Low back pain is a common health challenge that often affects more than 80% of human beings, making it second in commonality only to the common cold. However, unlike the common cold, back pain is often perplexing to most of its sufferers. Your Orlando Chiropractor is an expert at solving that mystery.

Anatomy

Knowledge of the anatomy of the spine is essential in understanding back pain. The spinal bones or vertebrae of the lower back consist of posterior joints called facets that join vertebrae to one another and serve to direct the action of the spine. The inter-vertebral discs connect the bodies of the vertebrae and are composed of a form of tough cartilage that encases a soft material in the center, called the nucleus. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles also connect the vertebrae. The wedge-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine is the sacrum and is joined to the two pelvic bones at the sacroiliac joint. The spinal cord is situated between the facets of the vertebrae. The spinal nerves leave the spine between the vertebrae.

Causes of Back Pain

In most cases, back pain occurs without a trauma, an accident, or a major injury prior to the onset. The cumulative effects of unhealthy sitting posture, harmful work habits, incorrect lifting, lack of healthy exercise, and other poor lifestyle-related factors create most back pain.  All of these factors produce stresses and imbalances on the spine and eventually generate pain. This is why people can often injure their back simply by bending over to pick up a piece of paper. The spine was already at risk and just the simple act of bending was enough to set off the condition. When this happens, the surrounding back muscles go into spasm to protect the stressed or injured tissues of the back. Chiropractors are back pain specialists. Your Orlando Chiropractor can help you to get out of pain quickly.

Disc Problems & Sciatica

Increased pressure on the intervertebral discs and imbalances in the muscles around the spine can come about during and after prolonged sitting, particularly in a unsuitable position. Over time the lower spine loses its ability to function normally during everyday stresses. Finally, the intervertebral disc develops small fissures, or cracks, allowing the soft nucleus to bulge the disc outward. If the disc pushes on sensitive tissues, it creates the pain that is often referred to as a slipped disc. If the disc presses on the spinal nerve, an individual can develop sciatica, which is defined as pain, tingling, numbness, and occasionally weakness in the lower extremities. Sadly, if the disc protrusion or herniation is large and the condition isn’t managed appropriately, surgery may berequired to dispose of the herniated disc material. With chiropractic adjustments and care, which often includes postural exercises, most disc complications, including sciatica, can be resolved. If you are experiencing any of the problems defined above, it is essential for you to seek chiropractic assistance.

Spondylosis

Increased erosion and weight-bearing stress on the spine occurs when there is repetitive injury to the discs, facet joints, and surrounding ligaments. This stress can negatively affect the cartilage around the joints and engender calcium to deposit in the tissues around the vertebrae, forming bone spurs. These spurs can restrict adjacent nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue resulting in symptoms ranging from minor pain and numbness to gross sensory loss and muscular atrophy. This constriction causes a form of arthritis, called Spondylosis, that can also occur as part of the aging process of the spine. Nevertheless, factors such as previous trauma, unhealthy lifestyle, and repetitive stress injury influence the time of onset in life. Regular chiropractic care and overall chiropractic management is very effective in slowing the aging process of the spine, as well as assisting Spondylosis sufferers in managing their condition. Your Orlando Chiropractor has helped many Spondylosis sufferers.

Sacroiliac Problems

Another common area of dysfunction or injury in the low back is in the sacroiliac joints. These weight-bearing joints connect the upper part of the body to the lower pelvic portion and are usually very strong and stable. However with damage such as falls, sports injuries, or lifting heavy objects, the joints can become unstable and change to an abnormal position.  This condition is called a sacroiliac subluxation. Pregnancy can also cause this condition. The imbalances in the lower extremities caused by sacroiliac subluxation can create a functional long and short leg. Pain is felt particularly with prolonged standing and walking, or during and after physical activity, and the individual may experience a lack of energy and fatigue.  Many times this imbalance can affect structures further up the spine and people can develop neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches. Chiropractic adjustments and treatment are extremely effective in fixing this problem by establishing proper alignment of the joints.. Ask your Fort Worth chiropractor how you can experience effective pain relief.

Spinal Subluxation

Subluxated or misaligned facets joints are a commonplace disorder of the lower back, as well as the entire spine. Subluxations can happen on their own or in conjunction with disc problems and Spondylosis. They not only produce pain, but they can also imparel the spinal nerves as they exit the foramen or spaces between the vertebrae, and create nerve compression, known as paraethesia. Paraesthesia is an alteration of sensation described as a tingling, burning or “funny feeling.” Paraesthesia in the upper extremities more often than notoriginates from nerve problems in the neck, while paraesthesia in the lower extremities is commonly associated with nerve dysfunctionin the lumbar region (lower back). Visceral problems such as asthma and gastric conditions can also becorrelated with, or complicated by, spinal subluxations and nerve compression. Subluxations are best eliminated by chiropractic adjustments.

Trauma

Injury such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury can create over-stretching or tearing of the tissues of the spine and lower back and cause considerable pain and immobility. In order to avoid long term disability or the development of any of the conditions listed above, chiropractic adjustments and treatment at the onset of symptoms is very important. If you experience a trauma, call your chiropractor as soon as possible.

scoliosis

Scoliosis is often associated with low back pain. Chiropractic care offers exceptional pain relief.

When it comes to the spine, chiropractors have more education and training than medical doctors. I can provides state of the art diagnosis and expert treatment for any of the above-mentioned problems of the spine and lower back.

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Anatomy

To understand neck pain, it is necessary to be aware of the anatomy of the spine. The movement of the spine is guided by neck vertebrae that are composed of posterior joints, called facets, that link vertebrae to one another. Inter-vertebral discs, composed of strong cartilage, connect the “bodies” of the vertebrae. This tough cartilage surrounds the nucleus, a soft material in the center of the inter-vertebral discs. The principal function of the disc is as a shock absorber and spacer between the vertebrae. The spinal cord is situated between the facets of the vertebrae. Spinal nerves exit the spine between the vertebrae and impart energy to muscles and organs of the body. Transversely, they carry sensory impulses, including pain information, from the body to the brain.  The nerves that go out from the neck are in charge of the entire upper extremity including the shoulder, elbow and hand, as well as structures of the head and neck. The natural forward curve of the neck balances the weight of the head and decreases stress on neck vertebrae. For more information please feel free to visit your Orlando Chiropractor.

Risk Factors: Neck Pain and Computer Use

More and more people are now earning a wage sitting at a desk in front of a computer. The use of computers has risen astronomically, and many individuals spend eight to ten hours a day slumped over the keyboard and staring at the monitor. When we sit with our head in a forward bent position-the posture that most desk workers assume-the ligaments that hold the facets together and the muscles in the neck are put under tremendous strain. In addition, the normal forward curve of the neck becomes reversed causing more stress upon all the surrounding tissues of the neck. All of this can lead to spinal problems including disc herniation and subluxations, which are the primary causes of spinal nerve pain. Besides general pain, spinal nerve inflammation in the neck can produce symptoms like headaches, eye problems, giddiness, arm and hand pain (and paraesthesia), as well as shoulder pain.

Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Headaches or migraines are usually associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine. Symptoms, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, are created when the cervical vertebrae lose their natural position or motion and sensitive nerves and blood vessels, related to structures in the head are stretched or agitated. In many instances the tight knots in the muscles of the neck, called trigger points, can also refer pain to the head.  Of course there are other factors associated with headaches including toxic fumes, certain foods, additives such as MSG, alcohol, caffeine, and stress. But, the alignment of the neck and the inflammation of surrounding tissues should be a primary consideration when treating headaches and migraines. Chiropractic treatment and management have proved to be very effective in the treatment of headaches. Ask your Orlando Chiropractor about the benefits of Chiropractic care.

Whiplash and Chiropractic Care

Unfortunately, many people are involved in car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common. During such a collision, the head of the passenger in the front car is powerfully jerked back, and then forward, causing harm to the structure of both the front and back of the neck. This type of injury is often called a whiplash. Even at low speeds, the amount of force generated by such an accident is very intense and can cause damage to the ligaments, muscles, facet joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Besides neck pain and immobility, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vertigo, arm and shoulder pain, tingling in the hands and fingers and weakness of the arm and hand are associated with whiplash injury. Immediate evaluation and x-rays are extremely important in order to rule out a fracture. More often than not in almost all cases, the injuries are primarily to the soft tissues and joints. Proper care is essential in healing from the pain and symptoms of whiplash, and also to prevent future disability. Your Orlando Chiropractor is educated to understand whiplash injury, and is more than capable of managing the case from injury to recovery.

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The average person takes between 3,000 and 5,000 steps per day. Furthermore, many of us are involved in activities, such as running and aerobic exercise, that add many more steps, as well as stress to our poor, overworked feet. Is it any wonder then why plenty of people have aches and pains in their feet? Factors such as flat feet or over-pronated feet, individual walking and running style, and the type of shoe a person wears can determine if someone will experience foot and ankle pain. In addition these factors can also affect the health of a person’s back, knees and legs. Defined below are some of the commonplace conditions that affect the feet and ankle.

Hallux Valgus and Bunions

Hallux Valgus, a slow-developing condition, is evident when the big toe or hallux angles off towards the outside of the foot, in many cases almost overlapping or bumping into the adjacent toe. Furthermore, a bump, called a bunion, often develops on the inside of the big toe. Hallux Valgus pain is generally apparent during weight-bearing activities such as walking or prolonged standing, although if a bunion is visible, a “numbing” or “burning” pain in the big toes can be felt at rest.

The joint between the big toe and the first metatarsal (the first metatarsal-phalangeal) is the actual complication, and not the bone, itself. The pain and deformity associated with Hallux Valgus is due to harm to this joint. The condition is generally the result of wear and tear over a long period of time from factors such as over-pronation that produces abnormal pressure on the big toe and first metatarsal during walking. An additional cause of Hallux Valgus is inflammatory arthritis that can injure the joint and cause degenerative changes. A broken toe that does not heal effectively can also predispose a person to Hallux Valgus. However, one of the most prevalent causes of the affliction is the high-heeled and pointed shoes that women commonly wear. These shoes not only put added stress on the joint, but also help in pushing the big toe to the outside.

If you are experiencing Hallux Valgus, your chiropractor can examine your foot to determine which factors are contributing to your problem, and then use a variety of chiropractic techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve the function of your foot.

Plantar Fascitis ( Heel Pain )

One of the most prevalent foot problems is heel pain, and the cause is generally inflammation of the plantar fascia or Plantar Fascitis. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that surrounds the muscles on the bottom of the foot . It attaches the heel bone to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch, protecting the foot, and absorbing shock.

A familiar compaint by sufferers with Plantar Fascitis is pain upon first arising in the morning, as well as pain upon standing after prolonged sitting. The pain begins just in front of the heel bone, but can extend over the entire bottom of the foot.

Over time, aggravation associated with the condition can lead to the development of scar tissue, calcium deposits and finally heel spurs. Heel spurs, a bony growth on the front part of the calcaneus of the heel bone where the plantar fascia adheres, can cause a severe stabbing pain with walking.

People with other foot conditions, especially Pes Planus (flat feet) and/or over-pronation, are most susceptible to Plantar Fascitis, although other factors often contribute as well. Muscle imbalances between the calf muscles and the muscles on the bottom of the foot are a crucial contributing factor. When the calf muscles are short and tight they exert an strong pull on the back of the cancaneus. Such a problem causes unusual stress on the smaller, weaker plantar muscles and its fascia that are connected to the other side of the calcaneus. Wearing high heels will cause a shorting and tightening of the calf muscles, as will running and jumping activities. Other factors that stress the plantar fascia include: sudden strenuous activity after a period of long-term inactivity, abnormal walking patterns, inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces especially barefooted, and obesity.

Nurses, teachers, and waiters who are required to be regularly on their feet, and those whose activities involve aerobic, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis are more susceptible to Plantar Fascitis.

Once an individual develops plantar fascitis, it is often not easy to manage and can become intensely painful and persistent. Chiropractors are well-trained in not only determining the cause of your condition, but in recommending appropriate care, such as joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, ultrasound therapy and, in some cases, orthotics.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is a painful, and often, debilitating inflammation of the Achilles tendon, also called the “heel cord.” This large tendon is an extension of the two biggest calf muscles and runs down the back of the lower leg adhering to the heel bone or calcaneus. Damage to this significant tendon can make it challenging or even impossible to walk. Most frequently, a debilitating injury to the tendon is the result of an accumulation of smaller stresses that cause small tears over time, but a sudden, single incident, such as jumping, can also be the cause of a serious problem. In most cases, the appearance of symptoms is gradual. The discomfort may be relatively minor at first, but gradually worsens if the sufferer tries to “work through” the pain. Many Achilles tendonitis sufferers ascribe their initial discomfort to the aches and pains that go along with age or fatigue. In severe cases, a total rupture of the tendon can occur, resulting in traumatic damage and intense pain that makes walking virtually impossible and may even require corrective surgery.

Athletes and performers, such as dancers, whose activities contain not only running and jumping, but sudden starts and stops, are particularly vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Also at risk are women who routinely wear high-heeled shoes then switch to sport shoes for exercise because the tendon and muscles have gradually adapted to the shortened position created by wearing high-heels. When this comes about, the change to exercise or flat shoes forces the Achilles tendon to stretch further than it is adapted to, thereby producing stress and inflammation. For these reasons, high-heels should not be worn everyday. If they are required, stretching should be done every morning and night to keep the Achilles tendon lengthened.

Achilles tendonitis frequently appears in middle-aged people, especially in men who are athletes, because of the changes that occur in the foot as a person ages. The arch tends to flatten as we grow older creating over-pronation and increased stress on the Achilles tendon as well as the calf and foot muscles. Achilles tendon problems are also widespread in those who exercise infrequently, such as the “weekend warrior” and in those who are just starting to exercise. In both cases, muscles and tendons have little flexility due to inactivity. Therefore, people who are just starting to exercise after a long layoff should stretch properly, start slowly, and increase gradually.

Despite the origin, if you are experiencing Achilles tendonitis symptoms, it is crucial for you to see a qualified professional. Your chiropractor is a highly-skilled professional who can help you to manage the ailment before it becomes severe.

Pes Planus ( Flat Feet )

It is estimated that close to one quarter of people have Pes Planus, more commonly known as flat feet. Human beings are not born with an arch, but develop them somewhere between ages 3-10. However, some individuals never develop an arch. There are a number of factors, in addition to genetic disposion that can cause flat feet, or predispose a person to the affliction. A person’s job, level of activity, and lifestyle can create a previously-developed arch to collapse later in life. Age and weight also are implicated in the development of the affliction. Middle-aged individuals who have been working on their feet for years often experience flat feet, as do overweight individuals who are placing added stress on their feet and legs.

Having flat feet does not definitely mean you will have pain, as it is possible for individuals to have the problem and never feel any discomfort. For people who do develop pain, it most often takes place in the feet and knees, and sometimes in the hips and lower back. If you think you have flat feet and are experiencing pain, you ought to see your Orlando chiropractor to determine a plan of treatment that can ease your pain and prevent additional symptoms from developing. Chiropractic treatment includes joint adjustments to correct foot function and resolve painful symptoms. Your chiropractor may also prescribe arch-supporting insoles, called orthotics, for additional support and stability.

Metatarsalgia ( Pain in the ball of the foot )

Metatarsalgia, sometimes called “ball-of-foot pain,” is a pain in the bottom of the foot just behind the toes where the foot bends during walking. The metatarsal bones extend from halfway up the foot to the toes. A dysfunction in one or more of these five bones is the cause of pain.

While many patients with metatarsalgia feel irritation where their metatarsal bones join their toe bones, some also feel irritation along the entire length of the metatarsals and possibly between them. Challenges in this area can vary from a stiff feeling upon movement of these bones to a burning or stinging sensation. This depends upon whether the affliction is due to a dysfunction in the joints or an aggravation to the nerves as they travel along the metatarsals.

The reason for the problem can be either structural or functional. An example of a structural cause is when the metacarpal bones are either too long or too short creating unusual mechanics in the feet and too much stress upon this area. Flat feet or extreme arch can also alter the stresses on the metatarsals causing similar symptoms.

Excess body weight, as well as wearing high-heeled shoes, are both contributing factors as they increase stress on the metatarsal that can lead to joint pain and nerve irritation. In addition, excessive or poor running or athletic training can contribute to the condition because repetitive foot activities directly stress the metatarsals by exposing them to constant trauma.

A chiropractor is able to effectively treat metatarsalgia, no matter what the cause may be. After analyzing the underlying factors, you will be offered a number of non-invasive therapies, inluding orthotics when necessary, and you will be advised on how you can avoid future pain.

See your Orlando chiropractor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the foot problems mentioned above.

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