Back Pain Relief

Why Does My Back Hurt?

Why do I have pain radiating from my back causing it to ache? The pain you are feeling is triggered in the nervous system. It can be dull, sharp, and come and go. Your pain is an indicator that something is wrong or going wrong with your body.

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Types of Back Pain

Back pain can be considered Acute (short-term) lasting only from a few days to several weeks, or chronic (long-term) lasting more than three months. A person may experience back pain in any part of his or her back, but the lower back or lumbar spine is the most common location.

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Some Causes of Back Pain

There are many reasons why you could be experiencing back pain. Some of those are:

• Poor posture

• Overuse

• Muscle imbalances throughout the body

• Traumatic injuries (auto accidents, incorrect bending, and lifting)

• Working at a desk for long periods

• Arthritis

• Degenerative disk disease

 

Getting a Diagnosis for Back Pain

According to the American Chiropractic Association, an estimated 31 million adults in America experience back pain at any given moment, and as many as 80% of adults will have a back pain issue at some point in their lives. Lower back pain is often the most common complaint, but there are countless variations of discomfort in the back that require an accurate and timely diagnosis. 

 

The reality is that the underlying reason for back pain is not always identified correctly the first time around, and this causes more stress and frustration which can exacerbate the issue.

 

Here are a few strategies to help get your back pain diagnosed so you can plan for treatment and recovery.

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The Diagnostic Process

Although the causes of back pain are far and wide, the diagnostic process is similar for many adults who want and need answers. Most believe that a myriad of tests is necessary to get to the underlying issue quickly, but the diagnostic process begins with an open and honest discussion with your healthcare provider. This involves a review of your medical history, with a close focus on the severity, frequency, and location of your back pain. 

 

Your doctor may ask:

• How long has your back pain been noticeable?

• Is the pain in your back only, or does it radiate to the legs or arms?

• Does anything make your back pain subside?

• What makes your back pain worse?

• Have you received treatment for back pain in the past?

 

In addition to these pointed questions, a diagnostic exam may also involve questions about other seemingly unrelated issues. You may be asked about tingling or numbness, urinary incontinence, or weakness, and fatigue. Be prepared to answer these questions and the specifics of your back pain during your initial visit.

 

Once a thorough medical history is gathered, a physical examination is completed. Your doctor may test nerve function and muscle strength in the arms, legs, and back, or ask about pain when putting pressure on certain body areas. These brief physical tests can provide insight into medical history and symptom run-downs cannot. In some cases, however, further testing is necessary in order to get a proper diagnosis.​

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Tests You May Receive

When a physical examination and medical history combined are not enough to find a diagnosis, your doctor may suggest more in-depth diagnostic tests. These may include an X-ray, which provides a detailed view of the bone structure in the spine, or a CT (computerized tomography) scan, which offers a closer look than an X-ray.

 

In some cases, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is recommended which can help with identifying specific conditions that impact the back, such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis.

 

Your doctor may also request other imaging or electrical studies to get a better idea of the cause of the back pain, depending on its location and severity.

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Receiving a Diagnosis

Even with extensive testing and symptom history, there may not be an immediate clear reason for back pain. Typically, a combination of these approaches works best to determine the underlying cause, but some medical professionals may conduct a trial-and-error approach to treating discomfort over time. Chiropractic care may be a viable solution when treatments aren’t working or tests are inconclusive. 

 

The best thing you can do to ensure you get the right diagnosis and, ultimately, the right treatment, is to follow up with your doctor or chiropractor when back pain persists.

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The Problem with Pain Relievers for Back Pain

Some people mask their symptoms with pain relievers and do not take care of the root of the problem. Others find that ignoring the warning signals of their back pain only causes their spinal problems to worsen. When they rest all the time – because their back is in pain – they are just prolonging the problem.

 

Then there are those who have tried a variety of different forms of therapy which only caused stress to the malfunctioning joints. Often, as a last resort to solve their back pain, surgery may be suggested. But it can be invasive and is usually only considered as a last option.

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Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain

If you are part of the 8 out of 10 Americans who suffer from back pain, there is good news: Chiropractic treatment has helped millions of people just like you to become pain-free and restore their bodies to optimal health.

 

Chiropractors are spinal health experts. They use their hands to manipulate the spine and joints to correct structural alignment and improve your body’s physical function.

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Massage for Back Relief

Although massage therapy is well-known for relaxation (such as that offered in spas), it is also extremely beneficial for the body’s health.
 

By increasing the blood flow and circulation to an injury or injured area, massage will help promote healing and rebuilding. It will also release toxins to the lymphatic system (the body’s natural filter), which are then expelled from the body.

 

Have you experienced muscle twitches? Also called “muscle fasciculation,” these can be downright annoying. Massage can help solve these problems, along with releasing trigger points.

 

Massage is also beneficial to those with stress and anxiety; it can also improve joint mobility and is an excellent non-invasive way of dealing with general discomfort.

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Achieve Back Pain Relief with MLS Laser Therapy

Discover rapid and targeted relief for persistent back pain through our FDA-cleared MLS Laser Therapy, offering non-invasive, deep-tissue treatment with zero heat production. Learn more about MLS Laser Therapy and Back Pain Relief.

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Neck Pain (Cervicalgia) Relief

Nearly 45% of today’s workers have some degree of neck pain, with 12% of women and 9% of men experiencing it consistently each day. Cervical pain can range from mild to severe, and while some can ignore the discomfort, others are unable to perform regular daily functions pain-free.

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Why Does My Neck Hurt?

It can be difficult to pinpoint what causes neck pain when it starts, especially when it goes away in a matter of days or weeks. But if it returns with persistence or is more debilitating, it’s necessary to get the right diagnosis and treatment quickly.

 

Common reasons for neck pain include:

• An old injury

• Sleeping in the wrong position

• Poor body posture

• Dehydration

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An Old Injury

Because neck pain is fickle, it isn’t surprising that it comes and goes over time. An old injury from a fall, improper exercise, a car accident, or a sports injury, could be the culprit of chronic neck pain, even if the initial issue took place months or years ago. For some, nerves in the neck and shoulder are impacted by an injury, causing pain and stiffness that comes back over time.

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Sleeping in the Wrong Position

Many people wake up with a stiff neck each morning but shrug it off as the day moves forward. But that stiffness can be an indicator of an underlying issue taking place throughout the night. It is common to sleep in an awkward or atypical position that ultimately overextends the neck, leading to pain that doesn’t go away.

 

Poor Body Posture

Neck pain is also caused by poor posture. When your head is continually tilted down or your shoulders and back rounded while standing or sitting, pressure is put on the neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and can increase back-of-neck pain, neck strain, and neck soreness. Poor posture has become a more widely discussed topic with the entrance of “text neck” – when significant time is spent looking down at the phone or computer. However, lousy posture also happens on the commute, at work, or at home. When the neck must work harder to support your head in any circumstance, you’ll probably experience pain in some form.

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Dehydration

This one may seem out of place, but neck and back strength comes from the discs between the bones in your spine. When these are not adequately hydrated, they can’t perform efficiently. This could lead to neck pain in a hurry. However, because most people don’t connect hydration with a healthy spine, this issue could go unattended for quite some time.

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How to Relieve Neck Pain

The best step you can take in reducing neck pain, no matter how mild it may seem, is getting to the root of the problem. While the common causes of neck pain seem apparent, you may also have a more severe nerve or muscle issue that is compounding the problem. If your neck pain persists for more than a few weeks, it is worth getting it checked out.

 

Chiropractic care can be beneficial in treating neck pain, as the hands-on approach takes into consideration the work you’ve already done, if any, to correct your neck pain. A course of treatment, which may include a neck adjustment, mobilization exercises, or massage, can be tailored to the cause of your neck pain, and over time, you may experience a reduction in soreness and stiffness along with an improved range of motion.

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Try bringing your computer screen up to eye level, or use a headset if you’re on the phone frequently. Make an effort to increase your water intake throughout the day, and do simple exercises to stretch out the neck muscles during breaks. Assisted stretching can also help to relieve neck pain.
 

How to Sleep For Neck Pain Relief

When neck muscle pain is a persistent issue, think about what you can do to remedy the discomfort. Try a new pillow or attempt to sleep on your back.  Both of these changes can help you have a relaxed neck throughout the day and help to relieve ongoing pain symptoms.

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These small shifts can have a significant impact on your neck, along with the right diagnosis and treatment when necessary. Call our office to learn more about neck and upper back pain relief today.

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What is Tech Neck and How to Fix it

In the hyper-connected, digital world we live in today, it is no wonder that many of us develop conditions related to technology. From digital eye strain to tech neck, seemingly simple health issues can cause more than temporary discomfort. If you spend a significant amount of time looking down at your phone or tablet, here’s what you need to know about tech neck and ways to manage it effectively.

 

What is Tech Neck?

Many may be surprised to learn that the average American spends an estimated 4 hours on their smartphone – every day. That adds up to 86 hours a month! When looking at a digital device, it’s natural for the head and neck to tilt downward. The normal curve of the neck reverses, causing you to stretch without realizing it. Simultaneously, both the upper back and shoulders tend to roll forward. This leads to the head losing its support over the body, resulting in strain on the neck, shoulders, and back.

Tech neck is the ultimate outcome, with pressure being placed on the joints, discs, and muscles. Over time, your neck becomes tight which can eventually lead to persistent pain and discomfort. Aside from ditching the smartphone, there are several ways to avoid tech neck in the first place.

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Ways to Prevent It

The first step you can take to prevent the tightness caused by a tech neck is to focus on your posture. Having correct posture, where your back and neck are upright and aligned with your head, keeps unnecessary pressure on the muscles at bay. Make sure to keep your shoulders relaxed when possible, even when looking down at your phone.

Additionally, setting time limits for how long you spend on your phone or tablet continuously helps a great deal. If you can’t put the device aside, plan for breaks throughout the day. Take time to stretch out your shoulders and back, and move around when possible. You can also make an effort to hold your device in front of you without looking down. This may be easier to do at the office if you invest in a standing desk, or a chair with a headrest. These simple changes can have a big impact on your neck strain in a short time.

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How to Get Rid of Tech Neck

If tech neck seems to be persistent, despite shifting focus to your posture and planning for stretching breaks, there are treatment options available.

 

Regular exercise – We all know by now that a consistent exercise routine can help in many facets of our well-being. Being active not only helps the heart stay in shape, but it also keeps excess weight off. When it comes to tech neck, having a standard exercise regimen can help keep the muscles strong and the joints flexible, reducing the impacts of a strained neck and shoulders.

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Neck stretches – An effective way to ease the pressure built up in the neck, back, and shoulders from device use involves regular stretching. Take a few moments to bend the neck so that one ear touches the shoulder, hold for 20 seconds, and bring it back to center. Repeat on the other side, and do a few sets each day. A simple chin tuck, tilting the head down and tucking the chin into the neck, helps as well. A seated neck release where you gently tilt your head to the left and right with your hand may also help relieve some of the pressure and strain on your neck.

 

Chiropractic care – Finally, chiropractic care can offer relief from tech neck when exercise and stretching aren’t doing the job. With a visit to the chiropractor’s office, small injuries like tech neck can be treated before they turn into serious, debilitating pain. An alignment can relieve stress and pressure in the body while helping bring the muscles and joints back to an optimal state of functioning.

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Understanding tech neck is the first step toward prevention and treatment. Be sure to monitor your posture while you spend time on your devices, and make small changes to realign your neck, head,  and shoulders if possible. Take breaks for stretching and exercise, and plan a visit with your chiropractor if you need experienced help in eliminating tech neck discomfort.

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Ready to Get Started?

Click here or call our Auburn, WA office at 253.833.4800 to set up a consultation to see how we can help you eliminate pain quickly and to accomplish your spinal health goals

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