Leading Back Pain Chiropractor

Common Causes of Back Pain

There are many different things that can cause back pain. Some of the most common causes we see here at Health From Within are muscular issues, spinal issues, and lifestyle factors. Back pain can also be caused by osteoporosis, gallbladder issues, kidney issues, or a wide range of other issues, like the ones we discuss below. 

Sprains and Strains

When the ligaments in the backstretch, tear or twist it can cause a back sprain. When muscles and tendons experience this type of injury, it’s called a back strain. Activities that put stress on your back, such as lifting heavy objects or twisting your body in an unnatural way are the most common causes of this type of back pain. 

Accidents

Accidents, such as falls, sports mishaps, and car accidents, can cause vertebral fractures which can be very painful. Since the spine is made of vertebrae, broken bones in the spine can easily compress or puncture a nerve or the spinal cord itself.

Herniated Disc

Between each of the vertebrae, are discs that function as shock absorbers for the spine. When the spine is overstrained or injured the material inside of the discs can sometimes protrude from the spine, which compresses the nearby nerves causing pain. Unfortunately, an injured disc can send pain along the pathway of the pinched nerve causing tingling, numbness, and pain.

Poor Posture

Poor posture can often cause spinal misalignment or subluxation.  This often happens when poor posture places pressure on the spinal cord or other nerves, which can cause pain and other sensory signals to be inaccurately delivered to the brain. Additionally, poor posture can overwork back muscles since they must help compensate for any misalignment. 

Obesity

Increased weight can put additional stress on your joints and back, which in turn increases pain.  In fact, a survey of 95 studies revealed a link between obesity and pain in the back. Losing weight can help relieve some of the physical burden carried by your joints and back.

Stress

Stress can increase or even cause back pain. As stressful feelings arise, it causes powerful neurochemicals to cascade through your body. When this happens, the fight or flight response is activated, which readies your body to defend itself, flee, or remain still in terror. This can lead to an increased heart rate, sweating, and tightened back muscles - all of which can exacerbate pain in your back.

Symptoms of Back Pain

The most common symptoms of back pain that we see here at Health From Within are backaches and loss of function or mobility. Each person is unique and so is their pain. Some patients experience a dull ache. Others tell our chiropractor for back pain that they experience a stabbing pain or a burning pain that feels like it is on fire. Everyday tasks can become major ordeals when you’re suffering from a painful and stiff back. 

How Chiropractic Works to Alleviate or Eliminate Back Pain

If you found us by searching the internet for a back pain chiropractor near me, you know there are lots of other chiropractors around. It’s important to keep in mind that not all back pain chiropractors are the same. Each of our patients that comes to us complaining of a painful back receives a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed physical examination, health history, and scans. We also ask our patients about their lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress, and sleep, as well as their health goals. Once we complete a thorough examination and health history, we will develop a treatment plan to alleviate or eliminate the back pain. These are a few of the treatments we may include in your plan. 

Chiropractic Adjustment

Spinal manipulation, also known as chiropractic adjustment is at the heart of the chiropractic care we provide here at Health From Within. We use specialized tools or our hands during this therapy which helps to restore healthy spinal alignment gently. A chiropractic adjustment removes the pressure that the spine might be exerting on nerves restoring optimal nerve functions, which includes accurate pain processing.

Spinal Decompression*

Spinal decompression, like a chiropractic adjustment, also focuses on reducing and alleviating nerve compression. This therapy treatment can be done manually or with a machine and stretches the spine.

*This service is available at our Bettendorf location

Massage Therapy

The primary purpose of massage therapy is to reduce pain and inflammation as it increases blood flow. Our patients often report that massage therapy provides fast relief from discomfort as well as relaxation. Massage therapy increases circulation which promotes natural healing. It also pushes lactic acid and other waste products that cause pain as they build up in the muscles. In addition, it ushers in other muscle-building nutrients which promotes your body to heal. 

Therapeutic Hot and Cold

Sometimes we apply hot and cold packs, which provide some of the same benefits as massage, by increasing blood flow and circulation. We also offer therapeutic ultrasound. This therapy works to gently warm the back with gentle sound waves that penetrate the tissues, increase blood flow and relax the muscles. 

Prescribed Back Stretches and Exercises

When the therapies above are combined with our recommended lifestyle changes, it helps our patients have long-term recovery from back pain. Prescribed back stretches, movements, and exercises help to maintain healthy spinal alignment while also building healthy muscle. 

We often recommend a series of strategic stretching exercises that combine muscle contraction and relaxation, called Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). We prescribe a customized PNF stretching program to reduce muscle spasms as well as promote relaxation.

Here at Health From Within, we develop targeted exercises that will benefit our patients after we analyze how they walk, sit, and stand. These exercises increase agility as well as build strength and stability. Supple joints and strong muscles that are regularly stretched, allow the spine to move with less or no pain.

Enjoy Life With Little of No Back Pain

If you regularly suffer from back pain, you may feel that you’ll never be free of its unrelenting grip on your life. Here at Health From Within, our chiropractor for back pain is committed to moving you towards a pain-free back with little or no stiffness. Call our office today to schedule a comprehensive back pain consultation.