Archive for back pain
As a Chiropractor in Ventura I know the debilitating effects of back pain. Though some people try to “ignore” their back pain in the hopes that it will go away on its own, the majority of individuals know that back pain is difficult, if not impossible, to ignore. Back pain is a constant. It interferes with a person’s ability to work and to enjoy daily life, and it makes it impossible to get a good night’s sleep. In addition, many people know that untreated back pain can cause further musculoskeletal problems. But it will, no doubt, come as a surprise to almost everyone that unaddressed back pain that lingers six months or more has been linked with a loss of brain volume that’s equivalent to 10 to 20 years of normal aging. That’s right! According to new research at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, back pain can significantly age the brain! A. Vania Apkarian, Ph.D. and co-author of the study, said that the decline has to do with how the brain adapts to pain, and such decline can damage a person’s ability to assess emotional cues and control emotion.
If you are someone who needed one more reason to make an appointment with your chiropractor to get the treatment you need for your back pain, the possibility of significant brain decline might just be the “inspiration” you needed! Be smart (and stay smart) by calling your Ventura Chiropractor today!
As a Ventura Chiropractor and healthcare provider, I cannot say enough about the crucial issue of excess weight and how it adversely affects every system of the human body. I “preach” to my overweight patients and hammer away on the subject in my blogs because in addition to the cardio-vascular diseases caused by obesity, much of the back pain, hip pain, and knee pain that people experience is influenced by the undue stress excess weight puts on the joints of the body. And, though it may not surprise you, an expert panel in a report out just today said that people in this country must slash their calories and increase physical activity because the obesity epidemic is “the single greatest threat to public health in this century.”
We all know that dieting isn’t easy, but the advisory committee for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans gave this clear-cut advice: “People in this country need to cut the calories they consume from added sugars and solid fats (butter, marbled meats) and start eating a more nutrient-rich, plant-based diet.”
The report called for many changes in the food environment. To read more, go to: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-06-15-
As a Ventura Chiropractor, I’ve helped thousands of individuals with back pain relief and preventative care. I know that chiropractic treatment is highly successful, so I found a recent Consumer Reports survey of its readers, regarding chiropractic care and back pain, “highly satisfying.” The survey, which included 14,000 Consumer Reports subscribers, found that “hands-on” therapies, led by chiropractic care, were the top-rated treatments for people suffering from back pain. In fact, chiropractors were given the highest “satisfaction with care” ratings, well above those given to medical doctors who administered various forms of care to back pain sufferers
The survey, reported in the publication’s May 2009 issue, found that more than half of the respondents had “pain (that) severely limited their daily routine for a week or longer, and 88 percent said it recurred throughout the year.” The report stated that while many go to a primary care physician first for diagnosis and treatment, the majority were disappointed with the results.
On the other hand, 59 percent reported that they were “highly satisfied” with the care they received from chiropractors. The next highest rated practitioners were physical therapists (55 percent) and acupuncturists (53 percent), followed by “specialized” physicians (44 percent) and primary care physicians (34 percent).
Respondents were also asked to rate the types of treatments they received. Again, chiropractic/spinal manipulation got top honors, with 58 percent rating it as “helping a lot.” Spinal injections were next highest, rated at 51 percent, followed by massage (48 percent) and physical therapy (46 percent). Other highly rated treatments included prescription medications (45 percent), yoga (44 percent), movement therapy and acupuncture (both 41 percent).
According to a Dynamic Chiropractic article on that report, “Chiropractic ranked first out of 11 treatments, including massage, acupuncture, and exercise, in its ability to treat back pain. More readers said that chiropractic ‘helped me feel much better’ than any of the other therapies.” Prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs ranked eighth and 10th, respectively.
So, if you’ve been “highly satisfied” with your chiropractic care, you’re not alone! In fact, more and more people are turning to chiropractic treatment not only for back pain relief, but for a wide variety of painful conditions from sports and repetitive stress injuries to arthritis.
A public version of the report can be found on the Consumer Reports Web site
Ventura Chiropractor: If You Suffer From Low Back Pain, You’re Not Alone
Posted by: | CommentsYour Ventura Chiropractor wants you to know that you’re not alone if you’re experiencing low back pain. Low back pain affects a large majority of people, an amazing 80% in fact, making it second only to the common cold in its extent. Although, unlike the common cold, waiting for your back pain to “run its course,” and taking prescription or over-the-counter remedies while you wait, is not the cure. The majority of back pain won’t go away by itself. Many time, if your pain eases, it is usually the result of your body’s compensating for the problem, and unfortunately producing new conditions. Low back pain is nothing to sneeze at! If you want to get rid of your back pain for good (and who wouldn’t?), you need to see a back pain expert, like your chiropractor.
In many instances back pain is a mystery to many of the people who experience it, and chiropractors are proficient at solving the puzzle. These individuals want to know why it is that they have not experienced any trauma, accidents, or major injuries before the onset of their condition? The answer is that the cumulative effects of improper sitting posture, bad work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of regular exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related determinants cause most back pain. These factors eventually add up and create stresses and imbalances on the spine producing subluxations that can lead to serious back conditions. The process is similar to the front end of your car being out of alignment. When you persist in driving anyway, there is uneven wear and tear on your tires. If you don’t get the problem fixed, the situation could worsen until a tire “blows.” When the spine is misaligned, the health of the spine is put at risk. It’s not only a problem waiting to happen, so to speak, it’s a problem waiting to get worse. And then, something as simple as bending over to pick up a piece of paper can be the “final factor” that generates back injury. When this takes place, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to stabilize the stressed or injured tissues of the back.
When it comes to conditions of the spine, chiropractors have more education, training, and experience than medical doctors. They provide expert diagnosis and experienced treatment for all muscular-skeletal problems. In addition to giving welcomed relief to those suffering from back pain, but they are knowledgeable about what will help you to avoid further back pain. Your chiropractor not only will provide you with effectual adjustments and other productive chiropractic therapies but, in addition, will design a personal exercise plan and suggest other beneficial lifestyle changes that will help to keep you well-adjust and pain-free in the future.
Ventura Chiropractor Says A Fat Stomach is a Pain in the Back
Posted by: | CommentsYour Ventura Chiropractor knows that there are plenty of reasons for back pain. Here’s one that you can remedy on your own: There are plenty of men and women today in a daily struggle to lose weight, especially extra weight around the middle. However, the imperative to lose weight is, most often, more than just a cosmetic issue. The unfortunate truth is, if people are carrying around too much weight in the front of their body, their back is going to suffer as an outcome.
Many men and women who are overweight encounter moderate to severe back pain. This happens because the spine was not intended to haul anything that weighs more than the body is at its generally healthy weight. As a human being puts on additional poundage, the spine begins to unduly stress and to compress, creating a lot of pain and discomfort. The pelvis can conjointly be affected and become tilted forward compelling it to pinch the sciatic nerve. That is one of the main reasons why people who are overweight tend to have problems with their lower back. The pain is due to either sciatica or the distorting of the spinal column.
If you are suffering from this problem, undoubtedly the thing to do is to take off the extra weight that you are toting around, and your spine will immediately respond and reestablish its regular position. Regrettably, weight loss isn’t easy and it can take time, even with the best of intentions. However, on a positive note you don’t have to continue to experience back pain as you lose the weight. A chiropractor can offer the pain relief you’ll need as you shed the extra pounds.
Even so, you will still need to lose the extra pounds, and not having back pain will actually help you do it. Losing the extra weight naturally and healthfully is crucial, and there are two (simple but not easy) things that will work for sure: Get some sort of exercise each day, even if it’s just a bit, and make sure that you take in fewer calories than you burn! Sure, you’ve heard about these two things before. Nonetheless, now that you know your back is depending on you, it’s the perfect time to get truly galvanized for success.
Start exercising slowly, particular if you’re having problems with back pain. And, most importantly, be sure to see a chiropractor so that you don’t go wrong the way many people do, which is to exercise into the pain. That will only make your condition worse. Exercise, though occasionally uncomfortable, should never be painful or cause pain. That’s why it’s important to see a chiropractor if you’re having difficulties with back pain.
Do basic stretching exercises and also concentrate on your core abdominal body muscles. Strong stomach muscles assisting in relieving back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to give you exercises that are best for you, personally. Within just a week or two of dedication to losing the weight that is creating your back pain and perhaps other health difficulties as well, you ought to begin to notice a dramatic difference in the way that you feel.
Ventura Chiropractor Wants You to Know Why Tennis Players Suffer From Back Injuries
Posted by: | CommentsYour Ventura Chiropractor is a back pain expert and wants you to know why playing tennis can cause back injuries: Back injuries are a common fare in sports. Many of us have seen tennis players suddenly losing their racket and crying in pain. Many fall to the ground due to severe pain and agony. They suffer from sudden back injuries while playing a strong shot during a long rally. Back strains are so common in tennis and other sports.
Sports back injury is caused when a sudden and intense pressure is applied on the back. Numerous tennis players have suffered from back injuries. Some were just minor ones like cramps and they returned to the courts after some time. Other injuries, however, were severe enough that some had to part ways with their beloved game. At least they were not able to compete in professional tournaments. Some players did manage to earn some titles after their recovery but grand slam titles were no longer achievable for these players. Things have changed now and there is ample treatment for back injuries, which can allow these players to be as good as they were before getting injured.
Roger Federer has faced back problems ever since the start of his career. Stiff back has now become one of his favorite words while describing the injuries. He recently suffered a first time defeat in Australian Open from Rafael Nadal. This was partly because he was having issues with his back since October 2008 when he opted out of Paris Masters Championship due to stiff back. Rafael Nadal also had to leave but due to another type of injury: a troubled thigh.
One has to play powerful shots in tennis and Federer is known for his powerful shots and volleys. Although he has got more than enough experience of playing the game but is yet unable to master the art of avoiding back injuries. As a matter of fact, no tennis player or any other athlete has got that secret. Sports back injury is bound to happen in tennis but it is the precautionary measures and post-injury workouts that matter the most. Some players don’t pay much attention to their injured backs and hence are unable to sustain their career. Champions like Federer know the secrets of the game, as they have to stay as longer as they can.
Tennis players have tried numerous techniques to reduce pressure on their backs while playing shots but they are unable to find a solution. They do use protective gears, among other things, but back injuries are a common feature in this game.
It is a known fact that Federer is a fitness freak. After suffering humiliating defeat in the Paris Masters thanks to his aching back, he embarked on a recovery frenzy. Stretching exercises are his most favorite ones. He did sought medical treatment but stretching exercises – one of his most favorite ones actually – made him get back to his normal athletic physique. In fact, stretching is advised by all physicians and as a Ventura chiropractor I recommend it to recover from sports back injury. Back curls, however, are not so advisable if your back is badly injured.
Your Ventura Chiropractor Offers Information About Golf and Back Pain
Posted by: | CommentsYour Ventura Chiropractor welcomes an opportunity to offer this information on Golf and back pain by B. J. Hathaway, Medicus Certified Instructor:
In the U.S. today there are approximately 37 million golfers. In his 1998 article “Back pain in golfers: etiology and prevention”, (Journal of Sports chiropractic & Rehabilitation) Dr. David Seaman writes:
There are an estimated 25 million golfers in the United States, and with the recent surge in the sport’s popularity, that figure should exceed 27 million by the year 2000. It is also estimated that 5-15% of touring professionals, and an even greater number of amateurs, will develop low-back problems.
This article discusses the biomechanics of the modern golf swing, its potential for placing the lower back at risk for injury, and the potentially modifiable factors that contribute to the prevalence of chronicity of golf-related injuries.
Today’s standard golf swing, imitated by millions and characterized by maximal torso rotation in the backswing and follow-through, predisposes the spine to painful injury. Golfers are often taught that maximal spinal rotation is needed to ensure maximum velocity at club/ball impact and maximum hitting distance. However, studies have demonstrated that a shorter backswing position with less torso rotation is more effective and generates far less potential for injury.
Golf injuries develop primarily because the golf swing represents a series of ineffective, injury-promoting movements. It is important that doctors of chiropractic understand the true biomechanics of the golf swing so they can recommend a more appropriate, “back friendly” swing to their patients.
Dr. Seaman is right. If your chiropractor is interested in keeping you healthy, your teaching professional should be, too.
The Golfing Machine by Homer Kelley teaches that there are four sources of power in the golf swing, known as Power Accumulators- or Power Sources-none of which are based on torso rotation.
The turning of the body, or “pivot,” should be a reaction to where the hands need to go. This is referred to as a “hand controlled pivot” in The Golfing Machine. Many teachers believe that the rotation of the body controls the hands. This is fine if you want to hit less than your maximum distance potential and create room for injury.
The geometry and physics of the golf swing, studied by all Authorized Instructors of The Golfing Machine and Medicus Certified Instructors, dictates that the hands always have a destination. Give your hands an assignment, where to go and what to do, then have them complete that assignment. The body should play a supporting role, and not vice-versa.
Educate your hands on their proper role in the golf swing. For more information contact Medicus Golf to find a Certified Instructor near you.
B. J. Hathaway is one of only 98 teachers worldwide designated to hold a “Bachelors in Golf Stroke Engineering.”
Ventura Chiroprator is An Expert When It Comes to Back Pain
Posted by: | CommentsYour Ventura Chiropractor is an spine expert and knows what it takes to get rid of your back pain. If you’re experiencing low back pain, you’re not alone. Low back pain affects many people, an amazing 80% in fact, making it second only to the common cold in its prevalence. However, contrary to the common cold, waiting for your back pain to “run its course,” and taking prescription or over-the-counter remedies while you wait, is not the remedy. The majority of back pain won’t go away by itself. Frequently, if your pain decreases, it is most likely the result of your body’s compensating for the problem and, consequently causing new challenges. Low back pain is nothing to sneeze at! You need to see a back pain expert, like your chiropractor, if you’d like to eliminate your back pain for good!
Back pain is commonly a mystery to most people who are afflicted by it, and chiropractors are proficient at solving that mystery. Sufferers ask: Why is it that I have not experienced any trauma, accidents, or major injuries prior to the onset of their pain? The answer is that the cumulative effects of awkward sitting posture, poor work habits, improper lifting, lack of routine exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle-related determinants create most back pain.
These factors eventually add up and create stresses and imbalances on the spine creating subluxations that can lead to serious back conditions. The process is similar to the front end of your car being out of alignment. When you insist upon driving anyway, there is disproportionate wear and tear on your tires. If you didn’t get the problem fixed, the situation would, no doubt, get worse until you “blew” a tire. The health of the spine is threatened when your spine is misaligned. In other words, it’s not only a problem waiting to happen, it’s a problem waiting to get worse. And then, something as easy as bending over to pick up a piece of paper can be the “final factor” that generates back injury. When this takes place, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm in order to stabilize the stressed or injured tissues of the back.
Chiropractors have more education, training, and experience than medical doctors regarding dysfunctions of the spine. They provide highly qualified diagnosis and effective treatment for all muscular-skeletal problems. They not only provide welcomed relief if you are suffering from back pain, but they know what will help you to avoid further back pain. Your chiropractor will not only provide you with effectual adjustments and other productive chiropractic therapies but, additionally, will offer a personalized exercise strategy and give advice about other beneficial lifestyle changes that will help to keep you well-adjusted and pain-free in the future.
