Low back pain is one of the most common causes of workplace disability in the United States. An active low back pain episode can cause pain with almost every major movement! There are common conditions that may lead to low back pain. These include (1) -
- Osteoarthritis – Degeneration of the spine can lead to spinal cord irritation
- Muscle strain or ligament sprain – Overuse injuries, often from work environments, can lead to low back pain
- Disc compression – Degeneration of the spine can lead to loss of disc height, potentially affecting the spinal cord and/or nerve roots
- Scoliosis – A significant curvature in your spine may lead to low back pain
While these conditions may lead to painful low back episodes, it is essential to look to what their root cause may be when examining treatment options. Here at N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic, we want you to be able to enjoy your daily activities without the aggravation of low back pain.
How is my neck related to my low back pain?
Your spinal cord sends signals to and from your brain. Your nerves branch off of your brain and spinal cord. Your spine is designed to protect your spinal cord. When the top bone in your spine (atlas) is out of alignment, it creates spinal cord tension. This tension leads to the s ignals becoming distorted. Improper signals can lead to postural imbalance, pain, and muscle spasms. One of the ways an atlas misalignment can create low back pain is through muscle imbalance. Muscle tension can increase on one side of the body, causing one hip to be higher than the other. This causes one leg to be slightly shorter than the other.
I am trained in NUCCA – a gentle, specific type of chiropractic that is aimed at correcting the atlas. This gentle approach does not involve any popping or twisting the neck. Through realignment of the atlas, there is reduced pressure on the spinal cord. This allows for proper messages to be sent to and from the brain. This leads to proper signals being sent to and from the brain, potentially creating balanced p osture. Less muscle tension leads to even hips, possibly reducing low back pain symptoms.
Chung et al. described a case study of a 57-year-old man who experienced sciatica down both legs, along with other health issues. After approximately one month of N UCCA care, his sciatica pain reduced by 90%. After 2 months of care, he experienced complete resolution of his sciatica (2).
If you are interested in more information on how we at N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic may help your low back pain, give us a call at (63 2) 553-6218.
References
1. Mayoclinic.org. Back pain - Mayo Clinic [Internet]. 2015 [cited 26 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/basics/definition/CON-20020797?p=1
2. Chung J, Brown J, Busa J. Resolution of Hypertension Following Reduction of Upper Cervical Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study. J Upper Cerv Chiro Res [Internet]. 2014 [cited 13 January 2016];2014(January):1-6. Available from: http://www.mccoypress.net/juccr/docs/2014-1272_hypertension.pdf
To schedule a consultation with N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic clinic, call (02) 8553-6218 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Chiropractor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.