Back Pain Treatment Nashville
Low back pain impacts the daily lives of many Americans. You may have back stiffness, decreased movement of the lower back, and difficulty standing straight.
Acute back pain can last for a few days to a few weeks.
Causes of low Back pain
Most people have at least one backache in their life. Although this pain or discomfort can happen anywhere in your back, the most common area affected is your lower back. This is because the lower back supports most of your body's weight.
Low back pain is the number two reason that Americans see their health care provider -- second only to colds and flu.
You'll usually first feel back pain just after you lift a heavy object, move suddenly, sit in one position for a long time, or have an injury or accident.
Acute low back pain is most often caused by a sudden injury to the muscles and ligaments supporting the back. The pain may be caused by muscle spasms or a strain or tear in the muscles and ligaments.
Causes of sudden low back pain include:
- Compression fractures to the spine from osteoporosis
- Cancer involving the spine
- Fracture of the spinal cord
- Muscle spasm (very tense muscles)
- Ruptured or herniated disk
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spine curvatures (like scoliosis or kyphosis), which may be inherited and seen in children or teens
- Strain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back
Low back pain may also be due to:
- An abnormal aortic aneurysm that is leaking
- Arthritis conditions, such as osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Infection of the spine (osteomyelitis, discitis, abscess)
- Kidney infection or kidney stones
- Problems related to pregnancy
- Medical conditions that affect the female reproductive organs, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, or uterine fibroids
Symptoms
You may feel a variety of symptoms if you have hurt your back. You may have a tingling or burning sensation, a dull achy feeling, or sharp pain. The pain may be mild, or it can be so severe that you are unable to move.
Depending on the cause of your back pain, you may also have pain in your leg, hip, or the bottom of your foot. You may also have weakness in your legs and feet.
Treatment for low back pain at our office
Chiropractic adjustments - the doctors have a variety of adjusting techniques they can use and will make adjustments to the areas of your back that are not functioning correctly that will be comfortable and tailored your comfort level.
Class IV deep tissue laser therapy - laser therapy works to decrease the inflammation and pain associated with low back pain, while also accelerating the healing of the damaged tissues.
Myofascial Therapy - your doctor will use a combination of myofascial techniques to reduce trigger points, remove scar tissue adhesions, and release nerve entrapments.
Kinesiotape - this procedure uses specialized tape to support the joints and muscle groups as they heal. When treating low back pain, it is important to keep the back mobile, while still offering support. The taping methods the doctors use will offer your back support to the muscle groups and allow you to move - as opposed to a back brace.
Therapeutic exercises - these exercises are used to stretch and strengthen any associated soft tissues that have become damaged by this condition. Your doctor will tailor your therapeutic exercise program based on the severity of your condition and physical ability.
Prevention
A common misbelief about back pain is that you need to rest and avoid activity for a long time. In fact, bed rest is not recommended. If you have no sign of a serious cause for your back pain (such as loss of bowel or bladder control, weakness, weight loss, or fever), then you should stay as active as possible.
There are many things you can do to lower your chances of getting back pain. Exercise is important for preventing back pain. Through exercise you can:
- Improve your posture
- Strengthen your back and improve flexibility
- Lose weight
- Avoid falls
It is also very important to learn to lift and bend properly. Follow these tips:
- If an object is too heavy or awkward, get help.
- Spread your feet apart to give you a wide base of support.
- Stand as close to the object you are lifting as possible.
- Bend at your knees, not at your waist.
- Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the object or lower it down.
- Hold the object as close to your body as you can.
- Lift using your leg muscles.
- As you stand up with the object, do not bend forward.
- Do not twist while you are bending for the object, lifting it up, or carrying it.
Other measures to prevent back pain include:
- Avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand for your work, alternate resting each foot on a stool.
- Do not wear high heels. Use cushioned soles when walking.
- When sitting for work, especially if using a computer, make sure that your chair has a straight back with an adjustable seat and back, armrests, and a swivel seat.
- Use a stool under your feet while sitting so that your knees are higher than your hips.
- Place a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back while sitting or driving for long periods.
- If you drive long distance, stop and walk around every hour. Bring your seat as far forward as possible to avoid bending. Do not lift heavy objects just after a ride.
- Quit smoking.
- Lose weight.
- Do exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles on a regular basis. This will strengthen your core to decrease the risk of further injuries.
Dr. Callie Gant and Dr. Michael Buczynski founded Art of Health Chiropractic with the goal of creating a healthier Nashville. Feel free to call the office at 615-953-7544 with any questions or to schedule your first appointment.
