nerve pathway (lower back, buttock, back of thigh, calf)
Fatigue or numbness in your legs and/or feet
A tingling, burning, or pins and needles feeling along the nerve route
Weakness in the knees when trying to stand up
Foot drop: a condition where you cannot flex your ankles enough to walk on your heels
Reduced reflexes in your Achilles and knee

More often than not, sciatica is caused by a herniated or bulging disk in the spine. Through chiropractic adjustments, your doctor of chiropractic can help correct this issue by performing spinal manipulations to remove vertebral subluxations. These adjustments will not only treat your sciatica at its source and provide pain relief, they will help your entire body function as it should.

In between chiropractic adjustments, there are a few stretches you can perform at home to aid in sciatica pain relief and recovery. If you’re suffering from sciatica, please check out these 5 stretches that can help relieve sciatic nerve pain, and then call our office today for your appointment — chiropractic can help!

5 Stretches for Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief

1. Standing Hamstring Stretch

Place your right foot at or below hip level on a support such as a chair, table, or bench. Keep your leg straight and your knee and toes pointing straight up. Make sure the hip of your raised leg is not lifted, but rather is releasing downward (without the leg or foot turning outward). Hold for several breaths, repeating on each side. For a deeper stretch, bend forward over your leg at the hip crease, with your spine and leg straight and your quadriceps firm.

2. Seated Twist

Sit down on the floor with your knees bent and your feet on the floor in front of you. Take your right foot under your left knee and around to the outside of your left hip. Your right knee should point straight forward. Place your left foot on the floor to the outside of your right knee and place your left hand on the floor behind you. Hold your left knee with your right hand and breathe deeply. Hold for 30 seconds, release, and repeat on the opposite side.

3. Pigeon Stretch

Start on your hands and knees. Bring your right knee forward and out to the right. Bring your right foot forward as well, until your heel is in line with your left hip and your shin is at about a 45-degree angle. Next, lean your upper body forward, tuck your left toes under, and slide or walk your left leg straight back, allowing your right thigh to rotate out passively as your hip descends toward the floor. Keep your hips level to the floor and square to the front of the mat; don’t let your pelvis turn or fall to one side. Rest in the stretch and allow your body to lower as low as it comfortably can. Hold for thirty seconds, release, and repeat on the opposite side.

4. Knee Raise Stretch

Lying on your back, draw one knee to your chest, keeping the other foot flat on the floor and hold for 30 seconds. Relax and lower the knee and repeat on the opposite side. Repeat 2-4x each leg.

5. Cat Pose

Get on your hands and knees and bend your back down and lift your chest by pulling your shoulders back. Breathe deeply while holding the pose for 10 seconds. Return to a flat back and then tuck your chin to your chest and raise your back. Hold for ten seconds and release. Repeat the process for up to two minutes.

Sciatica pain doesn’t have to be a part of your life! Call our office for your appointment today!

4 Ways to “Pain Proof” Your Office

Pain at Work

These days it seems like many of us spend as much time, if not more, at the office than at home. Since Americans have grown accustom to practically living in our offices, we might as well make them as comfortable as possible. Neck and Back pain caused from repetitive movements while working is very common. Fortunately though many of the painful complaints coming from the office can be avoided with theses 4 simple steps to pain-proofing your office.

1. Computer Placement

Nearly every job today involves some computer work with most jobs requiring several hours a day. If your computer monitor and keyboard are not placed properly the result can leave you hunched over and in pain.

For proper placement start by setting your monitor back about arm’s length away from you, now place your keyboard so that it is low enough that your arms don’t need to set up on the desk to type. You may need to install an adjustable keyboard tray to accomplish this. Make sure to use a wrist rest with your keyboard so you’re not putting strain on your wrists while typing.

2. Love Your Chair

In terms of importance having a supportive office chair should be up there with having a supportive mattress – it’s a must! If you are sitting for forty plus hours a week in a stiff or slouchy chair you are without question going to experience back pain. To avoid experiencing back pain at work from your office chair you may want to invest in a new one or talk to your employer about purchasing a new chair.

When looking for a pain free office chair make sure to go for something with a height adjustment so that when you sit you can adjust the chair so that your feet may both be placed flat on the floor with your knees sitting even to or below your hips. Also look for a chair with good lower back support, or purchase a separate cushion made to support the lower back.

3. Take Breaks

We were not made to sit at a desk for several hours straight and the result of doing so can lead to pain at work and at home. Every couple of hours or so make sure to take a 10-15 minute break to stand and do some small stretches to ease any tension in your body.

4. Use a Headset

If your job requires you to be on the phone for a significant part of your day a headset could be your best friend in avoiding neck pain at work. Headsets eliminate the strain and struggle on your neck and shoulders of trying to balance a phone while doing other things.

Have more tips on how to pain-proof your office? Comment below to share them!

Photo Credit: Jeremy Snell via Compfight cc

The Truth About Slipped Discs

Self-diagnosing, thanks to Google and WebMD we are all guilty of it. Many new patients coming into the office claim to have a slipped disc. The term is being used and misused more and more, so let’s unravel the truth behind the causes, symptoms, and treatment of a slipped disc.

What is a Slipped Disc:

According to PubMed Health

A herniated (slipped) disc occurs when all or part of a disk in the spine is forced through a weakened part of the disk. This may place pressure on nearby nerves.

What Causes a Slipped Disc:

Our spinal column is made up of several bones that serve to protect the nerves traveling from our brain down our spinal cord. Each of our spinal bones are separated by a jelly like cushion or disc. The disks put spaces between our bones which allow us to move smoothly, bend, and reach.

You would think with something as painful as a slipped disc you would know how you hurt yourself. Too many peoples surprise though rarely can they pin point the exact cause of their injury. This is because something as simple as exercise or even lifting can lead to a slipped disc. Injury, strain, or disc degeneration. can force bones out of place causing a herniated (slipped) disc. Approximately 90 percent of disc herniations occur in the lower back (Flood, Mark D.O.) Slipped discs are also more common among middle aged or older people.

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary based on the area of the slipped disc and which nerves are affected. Some people experience no symptoms and only find out they have a slipped disc after x-rays are taken.

Symptoms may include:

• Arm or leg pain
• Mild to severe tingling of the limbs
• Dull aches to intense pain
• Sharp or shooting pain through the legs
• Numbness
• Pain when sneezing or coughing
• Muscle weakness

Treatment:

Chiropractic specializes in the correction of subluxations, misaligned or out of place bones, and has shown amazing results in the treatment of slipped discs.

A primary doctor may offer pain killers or suggest steroid injections into the injury site. Both medication and steroid injections are effective in controlling the pain associated with a slipped disc but neither solves the problem. Aside from surgery, which can often lead to further complications and pain, chiropractic care is the only treatment method that reduces pain and fixes the problem through adjustments which push the disc back into its proper place.

Still have questions? Call our office at (615)503-9900 to set up a consultation today!

Photo Credit: Kansas Chiropractic Clinic via Compfight cc

Sleep Smarter With These 4 Tips for Your Back

Do You Suffer From Back Pain After Sleeping?

A good nights sleep is an essential part to a happy and productive day. If you are suffering from back pain after sleeping both sleeping through the night and getting through your day can become a struggle. There are several reasons you may experience back pain while sleeping including: nightly routines, stress, or mattress quality. The most common cause of back pain after sleeping though is related to your sleeping position.

Nightly Routines

There are many things that negatively affect our sleep that we may not be conscious of. For example research has proven that caffeine before bed as well as going to sleep both to hungry or to full can have negative side effects on our sleep. When we aren’t experiencing a deep peaceful sleep we tend to toss and turn about which can place stress on our neck and back without us being aware.

This week try to implement a healthy nightly routine by avoiding late night exercise, alcohol, or caffeine before bed. Take some time to distress and relax your body before sleeping which will help with the transition between a busy day and a peaceful night.

How Your Mattress Can Cause Back Pain After Sleeping

When you start to add up 6-8 hours of sleep a night, each night over the span of a lifetime you begin to see how important the quality of your mattress truly is. If you mattress is extremely soft or sags there is a good chance it is not supporting the alignment of your spine, causing pressure, discomfort, and back pain.

Like many things there is no one size fits all mattress firmness, for the best mattress for your spine talk to your chiropractor before purchasing.

Your Pillow and You

A good pillow isn’t just comfortable, but supports the necks cervical curve of the spine. Sleeping position must be taken into account when finding your perfect pillow. If you sleep on your side your shoulder creates more room between your neck and the mattress meaning your pillow needs more fullness and support in the area. However if you sleep on your back your neck is closer to the mattress so the same thick pillow may throw off your necks alignment causing pain.

If you tend to shift at night from sleeping on your side to your back there are therapeutic pillows available that have different support levels on the same pillow. Another great option is a water pillow which will conform to support your necks needs as you move.

Sleeping Position Is a Huge Factor In Why You May Have Back Pain After Sleeping

Sleeping position is one of the most common causes of back pain after sleeping. There are 3 main sleeping positions: back, side, and stomach.

Stomach: Sleeping on your stomach is extremely detrimental to your spines health! Turn your head towards one of your shoulders placing it in a similar position to how it is while sleeping on your stomach. It won’t take long before you begin to feel discomfort, now imagine leaving your head and neck in that discomfort for 8 hours while you sleep.

Side: Sleeping on your side is not nearly as hard on your spine as sleeping on your stomach. However side sleeping still allows for your body to contort in ways that apply pressure to the spine and may cause back pain when awakening.

Back: Being on your back while sleeping is the best choice because it allows your spine to align properly. If sleeping on your back is uncomfortable or awkward to you at first try placing a pillow under your knees to ease the transition.

If you are experiencing back pain after sleeping please call Hinz Family Chiropractic at (615)503-9900 today for a free consultation! Comment below to let us know if these tips helped you!

Photo by: Thejbird

3 Easy Stretches to Relieve Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Relieve Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, but the symptoms that come with it though are not always as joyous. Lower back pain during pregnancy is very common and more than half of pregnant woman will experience it at some point. You are more susceptible to lower back pain during pregnancy if you have suffered from back pain prior to your pregnancy or during a previous pregnancy. Back pain severity during pregnancy ranges from mild discomfort, sometimes brought on from standing for long periods of time, to overwhelming pain that disrupts daily activates

Fortunately there are things you can do to both prevent and relieve lower back pain during pregnancy. For instance woman who exercise regularly coming into pregnancy are less likely to have back pain problems than those who did not exercise. This is because they have built up the muscles around their spine and pelvis which will help support the extra weight they will take on in the coming months. If you did not exercise regularly before pregnancy it’s never too late to start! There are a variety of exercise classes for pregnant woman that focus on strengthening muscles for support and getting your body in shape for the marathon of birth.

Stretches to Relieve Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

There are several stretches you can do at home which will help to relieve lower back pain during pregnancy. Here are 3 quick and simple pain relieving stretches that require no exercise equipment.

The Cat-Cow

This yoga stretch is one of the most common pregnancy stretches to relieve backaches. Start out by positioning yourself on all fours with your hands placed under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Slowly pull in your stomach so that your back is slightly arched, hold this for 10 seconds giving your back muscles a good workout. Next relax your back muscles keeping your head in line with your spine and your back as straight as possible stretching your muscles. Be careful not to let your back sag when coming out of the arched position.

Childs Pose

In yoga this stretch is usually started while on your feet with your heels pointing outward. However you may need to make slight alterations to the stretch to accommodate your growing belly. You can start on your hands and knees with straight arms placed directly under your shoulders. Begin slowly curling yourself backward resting on your knees with your head down and your arms extended in front of you on the floor. Remain in this position for 10 seconds before returning to your starting pose. This is a great stretch for your back, pelvis and thighs.

Standing Pelvic Tilt

This stretch concentrates specifically on the lower back muscles and is great for pain relief. In the beginning you will want to stand with your back against a straight wall, however as you become more accustomed and comfortable with the stretch you may simply stand to do it. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart, at this point do not force your back to be flat to the wall. This is your starting position. Now tuck your pelvis in pushing the small of your back against the wall. Hold this position for 5 seconds and the return to your starting pose.

With all of the above stretches work at your own pace doing what is comfortable for your body and gradually work up to 10 repetitions a piece. Before stretching or starting any exercise routine you should always consider any special conditions of your pregnancy and consult your doctor before performing stretches to relieve lower back. Comment below to let us know if these stretches have helped you!

Photo by: Altamar

6 Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

What is a Pinched Nerve?

People often confuse any back pain with the pain of a pinched nerve in the back. While back pain can be a symptom of many conditions, pinched nerves take place when there is too much pressure applied to a nerve by the surrounding tissues. In certain cases the tissue compressing the nerve may be bone or cartilage, while in other cases it may be due to muscle or tendons. This abundance of pressure interrupts the nerves proper function causing several symptoms including pain or tingling. Pinched nerves may take place in many points of the body such as the back, neck, legs, or wrists.

What Causes a Pinched Nerve?

There are many instances that cause nerve compression leaving countless ways that a person may develop a pinched nerve. Anything from sports injuries to sleeping in the wrong position to poor posture can all be the culprit of a pinched nerve and cause potential symptoms of a pinched nerve.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused when the median nerve which runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand is pressed or pinched at the wrist. The carpal tunnel, a narrow tunnel-like structure of ligaments and bones in the wrist, holds the median nerve and tendons. When the median nerve becomes compressed or swollen pain, weakness, or numbness in the hands or wrist may be present. In certain cases pain may also radiate up the arms as well. The most common cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is repetitive hand or wrist movement such as those from constant typing or computer work.

6 Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve:

Muscles spasms, an involuntary contraction of a muscle, ranging from slight to moderate in pain.
Decreased sensation or numbness in the affected area.
Tingling sensations in the hands, feet, or legs. Some have also described it as feeling as if their hands or feet were continually falling asleep.
If a nerve is pinched in the spinal cord you may experience a sharp or burning pain that may worsen when you sneeze or cough.
Twitching or weakening of the muscles along the path of the affected nerve area.
Hot or cold sensations in the affected area.

Treatments:

With lots of rest and the help of all natural pain relievers or ice packs some may recover from a pinched nerve within a few days to a week. If the symptoms do not subside it is important to seek chiropractic care to relieve the inflammation and pressure around the nerve so that you may return to normal function.

When a nerve is pinched for a short time and then relieved you usually regain normal function with no permanent damage. However if the pressure continues without treatment you run the risk of subjecting yourself to chronic pain along with permanent nerve damage.

Still have questions? Comment below or call our office at (615)503-9900.

photo by: planetc1

Category: Lower back pain

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