Are Flu Symptoms Making a Reappearance? It's that time of year when viruses start to circulate, and you might be wondering if those sniffles and coughs are just a common cold or something more concerning like the flu or the next variant of COVID. Your health matters, and we're here to support you! Personalized Care...
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How Autumn Activities Can Affect An Auto Injury With the arrival of autumn, the air grows crisper, and the landscape transforms with vibrant hues. However, as you embark on fall outdoor activities, it's crucial to be mindful of the potential impact of a whiplash injury. The transition to autumn pursuits can sometimes exacerbate whiplash symptoms,...
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Next time you are out, look to the person on your left and right, or better yet, look at the group of people just a short distance from you. What you may notice is the rolled shoulders and head forward posture. No, it is not the cell phones they have in their hands that they are staring intently into. Still, their now adapted postures due to those and other computer devices have become the absolute norm of our American generation’s lifestyle.
Although we are way ahead in technology, unfortunately, our generation is leading the way in spinal degeneration, arthritis, and chronic illnesses. Lower back pain is now so common that it affects almost 90% of adults, with the majority suffering from lumbar arthritis as a contributing factor to their lower back pain.
Next time you are out, look to the person on your left and right, or better yet, look at the group of people just a short distance from you. What you may notice is the rolled shoulders and head forward posture. No, it is not the cell phones they have in their hands that they are staring intently into. Still, their now adapted postures due to those and other computer devices have become the absolute norm of our American generation’s lifestyle.
Although we are way ahead in technology, unfortunately, our generation is leading the way in spinal degeneration, arthritis, and chronic illnesses. Lower back pain is now so common that it affects almost 90% of adults, with the majority suffering from lumbar arthritis as a contributing factor to their lower back pain.
The spine is composed of twenty-four moving segments, known as vertebrae, and is classified into three regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back). Between the spinal vertebrae are intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers. These discs are anchored to the vertebrae by the collagen fibers, allowing movement between vertebrae and the distribution of weight-bearing forces from one vertebra to the next in the spine.
The intervertebral discs often lose their elasticity and hydration with age and poor posture or as the result of an injury. The loss of elasticity decreases their ability to handle all the load-bearing forces of daily activity. When the discs thin, this changes the relative position of the vertebrae and the connective tissues throughout the rest of the spine. Over time, this thinning of the disc could progress to where the vertebra is effectively lying on the next vertebra. The loss of disc space often results in increased pain and decreased ranges of motion.
Ultimately, this pattern of degeneration can lead to microfractures and cartilage injury. Although the body tries to replace and repair the damage, it is often insufficient to overcome the degenerative process without assistance.
The classic symptomatology of arthritis includes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. As with most forms of osteoarthritis, pain and stiffness are the most pronounced symptoms in the morning. However, as movement increases over the course of the day, the symptoms tend to subside. In general, if there is no evidence of nerve root compromise, pain from an arthritic spine is localized with possible dull aching.
If the spine’s degeneration continues into a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, patients may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs due to irritation of the lumbar nerve roots.
Lumbar arthritis and back pain are usually responsive to conservative management.
During an acute attack of back pain, relative rest that avoids activities that aggravate the symptoms may reduce inflammation. In addition, drinking moderate amounts of water frequently while minimizing caffeinated drinks will also be beneficial in helping hydrate the discs.
Lifestyle modifications must be undertaken for long-term relief. This includes weight loss when appropriate, as it will tremendously reduce back pain due to the lumbar spine bearing the weight of the upper body and the head.
Exercise is also critical as it can help reduce weight while increasing muscle strength to support the lower back. However, consult your chiropractic physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.
Your chiropractor and their spinal rehabilitation team may prescribe spinal decompression in combination with rehabilitative therapy. In addition, working with a rehabilitative team to design a proper exercise regimen will help strengthen core muscles and minimize back pain.
Our team understands that long-term back pain is physically debilitating and emotionally exhausting. So, to serve our community, we have built an expert team committed to working harmoniously to help you or your loved ones recapture the quality of life they desire – pain-free!
Did you know that ignoring knee pain can lead not just to further knee damage but also to severe back problems?
Knee pain is often linked to lower back pain through the intricate connections involving the lower back, pelvis, and knees. When your back is out of alignment, it can put tension on the sciatic nerve, which may then radiate down your legs and into your knees, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility.
But there’s more—knee pain can change your posture and how you walk, causing your lower back to compensate and potentially leading to misaligned spinal discs. Ignoring these pains can result in further wear and tear on your spinal discs and knee joints.
At Van Chiropractic, we understand the complex relationship between knee and back pain and are here to help! We treat the root causes of your discomfort to alleviate pain and prevent future damage.
Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Contact Dr. Grey Gardner at Van Chiropractic, conveniently located in New Fairfield, CT, today for a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more active life!
Expert Tips from Struggling with a good night's sleep due to back or neck pain can feel like an endless cycle. You know rest is crucial for healing, but pain keeps you awake, hindering recovery and causing more discomfort. However, there's hope. By integrating smart sleeping strategies and expert chiropractic care, you can break this...
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As autumn's cool breeze sets in, it ushers in a time of vibrant foliage and a medley of outdoor pursuits. Yet, as you indulge in the pleasures of the season, it's essential to be mindful of the potential triggers for headaches. The transition to fall activities can sometimes exacerbate headache episodes, but the remedy lies...
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Empower Your Health With Chiropractic Amidst daily alerts of emerging superbugs and the looming ineffectiveness of antibiotics, New Fairfield residents are rethinking their healthcare strategies. If the continuous reliance on reactive healthcare methods—characterized by temporary solutions and increasing drug resistance—has left you seeking a sustainable alternative, chiropractic care might be the answer you've been looking...
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Chiropractors Insights on Post-Concussion Care! Hello, wonderful readers! We trust you're keeping well and secure. Today, we delve into a topic of paramount importance—concussions and the innovative approaches to their treatment. Concussions And Their Symptoms A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that occurs when a forceful impact causes the brain to move...
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Celebrate 129 Years of Chiropractic Excellence! For over a century, chiropractic care has empowered individuals of all ages to reclaim and maintain their health. As a preferred healthcare choice globally, millions of families trust chiropractic to enhance their well-being. Our team is dedicated to contributing as a proactive health solution in our community. A Chiropractor's...
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It's all connected. Are you suffering from chronic headaches and neck pain? If so, your posture due to the pain can be creating another issue - a gluteal contracture. A gluteal contracture is characterized by tightness and limited mobility in the gluteal muscles. When the muscles are weak, underactive, or tight, they can trigger biomechanical...
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