Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons to seek Chiropractic advice and treatment, back pain affects around 65% of middle-aged adults on a monthly basis.
Back pain can refer to pain in any region of the back whether it is in the upper (thoracic), mid (thoracolumbar) or lower (lumbar) spine. There are a variety of muscles within your back, there are muscles for movement, muscles to support the spine and muscles for posture. Alongside this there are the various tendons, ligaments and nerves that control the system.
Acute back pain is classified as pain that has only been present a short length of time, Chronic back pain has been present a much longer length of time and may be a continuous pain or a pain that comes and goes. Back pain can vary in its characteristics, it can be mild, achy, sharp, deep, stabbing, burning pain. You may feel the pain radiates into another area of the body.
Back pain can be caused by an over stretch of a ligament or muscle, a problem with the disc or the facet joint between two vertebrae. The pain may develop immediately following a heavy lift, an awkward twisting movement or it may not present until the following morning, sometimes it develops with no specific reason.
Chiropractic treatment of back pain occurs following assessment to determine which levels of the spine are involved and the muscles affected. The joints in the spine may create a clicking sound when they are adjusted, this a normal sound and is created by the release of a tiny air bubble from within the joint.
Goals of Chiropractic Care The main goals of chiropractic care in the treatment of Back pain include:
- Reduce pain
- Increase range of motion
- Release tension in the spinal facet joints
- Relax tight muscles
- Stimulate nerves
- Improve spinal function
Majority of cases of back pain are of a benign, simple and treatable nature however if you are experiencing any of the following, we recommend you make an emergency appointment with your GP, or visit your local A&E
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