Why Is Back Pain So Common?

Your spine is made up of 24 vertebrae or spinal bones and 72 joints just in the spine alone. Spinal bones connect or join at the disc and at the facets (two on each side). Moving joints will move out of place occasionally.

Your back is like a machine that has a number of moving parts. Things break down, parts need to be maintained, fuel must be supplied.

For your lawn mower, you can run it until it can’t run anymore. If it has a major breakdown you can go out and buy another. With our spine, however, we ony have one and we can’t get another. So we MUST maintain our back and spine health.

It is these factors that make low back pain so common. A lot of us don’t maintain our spine or do things to keep our backs healthy. We run it into the ground, then back and leg pain occurs or something worse. Sometimes we maintain our backs and try to stay healthy, but one of these moving parts, one of our many joints, goes out of place and puts pressure on nerves causing pain.

But, keep in mind, those of us who maintain the backs will have far fewer episodes of back pain, and when and if an episode occurs, it is much easier to fix.


CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompressionAdditional Reading Resources:

• DRX9000 Glastonbury
  
• Chiropractic Glastonbury
  
• Causes of Back Pain
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression

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2 Tips to Avoid Back Pain

Today’s Blog Post comes from Dr. Bellinger’s April 2010 Newsletter that he mails to his patients every month.

Back pain is no fun. It is also a MAJOR problem for our healthcare system and economy. Here are some important facts about back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA):

• 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.
  
• One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.
  
• 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.
  
• Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain, and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.
  
• Experts estimate as much as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives.
  
• Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
  

There are two different types of mechanical stress that can cause back pain. First is a blatant injury to the lower back area. . This can be anything from a car accident, sports injury or slip and fall. This cause of back pain is easy to understand. Trauma to your spine causes injury to the soft tissue (ligaments, muscles and disks). This is why the first tip is to make your home, work area and car as “back safe” as possible. Home and work should be kept uncluttered so you do not slip and fall. This is especially important at night, when lighting may be dim. A seatbelt should always be worn while driving and your headrest should be checked and adjusted to your height to minimize damage from a crash. If you are in a car accident, you should be examined by a doctor trained to handle these types of injuries. Chiropractors are well-trained in the diagnosis and treatment of car accident injuries. Back pain caused by the trauma of car accidents and falls is obvious.

What’s not obvious is the other type of mechanical stress: MICRO-TRAUMA. Micro-trauma is a small amount of bad force applied to your back or spine. This small amount of bad force does not seem to be a big deal and usually does not cause pain or discomfort right away, but over time, micro-traumas add up and can cause major problems. An example of such a micro trauma is incorrect posture – either sitting, standing or sleeping. Either one of these three, over time, can ruin the structural integrity of your spine and cause major pain. That’s why tip #2 is to make sure you have the proper bed and chair and always keep good posture. If you need advice on any of this, your Chiropractor is an expert and can help you. And you should try not to stand, sit or lay in one position too long. Motion is important – when in doubt, change position! Prevention of back pain is one of the most important things you can do in your life. Minimizing both big and small stresses on your spine is one important way to accomplish this goal.

Additional Reading Resources:

• Glastonbury Chiropractor offers non surgical solutions to lower back pain
  
• Specialized treatment for Sciatica, Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc, and Degenerative Disc
  
• Common Back Pain Patient
  
• Lower Back Sprain vs Lower back Strain
  
• Back Pain While Standing
  

CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Long Time Back Pain Sufferer Speaks …

Listen to what one of our patients had to say:



After seeing his doctor and a surgeon, Pete realized he didn’t want to be cut. He knew there had to be another way to end his back pain. He had seen a chiropractor in the past which helped; but this particular doctor’s treatments were very painful to do. Luckily, Pete and his wife found our office, and he hasn’t suffered major back pain since.

Because Pete did so well, he comes in periodically for chiropractic adjustments for whichever ache or pain he presents with. Success story #37.


CT Spine and Disc Center is located in Hartford County Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• chiropractic information and the drx9000
  
• Question about Spinal Decompression or seeing a Chiropractor
  
• Glastonbury Decompression Patient Testimonials
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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Case Study: Common Back Pain Patient

Mr. xyz goes to his doctor because of back pain. His doctor prescribes something, but it doesn’t help. He goes back, gets some stronger pills- they help a little, but make him so fatigued he can’t work when he takes them, so he stops staking them. On his next time back he is referred to another doctor for an injection. He is also sent for a picture of his back.

He gets a shot, which seems to help at first, but two weeks later his pain is back. He goes back for a second and then third shot, but they don’t seem to help.

He then is given a referral to another doctor, because they told him the pain may be “in his head.” The patient protests, “my pain is real,” and doesn’t return to this doctor.

His life now consists of trying everything from different medications to late night infomercial products that promise to end back pain. He continues with a limited work schedule, taking pain medications daily, trying to only take the really strong stuff when he needs to.

So many patients go through this vicious cycle never learning about non-surgical spinal decompression. I’m here to tell you to never give up on fixing your back pain. Non-surgical spinal decompression is available right here in Glastonbury, Connecticut. If someone is not a candidate for the decompression, they may respond well to one of our many gentle chiropractic treatments.


CT Spine and Disc Center is located in Glastonbury, Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Read what our patients have to say
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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The Scary Truth about Low Back Surgery

Any good doctor, whether it’s your chiropractor, orthopedic surgeon, primary care, or someone else, will tell you only to do surgery as a last option. The reason is because there’s no guarantee, there’s lots of risk, and even if it does work wonders it most often relapses and the back pain or sciatica is back. Then, you go through the same risks all over again with less chance of success.

Here’s a link to a (Good Housekeeping) special report one of our patients brought into us that was very interesting: Good Housekeeping Special Report - Click Here!


CT Spine and Disc Center is located in Glastonbury- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Good Housekeeping
  
• glatonbury chiropractors
  
• Best alternative to back surgery
  

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Do I have Fibromyalgia?

To help determine if someone has Fibromyalgia (FMS) they will typically have the following symptoms:

1. Pain that is often described as “all over.” The pain is often in multiple regions of the body and can change often. Sometimes it’s worse than others; sometimes pain occurs more due to precipitating factors; other times it comes and goes with no rhyme or reason.
2. Tender points throughout the body. These are typically local tender spots, meaning they don’t refer to pain to another area like a muscular trigger point.
3. Fatigue is another common symptom. This can often be an overall sense of being tired or also a feeling like your muscles are tired and weak.
4. Morning joint stiffness or stiffness from being in one position too long. This is usually an extreme stiffness and can make it difficult to work or enjoy a leisurely outing or get-together.
5. Extreme sensitivity- this could mean touch, smell, noise, light, vibration, etc … Everything tends to translate to pain.
6. Disturbances in sleep. People with Fibromyalgia often complain that they wake up feeling more tired than when they went to bed.

The mystery of Fibromyalgia is what really causes the pain and the condition itself. However it appears to be some form of nervous system disorder. This may be one reason chiropractic treatments help with Fibromyalgia pain. Chiropractic adjustments help to relieve nervous system pressure allowing your body to function better.

If you or someone you know suffers from Fibromyalgia or Fibromyalgia related pain, call our office to find out if we may be able to help.


CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Chiropractor Glastonbury
  
• Glastonbury Chiropractic Blog
  
• Study shows cold laser helps with fibro pain
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Free Report On Spinal Decompression
  

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Low Back STrain vs. A Low Back SPrain

A strain typically refers to the muscle and a sprain usually involves the joint or tendons and ligaments. Because in an injury both tend to be effected, we often refer to the condition as a strain/sprain.

Basically, tendons connect muscles, ligaments connect bone to muscle and they cross joints. So, based on this, it’s often difficult to isolate one injury from another.

Both a strain and a sprain can be from an acute injury, but they can often be a result of a chronic condition that has been there, but is re-injured or re-exacerbated.

For example, you can get a new low back injury or pain that can strain or sprain the low back, but you can also re-injure your low back.

However, the back pain which started as a low back strain or sprain is treated very well with chiropractic care. When it’s disc pain, the spinal decompression works best.


CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• chiropractic glastonbury
  
• chiropractor video
  
• support belt for a lower back strain or sprain
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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What Kind Of Pillow Should I Sleep With?

A very common question in the office that patients often ask is: "What is the best neck pillow to use for sleeping?"

My answer most often is our cervical traction pillow. When we first started in practice we tried alot of pillows and supports. The traction pillow, by far, has given us the best and most consistant results. Nine out of ten customer and/or patient's of our absolutely love it.

Not only does it help one hold their neck adjustments better, it also helps align the spine as well. So most often if you are looking for a comfortable pillow that will give you a good nights sleep, improve neck posture, and help keep neck pain away, try the traction pillow.

If you have specific questions or concerns about your neck, give our office a call and we can help.

CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Additional Reading Resources:

• Information abour our favorite neck pillow
  
• More neck pillows and postural supports.
  
• More serious neck traction to correct your neck curve
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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Lifting Weights may help Improve Back Pain

Lifting weights is the absolute best way to build lean muscle and reduce body fat. This kind of exercise also helps the body cleanse.

First of all, when your body has more muscle, it will ultimately burn more fat. Stronger muscles help prevent injury and having less fat or less weight can help too. As we put more weight on, it often becomes difficult for our body to support this added weight. Unlike muscle that is more proportional, excess fat tends to pool more in specific areas, causing postural shifts and uneven stress on our spines.

By lifting weight and exercising the body will also need more oxygen, breathing helps detox the body. This, along with sweating are two natural methods to help the body stay healthy. Along with these also comes drinking more water. As you sweat and lift weights, you will also be thirsty because you lose fluids. Water will also help cleanse the body.

Lastly, lifting free weights helps build a lot of the core stabilizing muscles. These are all the little muscles that help with balance. Using machines allows you to focus more on one particular muscle. While this is good for certain things, for strengthening your back and improving pain it’s better to work the core and improve balance.

Additional Reading Resources

• Chiropractic care for a Healthy Back
  
• Can An Inversion Table Help My Lower Back Pain?
  
• Don't make your Back Pain An Excuse for Everything
  
• 10 Problems with your Chair that Can Contribute to Lower Back Pain
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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CT Spine and Disc Center is located in central Connecticut- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at 860-633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression

Stop Making your Low Back Pain Worse.

Today’s post comes from my March newsletter that I mail to all of my patients.

I often get many questions about what to do and what not to do when some one is in pain. Should I use ice or heat? What kind of exercise should I help me feel better ? Can I still work at my job with this pain ? When a patient enters my office for treatment of their lower back, it may include spinal manipulation, adjustments, muscle therapy, or non surgical spinal decompression. It also includes patient education in regards to heat/ice, performing daily activities and exercise. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about lower back pain:

1. Should I use Heat or Ice?
   
   This topic is controversial, as often, patients will be told by their friends and family to use the opposite of what we may recommend to our patients. Often times when pain is presents inflammation also exists. Ice Therapy works best on this becuse it reduces the swelling and provides an analgesic effect (pain relief). When heat is improperly used during this inflammatory phase of healing, vasodilation or, an increase in blood supply to the already swollen injured area often results in an increase in pain. The use of heat may be safely applied later in the healing process during the reparative phase of healing, but as long as pain is present, using ice is usually safer and more effective.
   
   
   
2. Can I continue with my Daily Activities or my job?
   Improper methods of performing sitting, bending, pulling, pushing, and lifting can perpetuate the inflammatory phase, slow down the healing process, increase pain and interfere/prevent people from returning to their desired activities of daily living, especially work. Improperly performing these routine activities is similar to picking at scab since you’re delaying the healing process and you can even make things worse for yourself. Sometimes it is better to wait and allow your body to heal before jumping into your regular activities.
   
   
3. Can I Exercise?
   There are many exercises available for patients with low back pain. When deciding on the type of exercise, the position the patient feels best or, the least irritating is usually the direction to emphasize.
   
   More specifically, for those who feel a reduction in pain when bending forward (referred to as "flexion-biased"), flexion exercises are usually indicated. Examples of these low back exercises include:
   
   
   
   
   • raising a single knee to chest
     
   • double knee to chest
     
   • posterior pelvic tilts
     
   • sitting forward flexion
     
   • hamstring stretches
   
   
   When bending backwards results in pain reduction (referred to as "extension-biased"), standing and bending backwards, performing a sagging type of pushup ("prone press-up"), laying backwards on large pillows or on a gym-ball are good exercises. The dosage or duration exercises must be determined individually and it is typically safer to start with 1 or 2 exercises and gradually increase the number as well as repetition and/or hold-times. If sharp/"bad" pain is noted, the patient is warned to discontinue that exercise and report this for further discussion with their chiropractor. It is normal and often a good sign when stretching/"good" pain is obtained at the end range of the exercise.

At CT Spine and Disc Center, we have recognized the importance of patient education in our approach to managing low back pain cases, and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

CT Spine and Disc Center is located in Central Connecticut, in Glastonbury- Specializing in patients who suffer from sciatica, disc degeneration, bulging disc or herniated disc in the lumbar spine. Call us at (860)633-8756 to see if you are a candidate for non surgical spinal decompression


Additional Reading Resources:

• Glastonbury Chiropractor Offer Lower Back Pain Relief
  
• Can An Inversion Table Help My Back Pain?
  
• A Good Lumbar Support Belt Can Prevent Your Back Pain From Getting Worse
  
• Back Pain While Sleeping or After Sleep
  
• Understanding Non Surgical Spinal Decompression: FAQ's
  
• Research about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
  

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