Over 80% of the US population will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Sometimes, it's only temporary. For example, maybe you slept in an awkward position or strained yourself working out. Any number of things can cause pain and irritation in the back and neck. But at what point does the pain become such a burden that it's time to see a professional? Unfortunately, your back can not speak for itself, so you need to understand the warning signs that your back pain is something that needs to be treated. Here are eight signs that you might need a chiropractor. 1. You Have Chronic Muscle and Joint PainWhen we experience pain, we often turn to the medicine cabinet. However, pills will only treat pain temporarily and can be dangerous if you become dependent on them. Taking pain relievers is like trying to mop up a puddle under a leaky pipe: it works momentarily, but you're not addressing the source of the issue. Instead, a chiropractor provides a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that tackles the root of pain rather than just the pain itself. Although chiropractors are primarily thought to treat spinal issues, chiropractors can also treat muscle and joint pain throughout the body. In fact, some muscle and joint pain are caused by spinal misalignments. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve blood flow and circulation to the affected areas. 2. You Experience Radiating PainIf the pain in your back or neck travels down your arms, legs, or lower back, or if you experience numbness/weakness in your feet or legs, you could have irritated nerves. Your spinal cord houses the central nervous system, which is the powerhouse of the many functions of your body. A slipped disc could cause a pinched nerve, leading to pain and other irritating sensations in your extremities. 3. Your Pain Worsens at NightIf your pain worsens at night, that is not normal and could indicate serious health issues such as disc degeneration, spinal fractures, or even spinal tumors. The worst thing you can do is take sleeping medication or painkillers. This only addresses the issue on a surface level when real problems could be at large. 4. You Have Difficulty WalkingIf you suffer from back or neck pain and you're changing how you walk to avoid it, a trip to the chiropractor is long overdue. For example, if you have difficulty walking more than a block and find that you are leaning a certain way to alleviate the pain, there is a chance you have stenosis, which causes your spine to narrow, putting extra pressure on your nerves. Again, treatment is vital if you've been experiencing this for extended periods of time. 5. You’ve Had a Recent Trauma or InjuryIf you have recently been in a car accident or a situation that caused strain on your body and new back pain occurs, it’s best to see a chiropractor. Even if you experience little to no pain immediately following an accident, you may start experiencing problems at a later time. The sooner you make an appointment, the better off you will be in the long run. 6. You Have Frequent HeadachesMany different factors can cause headaches, but if you experience frequent headaches, a chiropractor may be able to help. Your headaches could be caused by misalignments in the neck or spine that limit the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. 7. You Have an Office JobAlthough office jobs are typically not physically intensive, sitting at a desk in front of a computer all day can have a significant impact on your spinal health. Many of these negative effecs are the result of poor posture which puts excess pressure on the spine, shoulders, neck, and upper back and leads to misalignments and degeneration. 8. Your Range of Motion Is LimitedAlthough it’s natural to lose some degree of flexibility and range of motion as you age, a drastic reduction in range of motion is likely a sign of a more serious underlying issue. For example, maybe you’ve noticed your neck feels stiff and you can’t move it as far in one direction or another as you used to. Or, maybe you struggle with everyday activities like picking up objects or putting on your shoes. These examples of limited mobility are signs that it’s time to see a chriopractor. Ready to See a Chiropractor? Contact Petrak Family ChiropracticIf one or more of these signs apply to you, then you’ll likely benefit from receiving chiropractic care. Contact Petrak Family Chiropractic Center today to schedule a consultation and see how chiropractic can benefit your long-term health.
0 Comments
As we all finish up our last-minute back-to-school shopping for new clothes, accessories, and school supplies, it’s important to be aware of the impact heavy backpacks have on our children. Kids wear backpacks packed with textbooks and supplies for hours on end, five days a week. It truly does take a toll on kids’ posture and spinal health. In fact, some studies have found that children carrying heavier backpacks have a 50% higher risk of experiencing back pain. This pattern of behavior is not only painful in the short term but also has serious ramifications later in life. Back pain is a serious matter, so it’s important to avoid bad habits as early as possible. Here are some tips to save your child’s spine this school year. Limit the Amount of Weight CarriedStudies have shown that backpack weight becomes harmful when it exceeds 20% of the carrier’s body weight. Most experts recommend sticking to 10–15%. So try leaving the heavy textbooks in the locker if they’re not needed for homework. If they are needed, try to place the heavier books as close to the back as possible. If most of the weight is placed away from the spine, the body tends to naturally bend forward to compensate. Over time, this leads to spinal subluxations and can do some real damage to the back muscles. Get A Rolling BagThe most significant thing you can do to reduce backpack pain is to eliminate the need to carry large amounts of weight on your back. That’s where rolling bags/backpacks come into play. Students can carry everything they need without having to endure back pain day in and day out. Best Rolling BackpacksHere are just a few of the best rolling backpacks you can use to reduce back pain. Buy a Higher Quality BagGet a backpack that’s made of sturdy, lighter material. Ensure that the straps are padded and that your child always wears the bag with two straps on the shoulders. Using only one strap will cause uneven weight distribution, and such lopsided weight will cause problems in the spine. Additionally, adjust the backpack straps to fit snugly around the shoulders, so the bag can’t sway or flop around. Best Backpacks with Back SupportIf you’re looking for a backpack with back support, here are a few options to consider. Chiropractic for Backpack PainThese simple steps are easy to take, and they’ll help your child’s spine in the long term. If your child has already complained about back pain, they may need extra help. As a family-oriented chiropractic clinic, our practice is viable for people of all ages , from toddlers to kids to teenagers to adults. Get in touch to schedule a consultation today!
As chiropractors, we often get asked questions about our practice, the conditions we can treat, and to whom the treatments may apply. We often describe our practice as “family chiropractic,” which is exactly what it sounds like. We can treat the whole family, from infants to seniors. The human body is constantly changing and developing, and having a chiropractor will help to ensure everything is in the right place. Additionally, it strengthens the spine to improve range of motion and balance to prevent injuries from occurring later in life. Whether that means helping a young child in development avoid future back and neck pain, disc problems, or sciatica, or if it means helping an adult get into shape or improve recovery from an injury, as family chiropractors, we’re ready to meet all of your needs. Chiropractic Care For ChildrenKids experience rapid bone growth throughout the first years of their lives. That's why we give them the apt name “growth spurts.” And while we may tend to think about kids as fragile, the truth is that chiropractic treatment is perfectly safe and beneficial to toddlers and young children. Kids are constantly learning and exploring the world around them. In their early years, while they are learning to walk, tripping and tumbling are common occurrences. Periodic chiropractic exams will ensure that bones develop properly and that hard tumbles don't cause subluxations (spinal misalignments) or nerve stress during development. Once they get a little older, they might get into sports like little league, gym classes, ice hockey, peewee football leagues, etc. This is when it's imperative to ensure everything is in place and unharmed. When it comes to sports, especially full-contact ones, injuries are prevalent. Chiropractic care makes injury recovery smoother and strengthens core muscles to prevent future incidents. Chiropractic Care For SeniorsAs we age, our bodies gradually degrade in terms of mobility and range of motion. Many people loathe the idea of getting older, but as a wise person once said, "do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many." Chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to physically make the aging process a bit easier. It offers pain relief, improves balance, range of motion, and coordination, and studies have shown that seniors who regularly visit chiropractors have lower rates of arthritis. Schedule A Chiropractic Exam TodayIt's never too early or late to seek treatment for an injury, growing pains, or check in to ensure everything is in the right place. Chiropractic care is the best non-invasive and drug-free pain relief method. Coupled with massage therapy and at-home stretching/exercise recommendations, family chiropractic visits will help everyone you care about stay healthy.
If you're ready to take a step in the right direction to pursue a healthy you, then schedule a consultation. We begin with each patient by doing diagnostics, discussing your health history, and running other tests to develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. Give us a call today! Neck Pain Relief: Essential StretchesMillions of people suffer from temporary or chronic neck pain. It can be a disabling condition because it limits your physical abilities and takes a significant toll on the mind. Neck pain can affect all aspects of your life, including work, social life, and hobbies. When you suffer from pain, it may be tempting to turn to painkillers, but they only offer temporary relief. They don't address the root issue, and repeated use is detrimental to your health in the long run. As a chiropractic clinic, we’re dedicated to treating patients by fixing the causes of pain, not just treating the pain itself. We encourage patients to employ stretches and exercises outside our office for muscle strengthening, conditioning, and expanding range of motion. Whether you have a kink in your neck caused by sleeping funny, you've had a stressful work week, or if you just want to get more limber, neck exercises are a great way to reduce pain and prevent it in the future. Here are six stretches you can do any time, even at work! Standing Neck StretchThis stretch targets the main muscles that contribute to tension pain.
Head TurnsTo restore or maintain your neck's range of motion, do head turns once or twice daily.
The Arm PullThis stretch is done standing up and stretches the sides of the neck.
Head TiltsTilts are one of the easiest and most effective stretches. You can do it standing up or sitting down.
Shoulder RollsShoulder rolls are one of the most common and prominent stretches among athletes, and for a good reason. They relieve tension, stiffness, and stress while promoting better joint circulation.
Chin TucksChin tucks are another effective stretch that can easily be performed anywhere.
Chiropractic Treatment for Neck PainStretches are great at-home exercises to relieve temporary pain caused by stress or tension. It's also great to strengthen the muscles and build a better range of motion to prevent injury in the future. However, be careful not to stretch more than the recommended amounts and only stretch within the range of your ability. Stretching too often or beyond a comfortable range of movement can cause injuries.
If you suffer from intense and chronic neck pain every day, there may be a more elaborate underlying issue, especially if you've experienced a recent accident or injury. To maintain your health, contact us today for a chiropractic evaluation. Are You Harming Yourself When You Crack Joints?An estimated 25-54% of people crack their knuckles on a daily basis. To some, waking up and stretching, cracking and popping their knuckles, back, neck, and other body parts just feels good and comes naturally. However, you’ve perhaps heard people claim that cracking your joints can cause arthritis. It comes off as an old wives' tale, but does it actually hold any weight? Does cracking your knuckles (or other body parts) actually cause long-term damage? If you’re a chronic knuckle popper, should you stop? Let’s investigate these claims and look at some helpful hints to stop cracking your joints. What Happens When You Crack Your Knuckles?First and foremost, it's important to understand what causes the popping sounds when you crack your joints -- a mystery that still isn't 100% solved, but there are a couple of leading theories. The first one involves synovial fluid bubbles. Synovial fluid is a viscous fluid found in synovial joints, which are the most movable types, such as the shoulders, knees, wrists, etc. When a joint is pulled, gas present inside the joint is released, forming gas bubbles within the synovial fluid. The presence of the bubbles and the sudden change of pressure causes them to burst, which in turn causes the popping sound you hear when you crack your knuckles. Another, more probable, theory involves something called cavitation. This is when cavities form inside a joint when pulled, bent, twisted, or otherwise manipulated. These cavities are formed within the synovial fluid and then rapidly collapse, creating the sharp audible popping sound. Does Cracking Joints Cause Arthritis?The claim that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis is not supported by any scientific evidence. However, a 2011 study found that knuckle crackers are more likely to have chronic hand swelling and lower grip strength than those who do not habitually crack their knuckles. That being said, the study also failed to acknowledge that since knuckle cracking is often used as a stress reliever, habitual knuckle crackers were also more likely to take part in other activities such as manual labor, smoking, nail biting, and alcohol consumption which may be the main factors in swollen hands and grip strength. This means that cracking your knuckles is correlated with hand issues but is not necessarily the cause. Therefore, there is no definitive proof that cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis. How to Stop Cracking Your KnucklesEven though cracking your knuckles may not give you arthritis, it can still have other adverse effects. For example, it can cause joint swelling, negatively impact hand strength, or could be a side effect of anxiety. But most of all, it probably annoys the people around you. So if you look at it from a behavioral perspective, you may still want to try quitting cracking your joints. Here's how.
When to See a Chiropractor for Snapping or Popping JointsWhile cracking your knuckles is mostly harmless, other things can cause a snapping or popping sound, such as when tendons snap over joints. For instance, if you feel or hear your shoulder popping repeatedly as you lift weights, it could indicate that the muscles are tight and some extra stretching may be needed before you begin your workout. If the snapping becomes painful and radiates to other body parts, cease strenuous activity immediately, take a warm shower to loosen the muscles, and visit a chiropractor. In addition, painful popping in the joints could indicate a torn muscle or other injuries. Again, your chiropractor can help heal it to get you back on track. For any further questions or to schedule a consultation, contact Petrak Family Chiropractic Center today. We'll help develop a personalized treatment regimen to help you become more limber, coordinated, and balanced. Back pain affects millions of people each year. While it’s often written off as part of the aging process or unavoidable, there are a lot of common everyday habits that contribute to its prevalence. By breaking these habits , although it’s not always easy , you drastically decrease your odds of suffering from back pain in the future. Here are four factors to keep in mind to avoid back pain. Slouching and A Sedentary LifestyleSlouching is all-too-common, especially among those that work in office jobs. Sitting in front of a computer all day is uncomfortable. It’s an unavoidable fact. You’re bound to shift positions throughout the day and, unfortunately, using a computer for 8+ hours every day will distract you as you shift into unhealthy positions without even realizing it. Shoulders cocked forward, leaning in, and head held forward — the worst possible position to work in all day. Experts estimate that you add an additional 10 pounds of weight for your spine to support with every inch you hold your head forward. Over time, this wear and tear will cause severe and lasting damage. There are a few steps you can take to stop slouching. If you notice you’re slouching, stop doing so immediately. Sit up straight, feet flat on the ground and head held high while working. Also, take frequent breaks to do some simple stretches or go for a walk. Once you’re off work, don’t continue to be sedentary! Instead, try working out, going for a light jog, or walking. Get the blood flowing and stand up straight. And lastly, look into an ergonomic chair. Many manufacturers realize the importance of good posture and have created perfectly affordable chairs so you can sit comfortably without sacrificing your spine. ObesityBeing overweight is one of the most significant causes of back pain in Americans because it heavily restricts movement. When you’re obese or overweight, you lose flexibility and the ability to bend the spine, which it needs to do to stay limber. Obesity contributes to joint and muscle stiffness, creating weakness and fragility in the spine. Additionally, the spine is also responsible for carrying most of a person’s weight. Excess weight and a weakening spine create a perfect storm for conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. To start improving your spinal health, it’s essential to take care of other aspects of your body. People tend to forget that the body is interconnected; by improving one thing, you improve other things. Simply by eating healthier, quitting smoking, and getting some exercise, you’ll drastically improve your overall health, and your spine will thank you! Improper Lifting TechniquesWorking out and improving your overall health is vital to your spine’s integrity, but don’t forget that you need to work out properly! Whether you work in general labor or go to a gym, know that lifting with your back is highly unsafe and can lead to serious injury. To learn more about proper lifting techniques in any situation, let your legs do all the work. Never Seeing A ChiropractorWe might be biased, but the truth is unavoidable: chiropractic is the best drug-free, non-invasive and safest treatment of back pain, strengthening the spine and avoiding future injuries. Schedule a consultation today to begin a road to a healthier you. Chiropractic During LaborGetting chiropractic care while pregnant has many benefits. Your entire body is making room for the growing life inside of you, which means that things will shift around; nerves will get pinched, subluxations (aka misalignments) in the spine will become more prevalent, leading to back and neck pain, nausea and other common negative side effects associated with pregnancy. Let’s examine the benefits of getting chiropractic care during different stages of pregnancy in greater detail. Benefits of Chiropractic During PregnancyFirst things first, you should always inform your chiropractor that you are pregnant if you are seeking care. It will significantly change the treatment regimen to ensure the safety of yourself and your child. Seeking chiropractic treatment during your pregnancy is a safe and extremely beneficial method for relieving side effects in addition to preparing the body for a smooth birth and shorter labor. One of the main alignments we look at during pregnancy is the pelvis. A misaligned pelvis can be particularly troublesome during pregnancy. It reduces the amount of space the baby has to develop and can complicate delivery by making it difficult for the baby to get into the head-down birth position. Moreover, a misaligned pelvis can communicate with the nervous system to cause discomfort throughout the rest of the body. Chiropractic care will properly align the pelvis so the baby has enough room to come out naturally and reduce the amount of time in labor. Chiropractic care can also help relieve some of the everyday symptoms experienced during pregnancy, like nausea, morning sickness, and fatigue. Chiropractic has proven to be effective at treating these symptoms as spinal realignments improve your overall nervous system function. Can a Chiropractor Induce Labor?If the soon-to-be-mother experiences extremely long labor before birth, a chiropractor can help to facilitate the birthing process. Through precise techniques, chiropractic will loosen the joints and muscles in and surrounding the pelvis to allow for a wider birth canal, making it less painful and minimizing the risk of birthing complications such as breech deliveries. Women who practice yoga, pilates, or are avid runners/fitness enthusiasts tend to benefit the most from chiropractic during pregnancy because they tend to have strong, tighter muscles that take extra effort to loosen up. However, keep in mind that having a first-time adjustment during labor won’t be a helpful option. Chiropractic trains the body through intermittent adjustments over extended periods of time. It’s not a magical cure-all for long labors, so if the patient has never had an adjustment before they go into labor, it likely won’t have any effect. Generally speaking, regular chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy and before labor will more than likely negate the need for having a chiropractor present during delivery. On average, mothers who receive chiropractic care during their pregnancy have a 24% shorter labor period. Taking precautions by seeking a chiropractor to prepare the body for birth makes for an easier, smoother process altogether. Benefits of Chiropractic After Giving BirthHaving a chiropractor after birth is also beneficial to help get on the right track to getting in shape and feeling good about yourself. Chiropractic will make sure your body is properly aligned so you can heal faster and get your body back to the state it was prior to your pregnancy. Patients often experience changes in their posture resulting from their pregnancy. This can be especially prevalent after giving birth as many parents tend to hunch and leand over while caring for their child. This can lead to further misalignment issues and experiencing pain in the back and neck. Petrak Family Chiropractic Center is Here to Care for You and Your Baby’s HealthIf you’re pregnant, no matter what trimester, it’s beneficial to have adjustments at any time to make for an easier birthing process. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation!
It’s widely known how prevalent lower back pain is with an estimated 25% of all Americans experiencing lower back pain at any given point in time. For many of those people, however, the pain doesn’t stop at the lower back. If you experience lower back pain that extends down the length of each leg, you might be suffering from sciatica. Let’s take a closer look at what sciatica is, what causes it, and how chiropractic can help treat sciatica. What Is Sciatica?Sciatica is a condition that causes pain in the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, branching at the buttocks and all the way down each leg. Typically, sciatica will only affect one side of the body with the pain shooting through the back of the thigh and throughout the leg. Occasionally, it can also affect the feet or even the toes. Although it’s sometimes described as a disorder, sciatica is actually more of a symptom of other disorders. The severity really depends on the person. In some cases, the pain is constant and completely debilitating but in others, the pain could be occasional and annoying at worst. Even if the pain isn’t all that bad now, if left untreated, it has significant potential to become much worse. Chiropractic care is the safest, non-invasive and drug-free way to treat sciatica. But in order to understand the connection between sciatica and chiropractic, we first have to understand what causes the condition. What Causes Sciatica?The causes of sciatica vary, but there are a number of disorders and conditions that can trigger the pain at any time, including:
How Does Chiropractic Help With Sciatica?The majority of disorders that cause sciatica start with subluxations (aka misalignments in the spine). Since sciatica is merely a symptom of a larger issue, chiropractors don’t necessarily treat sciatica — they treat the root issue of the cause.
At Petrak Family Chiropractic Center, we use several different adjusting techniques. There are a few different types of traction (to help take pressure off of the disc), and/or soft tissue release techniques to relax some of the musculature around the problem area. These techniques and modalities are dependent on the exam and my findings. We start by properly diagnosing what’s causing the sciatica since this factor will drastically change the treatment method. Once a cause is determined, we’ll create a customized treatment plan specifically tailored to the patient’s needs. If you or a loved one suffer from the nerve pain of sciatica, it’s important to get it checked out before it becomes a debilitating issue. Get in touch today to schedule an initial consultation and to start down the road to a healthier you. If you’re one of the millions of people who experience back and neck pain, you’ve likely considered getting chiropractic care. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about chiropractic care that often prevent people from seeking care. This is most likely due to misinformation about how chiropractic care actually works, the methods that are utilized, and a lack of knowledge about the schooling that chiropractors go through to be able to practice. Here are 6 of the most common chiropractic myths and the truths behind them. Myth 1: Chiropractors Only Treat Back PainWhile back pain is one of the most common problems chiropractors treat, the truth is that they treat a wide variety of conditions. A chiropractor takes many similar courses to traditional medical students including anatomy, neurology, pathology, and biochemistry. They know more about the human body than just the spine, but through their practice, they acknowledge the significance that spinal strength can play in overall wellbeing. The spine is connected to the nervous system, so pinched nerves and other issues can produce symptoms in other parts of the body. Here are just a few common conditions that can be neutralized by comprehensive chiropractic care:
Myth 2: Chiropractors Aren't As Educated As PhysiciansAs previously stated, not only do chiropractors take similar university courses when compared to traditional medical students, but they also are licensed and qualified graduates to serve as health care providers in the United States and other countries. Chiropractic school is rigorous and at the completion of the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, students must then pass a four-part national board exam to obtain their licenses. From there, chiropractors continue to attend regular seminars on the latest research and techniques. ​Myth 3: Chiropractic Costs A Lot Of MoneyThe truth is that chiropractic care is often less expensive than most other types of medical visits and the majority of health insurance plans cover chiropractic care expenses. Check with your insurance provider if chiropractic care is covered in your plan. At Petrak Family Chiropractic Center, we will sit down with you to go over all of the exact costs, examine your health benefits, and work with your insurance provider regarding the details of your coverage. You will be aware of every cost, at all times and any out-of-pocket cost will be discussed prior to treatment. We want our patients to be completely comfortable, and part of that means complete transparency when it comes to costs. Myth 4: Chiropractic Adjustments are Dangerous or PainfulWhile all medical procedures have some degree of risk to them, the risks associated with chiropractic care are low as the procedures are less invasive than other forms of medicine. Chiropractic care is a natural form of medicine and is much safer than other types of pain management like painkillers or steroids. Most patients experience immediate pain relief following an adjustment. The most common side effect of chiropractic adjustments is soreness which is similar to the soreness you might experience from working out after a long break. Any soreness should resolve on its own within a few days. During adjustments, “cracking” or “popping” sounds may be heard. The myth that chiropractic care is painful or dangerous stems from the belief that these sounds come from bones rubbing together. In actuality, these sounds come from air bubbles popping around the joints similar to when you crack your knuckles and are completely normal. ​Myth 5: Chiropractic Care is Only for AdultsChiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for patients of all ages. In fact, chiropractic care for children can be especially effective as their bones and body grow to help reduce the number of spinal issues they have later in life. For children who are active in sports and other physical activities, chiropractic is an effective form of injury prevention and recovery. ​Myth 6: Chiropractic Care is a Lifetime CommitmentOne of the biggest misconceptions about chiropractic is that, once you start chiropractic care, you need to keep going back for the rest of your life. The truth is that you are ultimately in control of when and how often you choose to get treatment. How often you visit the chiropractor will mostly depend on your overall spinal health. If you have severe spinal issues, your chiropractor may recommend regular check-ups. However, if you’re recovering from an injury, you may only require a certain number of adjustments before treatment is no longer needed. At Petrak Family Chiropractic Center, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s targeted to your individual needs. Some patients may choose to have regular maintenance appointments because of chiropractic’s health benefits, but this is not a requirement. Contact Us with Any Questions About Chiropractic CareThese are just a few of the most common myths about chiropractic, but others still persist. Seeking any new kind of medical care can often cause concerns, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. If you have any questions about chiropractic care, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Chronic back pain is a serious affliction that can greatly impact both your physical and mental health. Back pain affects millions of people worldwide each year and while there are numerous causes to each case, one thing is certain; roughly 25% of Americans experience chronic lower back pain at any given point in time, according to the CDC. Far too many people turn to harmful painkillers for relief, unaware that there are sufficient, drug-free alternatives. While painkillers can provide temporary relief of symptoms, they don’t address the cause of the problems. It’s important to recognize how common chronic back pain is in order to raise awareness about feasible, non-invasive, and drug-free remedies such as chiropractic care. Back Pain Facts and Figures
Most Common Causes of Back PainFitness level: back pain is more common in those that don’t exercise very often. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the core muscles that support the spine. Even going for a walk every day will help in maintaining spinal health. Rapid weight gain: obesity and sudden weight gain can put a lot of stress on the spine and neck. Smoking: smoking restricts oxygen flow to the spinal tissue. Inactive lifestyle: desk jobs with uncomfortable seats or those with poor posture are more susceptible to back pain. Genetic disorders: arthritis and other genetic disorders can be at play when it comes to back pain. Bulging or ruptured disks: since these disks are protective cushions for the vertebrae, ruptured or bulging ones can cause nerve pain within the spine. Improper lifting: always lift with your legs, not your back. Repetitive, strenuous, and improper movement will put you at a higher risk for back pain. Back Pain TreatmentIf you suffer from back pain, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Petrak Family Chiropractic offers many variations of chiropractic care for treating back pain at any age. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
|