Back Pain & Trapped Nerves
These are the most commonly treated conditions by Chiropractors. Research shows Chiropractic management for low back pain is more effective and more cost effective than usual or best medical care. See the research into Back pain & Chiropractic
WHO DO WE HELP?
People suffering from back pain due to:
Sprained joints
Pulled or weak muscles
Trapped nerves
Prolapsed (slipped) discs
Wear and Tear Click here for more
Pregnancy Click here for more
WHEN IS TREATMENT APPROPRIATE?
Seeking treatment SOON AFTER THE PAIN STARTS and trying to remain active reduces the likelihood of any long term back pain. Unfortunately many people think their pain will go by itself or with time - often it does not. If pain persists beyond two weeks we recommend having chiropractic treatment.
Pain killers reduce the suffering but may not effect the cause. 90% of back pain sufferers stop seeing their GP within three months - but most of them are still in pain a year later.
TREATING THE CAUSE, NOT THE SYMPTOMS
As you go through life, a slight loss of proper movement of the bones/joints can interfere with the healthy working of your spine, and the nerves that pass through it. This can lead to pain. Chiropractic, unlike painkilling drugs, treats the cause of pain, not just the pain itself. Your chiropractor will carry out a full examination (including X-rays if necessary), and ask you questions about your posture, medical history and lifestyle, to try and discover the cause of your back pain and offer a diagnosis of your complaint. More about your first visit.
Then your treatment will begin, often with gentle, specific Chiropractic Adjustments(the chiropractic word for manipulation) done by hand, to free stiff joints and remove spinal nerve irritation. This effective drug-free treatment is generally painless, although you may feel some short-term discomfort if your back is very sore.
HOW LONG WILL CHIROPRACTIC TAKE TO WORK?
As mentioned earlier the longer someone’s been in pain, the longer it takes to improve. We will suggest a treatment plan based on your condition and needs
WHAT CAUSES A BAD BACK
"I only bent down to tie my shoe". Most back injuries are not the result of a single activity or exposure to heavy lifting but instead are related to repetitive motion. As a joint stiffens or a muscle weakens more stress is placed on the surrounding joints and muscles. These then stiffen and weaken until something eventually gives and causes pain. So back problems usually start before the pain is felt. Chiropractors can detect and treat the subtle weaknesses and misalignments before they are bad enough to cause pain.
Any accidents or injuries can also lead to back pain, sometimes long after the incident, for this reason we will also ask about any major traumas to your back such as:
• car accidents
• falls
• sporting injuries
• lifting heavy weights
ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?
Poor posture may lead to back pain. Your chiropractor may advise you to make postural and ergonomic changes if you:
• spend hours a day sitting at a desk or a computer
• slouch in front of the TV
• sleep in a bed that is too hard or soft
• find yourself hunching your back and shoulders in stressful situations
WE CHECK MORE THAN YOUR BACK
Back pain may be caused by problems with other joints, particularly in the legs. Pain, stiffness or weakness of a hip, knee, ankle or foot can alter gait (the way you walk) and put more strain on the low back joints and muscles. We will check and treat the hip, knee, ankle or foot along with the back to help resolve the problem.
Some altered foot mechanics are long standing and do not respond to our treatment. We can assess such conditions with the Gait Scanner. If needed orthotics (insoles) designed specifically for your feet can be ordered. They are comfortable to wear and alter the way you walk, taking pressure of the low back.
Part of the brain called the cerebellum sends nerve impulses to control the row of muscles down each side of the spine. The cerebellum is also involved in balance and posture, it stabalises the spine. People with poor balance or who suffer with dizziness often have a degree of cerebellar dysfunction which may cause the spinal muscles to pull more on one side creating a twisting force on the vertebrae. To identify and help these problems we have a computerized balance pad that measures and scores your balance. If a problem is identified we will treat the cause of the balance problem as well as the back pain.
