Facts About Back Pain

What is the first thing that pops into your head when you think about what a chiropractor treats?  BACK PAIN, right?!?!?  Here are some facts about back pain that you may not know…

•         Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010.

•         ½ of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.

•         Experts estimate that approximately 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some point in their lives.

•         Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain – and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.

•         Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work.  In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.

•         Most causes of back pain are mechanical or non-organic in nature…meaning they are not caused by serious conditions like inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

Some common mechanical or non-organic causes of back pain include:

• Ligament sprain
• Muscle strain
• Spondylolisthesis
•  Sciatica
•  Arthritis
•  Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Facet joint syndrome
• Scoliosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Kidney stones

Tips to prevent back pain include:

• Maintain a healthy weight and diet
• Remain active
• Maintain proper posture
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes
•  Quit Smoking!
• Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities
• Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.

If you or someone you know in the Gallatin Valley area is looking for a chiropractor, please call Dr. Shea Stark with Pro Chiropractic at 406-219-2462 to schedule an appointment in our Belgrade, Manhattan, or Bozeman office.  Dr. Stark is a board certified chiropractor and the author of this blog post.  To learn more about Dr. Stark and the many benefits of chiropractic care, please visit our website: www.prochiromt.com.

Are You Nervous About Chiropractic?

It is understandable that while many people love and swear by chiropractic care, others may be nervous or apprehensive about it.  Are you nervous or apprehensive?  Here are the top 5 reasons people are "nervous" about chiropractic...based on my experience with patients new to chiropractic.

1. The "pop"...

The "pop" that is often associated with an adjustment is not the cracking of bone or tearing of soft tissues.  The scientific name for the sound is "cavitation".  The moveable joints in the spine are called synovial joints and they produce a lubricant known as synovial fluid that provides nutrients to the joints and allows them the move better.  The byproducts during the formation of the synovial fluid are gasses such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.  The chiropractic adjustment gaps or opens those synovial joints allowing those gasses to be released, thus causing the "pop" sound.  It is similar to the "pop" that occurs when you open a can of soda, and equally as satisfying!

               

2. The thrust...

The thrust is the pressure applied rapidly to a specific vertebral segment usually resulting in the aforementioned "pop".  In chiropractic, this is known as HVLA or a high velocity, low amplitude thrust, meaning the adjustment is applied with low force, but very quickly.  Speed is the key! 

3. Does it hurt or will it worsen my injury?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chiropractic is safe and effective when employed skillfully and appropriately.  However, side effects can occur following chiropractic adjustments such as soreness and stiffness, but those subside within 24 to 48 hours.  The benefits of chiropractic care far outweigh these adverse effects.  The adjustment opens the joint spaces, relieves pressure on the nerves, and realigns the spine which allows the soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments and discs, to heal properly. 

4. Have you had a bad experience with a chiropractor or heard of someone else's bad experience?

Here at Pro Chiropractic, we pride ourselves on providing the best patient care possible.  We continue learning the newest adjusting and soft tissue techniques that will benefit our patients.  Think of it this way...if you hired a plumber that didn't fix your leak or tracked mud through your house, you wouldn't fire all plumbers, just that one.  Chiropractic is much the same.  It is important to find a chiropractor that makes you feel safe and comfortable…like these guys!

5. Lack of knowledge...

Many people fear the unknown, and that is no different when deciding to try chiropractic care.  If you don't know what chiropractic is or what it can do, it can seem scary or intimidating.  Visit the tab labeled "Chiropractic" to learn more about what we do. 

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!!

 

If you or someone you know in the Gallatin Valley area is looking for a chiropractor, please call Dr. Shea Stark with Pro Chiropractic at 406-219-2462 to schedule an appointment in our Belgrade, Manhattan, or Bozeman office.  Dr. Stark is a board certified chiropractor and the author of this blog post.  To learn more about Dr. Stark and the many benefits of chiropractic care, please visit our website: www.prochiromt.com.