A very common cause of low back pain is compressed or pinched nerves. This can be caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, narrowing of the spinal exit point, and/or decreased spacing between the vertebrae. The compression causes inflammation, and then we feel the pain. People will often attempt to treat this condition with analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen) and physical therapy. Relative to nerve compression treatments, it is widely believed that epidural steroid injections are the most effective treatment as a standalone or to facilitate additional rehabilitation. Continue Reading »

(If you don’t want to watch the jazzy intro, just skip the first 32 seconds of the video.)

This video is intended for those who have already been cleared to exercise by a medical professional.

Many understand the direct relationship between weak back muscles and back pain, but did you know that hamstrings- the muscles on the backs of your legs running from the bottom of your pelvis to your knee- are thought by many to affect back pain/discomfort?  In one office, a chiropractor estimated that as many as 80% of the clients presenting with lower back pain have tight hamstrings as the root of their problem.  How can a muscle on the back of your legs cause or contribute to back pain? Continue Reading »

There are times when physical therapy, rehabilitation, and/or spinal manipulation alone just do not adequately address back pain.  Case in point, no amount of adjusting can alleviate or eliminate the pain stemming from a spinal fracture.  When diagnosed with a spinal fracture- particularly in the instance of a compression fracture- you may want to consider balloon kyphoplasty. Continue Reading »

If you go to enough chiropractors in your life, you will inevitably happen upon one who will suggest- in addition to their continued services- “orthotic insoles.”  If you are wondering what those are, just think “Dr. Scholl’s.” The premise is that these shoe inserts provide corrective support for your feet, putting them in proper alignment, and they also provide shock absorption that results when moving.  But wait, there’s more!  They also supposedly alleviate or eliminate fatigue resulting from standing on hard surfaces.  When you think about it, it makes sense.   Add in the fact that Dr. Scholl’s is a huge brand which has been around for more than 100 years.  (To put it in perspective, Dr. Scholl’s was on track to have 4,200 “Custom Fit Orthotic Center” kiosks in place by October of last year.)  Obviously, orthotic insoles are not snake oil.  The question is: should you buy them for back pain relief? Continue Reading »