Back Pain - A Conservative & Effective Approach

Back pain remains one of the most common health problems facing our population. However traditional medical models of back pain care have been disappointing at best. Much of the reason for this pitiful incongruence between the prevalence of back pain and the state of health care in traditional medicine is because the origins of the pain are not understood. Ever go to your doctor with back pain and have them tell you there is nothing "wrong" with your back and you should rest, take some anti-inflammatory medications or worse muscle relaxers? Well, they are correct - you don't need surgery - but that doesn't invalidate the fact that you are struggling with real pain and can't tie your shoes without breaking a sweat.

Back pain is often associated with muscle tension on the extensor side of the body - ranging from the hamstrings, glutes, low back, up the spine and into the shoulders and neck. In addition to and directly linked with that muscle tension is the potential for mis-alignments in the vertebrae, which may be resulting in increased pressure on the nerve bundles that exit from the spine. Muscle weakness and lack of flexibility in the extensor side of the body can increase your likelihood for acute back injury - and correcting these issues through deliberate strengthening and flexibility training can be the long term solution to keeping you out of your doctors office. Also, structural issues in the alignment of the feet, legs and hips have been strongly associated with back pain.

CBS featured an interview with Dr. Jennifer Ashton (medical correspondent for CBS News) about back pain and the most common and effective methods of treating and preventing this condition. Here is the link: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4928281n  Surprise, surprise - she's advocating for an integrated holistic approach. Gee... I heard of that somewhere (see the home page of the web site you are currently on).

So.. here's the plan - or a possible one - for all of you who are ready to throw the kitchen sink at your back pain issues but it hurts too much to lift the sink..

• Address the muscle tension with deliberate massage or bodywork that will help your muscles release, relax, and lengthen.
• Realign the spine through chiropractic care so that any pressure on the nervous system is released.
• Stimulate the natural pain relief systems and healing mechanisms in your body with acupuncture and accelerate the healing process.
• Work with a trained professional who can help you to increase strength and flexibility on the extensor side of your body.
• Address any structural issues in the feet, knees and hips with the use of orthotics or simply choosing the appropriate type of shoe.
• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF by paying attention to your posture while you work, when lifting stuff or even bending down to pick up something light.

Your back is important - and we often don't realize how important something is till it's lost or broken. Don't settle for a busted back. Please consider this conservative and effective approach well before surgery is even a part of the conversation - and if surgery is needed - don't stop there - an integrated holistic approach will maximize your results even after surgery so you can feel and look great and do the things you love. Learn more about our services here.