6/17/2015 Low Back Pain Treatment Specialist Nashville — Chiropractor Nashville TN - Art of Health Chiropractic

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Lower Back Pain Treatment Nashville

Low back pain impacts the daily lives of many Americans. You may have back stiffness,decreased movement of the lower back, and difficulty standing straight.

Acute back pain can last for a few days to a few weeks.

CAUSES OF LOW BACK PAIN

6/17/2015 Low Back Pain Treatment Specialist Nashville — Chiropractor Nashville TN - Art of Health Chiropractic

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Most people have at least one backache in their life. Although this pain or discomfort canhappen anywhere in your back, the most common area affected is your lower back. Thisis because the lower back supports most of your body's weight.

Low back pain is the number two reason that Americans see their health care provider --second only to colds and flu.

You'll usually first feel back pain just after you lift a heavy object, move suddenly, sit inone position for a long time, or have an injury or accident.

Acute low back pain is most often caused by a sudden injury to the muscles andligaments supporting the back. The pain may be caused by muscle spasms or a strain ortear in the muscles and ligaments.

Causes of sudden low back pain include:

Compression fractures to the spine from osteoporosisCancer involving the spineFracture of the spinal cordMuscle spasm (very tense muscles)Ruptured or herniated diskSciaticaSpinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)Spine curvatures (like scoliosis or kyphosis), which may be inherited and seen inchildren or teensStrain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back

Low back pain may also be due to:

An abnormal aortic aneurysm that is leakingArthritis conditions, such as osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoidarthritisInfection of the spine (osteomyelitis, discitis, abscess)Kidney infection or kidney stonesProblems related to pregnancyMedical conditions that affect the female reproductive organs,including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, or uterine fibroids

SYMPTOMS

You may feel a variety of symptoms if you have hurt your back. You may have a tinglingor burning sensation, a dull achy feeling, or sharp pain. The pain may be mild, or it can

6/17/2015 Low Back Pain Treatment Specialist Nashville — Chiropractor Nashville TN - Art of Health Chiropractic

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be so severe that you are unable to move.

Depending on the cause of your back pain, you may also have pain in your leg, hip, or thebottom of your foot. You may also have weakness in your legs and feet.

TREATMENT FOR LOW BACK PAIN AT OUR OFFICE

Chiropractic adjustments - the doctors have a variety of adjusting techniques they canuse and will make adjustments to the areas of your back that are not functioning correctlythat will be comfortable and tailored your comfort level.

Class IV deep tissue laser therapy  - laser therapy works to decrease the inflammationand pain associated with low back pain, while also accelerating the healing of thedamaged tissues.

Myofascial Therapy - your doctor will use a combination of myofascial techniques toreduce trigger points, remove scar tissue adhesions, and release nerve entrapments.

Kinesiotape - this procedure uses specialized tape to support the joints and musclegroups as they heal.  When treating low back pain, it is important to keep the backmobile, while still offering support.  The taping methods the doctors use will offer yourback support to the muscle groups and allow you to move - as opposed to a back brace.

Therapeutic exercises - these exercises are used to stretch and strengthen any associatedsoft tissues that have become damaged by this condition.  Your doctor will tailor yourtherapeutic exercise program based on the severity of your condition and physical ability.

PREVENTION

A common misbelief about back pain is that you need to rest and avoid activity for a longtime. In fact, bed rest is not recommended. If you have no sign of a serious cause for yourback pain (such as loss of bowel or bladder control, weakness, weight loss, or fever), thenyou should stay as active as possible.

There are many things you can do to lower your chances of getting back pain. Exercise isimportant for preventing back pain. Through exercise you can:

Improve your postureStrengthen your back and improve flexibilityLose weightAvoid falls

It is also very important to learn to lift and bend properly. Follow these tips:

6/17/2015 Low Back Pain Treatment Specialist Nashville — Chiropractor Nashville TN - Art of Health Chiropractic

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If an object is too heavy or awkward, get help.Spread your feet apart to give you a wide base of support.Stand as close to the object you are lifting as possible.Bend at your knees, not at your waist.Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the object or lower it down.Hold the object as close to your body as you can.Lift using your leg muscles.As you stand up with the object, do not bend forward.Do not twist while you are bending for the object, lifting it up, or carrying it.

Other measures to prevent back pain include:

Avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand for your work, alternate restingeach foot on a stool.Do not wear high heels. Use cushioned soles when walking.When sitting for work, especially if using a computer, make sure that your chair hasa straight back with an adjustable seat and back, armrests, and a swivel seat.Use a stool under your feet while sitting so that your knees are higher than yourhips.Place a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back while sitting or drivingfor long periods.If you drive long distance, stop and walk around every hour. Bring your seat as farforward as possible to avoid bending. Do not lift heavy objects just after a ride.Quit smoking.Lose weight.Do exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles on a regular basis. This willstrengthen your core to decrease the risk of further injuries.

C L I C K H E R E F O R O U R N E W P A T I E N T S P E C I A L

Dr. Callie Gant and Dr. Michael Buczynski founded Art of Health Chiropractic with thegoal of creating a healthier Nashville.  Feel free to call the office at 615-953-7544 withany questions or to schedule your first appointment.