DEALING WITH BACK PAIN?
Whether it’s in the upper, middle, or lower regions of your back, the likelihood is that you’ll encounter back pain at some point in your life. In the United States alone, an estimated 32 million people are dealing with back pain right now, making it the leading cause of disability in the country. This article aims to explore the causes of lower back pain specific to Jacksonville, FL, provide preventive measures, and outline the most effective treatments for managing the condition.
If you have inquiries about our locations in Jacksonville or Orange Park, or are interested in understanding more about chiropractic care at Meridian Integrative Wellness, our skilled team of chiropractors is here to assist you.
CAUSE OF BACK PAIN
The list of possible sources of back pain is extensive, ranging from misalignments and injuries to a variety of medical conditions. Over the course of a lifetime, various parts of the back—including tendons, ligaments, discs, muscles, and bones—can suffer from either wear and tear or sudden, acute damage.
Other factors like obesity, arthritis, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections have also been known to trigger symptoms of lower back pain. Therefore, these are all elements that you and your healthcare provider should consider when addressing your back issues.
IS IT DISC BULGES OR HERNIATION?
One frequent and intensely painful source of back discomfort is disc bulging or herniation. In such cases, the outer layer of the spinal disc deteriorates over time, leaving nerves exposed. MRI studies suggest that up to 37% of Americans have some form of disc bulge or herniation, yet the majority of them do not experience any pain. For those who do, the pain is often described as acute and severe.
The specific pain linked to a disc herniation can vary based on the type and location of the herniation. If the compromised disc irritates an adjacent nerve, this may result in radiating pain and leg weakness.
Although disc herniations are generally difficult to reverse, chiropractic treatment has demonstrated efficacy in halting the progression of the condition and alleviating the related pain.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MUSCULAR SPRAINS AND TENDON OR LIGAMENT STRAINS
Strains and sprains are common injuries that usually happen to people who undertake activities their bodies are not used to, or who push themselves excessively. Sprains often result from ligaments being stretched and torn, while muscle strains frequently occur due to incorrect lifting techniques. These injuries can be notably painful and usually lead to swelling and bruising in the affected area. Fortunately, strains and sprains are generally not severe and often respond positively to chiropractic treatment.
STRESS AND BACK PAIN
Individuals experiencing persistent stress exhibit physiological characteristics that differ significantly from those who are less stressed. Prolonged stress has been linked to an array of health concerns, including heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, depression, weight gain, and back discomfort. The muscle tension resulting from chronic stress can lead to the formation of “trigger points,” which can be quite painful.
If you’re dealing with back pain or have additional questions, feel free to reach out to our team of chiropractors at Meridian Integrative Wellness to arrange a consultation.
OUR LOCATIONS:
Jacksonville
Orange Park
