Low back pain (LBP) is such a common
problem that if you haven’t suffered from it yet, you probably will eventually.
Here are a few facts to consider: 1) LBP
affects men and women equally; 2) It is most common between ages 30-50; 3)
Sedentary (non-active) lifestyles contribute a lot to causation; 4) Too much or
too little exercise can result in LBP; 5) A BMI around 25 is “ideal” for weight
management, which helps prevent LBP; 6) Causes of LBP include lifestyle (activity
level), genetics – including, but not limited to, weight and osteoarthritis; 7)
Occupation; 8) Exercise habits, and the list can go on and on. Let’s next look
at how
an adjustment is done.
When spinal manipulation is
performed in the low-back region, the patient is often placed in a side lying
position with the upper leg flexed towards the chest and the bottom leg kept
straight. The bottom shoulder is pulled forwards and the upper shoulder is
rotated backwards at the same time the low back area receives that the
manipulation is rotated forwards. This produces a twisting type of motion that
is well within the normal range of joint motion. When the adjustment is made, a
“high velocity” (or quick), “low amplitude” (a short distance of movement) thrust
is delivered often resulting in “cavitation” (the crack or, release of gases).
So, WHY do we do this?
Most studies show that when there is
back pain, there is inflammation. In fact, inflammation is found in most
disease processes that occur both within and outside the musculoskeletal
system. We know that when we control inflammation, pain usually subsides. That
is why the use of “PRICE” (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) works well
for most muscle/joint painful conditions. We have also learned that IF we can
avoid cortisone and non-steroidal drugs (like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen,
etc.), tissues heal quicker and better, so these SHOULD BE AVOIDED! If you
didn’t know that, check out:
http://www.benthamscience.com/open/torehj/articles/V006/1TOREHJ.pdf
Please see our prior discussions on
the use of anti-inflammatory herbs and diets that are MUCH safer than
non-steroidal drugs! But what does spinal manipulation DO in reference to
inflammation?
Different things occur
physiologically during a spinal adjustment or manipulation. We know that the
mechanical receptors located in muscles, muscle tendons, ligaments, and joint
capsules are stimulated and this results in muscle relaxation (reduced spasm or
tightness), increased measurable range of motion, and a decrease in pain. A
recent study also reported that inflammatory markers (CRP and interleukin-6)
measured in a blood test, NORMALIZED after a series of
nine chiropractic low back manipulations! So, NOT ONLY do spinal
adjustments give immediate improvements in pain, flexibility, and muscle
relaxation, they also REDUCE INFLAMMATION without the use of any
pharmaceuticals!
So, let’s review what manipulation
does for your low back pain: 1) Pain reduction; 2) Improved flexibility – now
you can put on your socks with less pain and strain; 3) Improved functions and
activities of daily living like sitting more comfortably, getting in or out of
your car, bending over to feed the cat, etc.; 4) Improved sleep quality; and 5)
Faster healing time by actually reducing the inflammatory markers in the blood!
If you have LBP, PLEASE don’t delay – make that appointment TODAY!
We realize you have a choice in whom
you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your
trust in choosing our service for those needs.
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for back pain, we would
be honored to render our services.
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