Guarding Against Back Pain Can Start with Your Chiropractor
If you have back pain twinges, or you have been unlucky enough to know what serious unyielding back pain is, you have probably learned to respect back pain and to keep looking for solutions and protection from future pain.
I have known a variety of freewheeling people who seldom let anything stop them. But back pain was different. Most of them came to sudden stops and began seeking help immediately.
The American Chiropractic Association encourages safeguarding your back with passive stretches that let muscles gradually relax and lengthen. These stretches should NEVER cause pain. If you feel pain stop and talk with your chiropractor before using the stretches again.
ACA Passive Stretches
Hamstring Stretch: The piriformis muscle runs through the buttock and can cause back and leg pain. To stretch this muscle, lie on the back, cross one leg over the other; gently pull the knee toward the chest until a stretch is felt in the buttocks. Hold 30 seconds. Relax. Repeat 3 times.
Piriformis Stretch: Lie on your stomach. Use your arms to push your upper body off the fl¬oor. Hold for 30 seconds. Let your back relax. Repeat. This stretch may be performed several times per day.
The Chiropractor’s Visit
If this is your first visit the chiropractor will do a spinal adjustment to evaluate spinal health. A full medical history will be reviewed and a discussion of current pain, along with current schedules and activity will occur.
The chiropractor’s goal is to try to help relieve pain without medication or surgery. If back pain is the issue, there may be a new diet to reduce weight, and suggestions for reducing work schedules, or learning ways to let go of stress. The chiropractor may also want to discuss home conditions such as lumpy, older mattresses or uneven cushions on the couch. Both of these can trigger back pain.
Learning what not to do too, like bending over to lift heavy weights, instead of squatting and lifting with your knees may also come up for discussion.
I have seen this process work beautifully for several people as the chiropractor sifted through the issues and monitored the problem. Slowly but surely they made their way back to normal activities, all wearing the biggest smiles you have ever seen.
If you or a family member is facing back pain see your doctor and your chiropractor now.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Gilbert-Noël Sfeir Mont-Liban