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Video: Low Back Pain Relief After Chiropractic Adjustment

Video: Low Back Pain Relief After Chiropractic Adjustment

by | Dec 1, 2022 | Informational, Injury, Video

Understanding Lower Back Pain: How a Chiropractor Can Help Your Bad Back

Lower back pain is something that many people experience at some point in their lives. Whether you’re active in sports or spend a lot of time sitting, you might find yourself dealing with discomfort or pain. In this blog, we’ll talk about what causes lower back pain, what it feels like, and how a chiropractor can help with a bad back.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can happen for different reasons. Here are a few common causes:

  1. Muscle Strain: If you lift something heavy or move in a sudden way, you might strain a muscle in your back, which can cause pain.
  2. Herniated Discs: Between the bones in your spine are soft discs that cushion them. Sometimes, these discs can rip and get pushed out and press on a nerve, which can cause pain that spreads down your legs.
  3. Physical Trauma: Think of falls, slips, or car collisions.
  4. Poor Posture: Sitting hunched over for long periods can put stress on your lower back, leading to pain. This is a very common problem, especially as the technology keeps evolving.
  5. Arthritis: This is a condition that affects your joints. If it affects your lower back, it can cause pain and stiffness.

What Are the Symptoms?

When you have lower back pain, you might feel:

  • Aching or Sharp Pain: You could have a constant dull ache or a sharp pain in your lower back.
  • Pain Down Your Legs: Sometimes, the pain travels from your back down your legs.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Your legs or feet might feel numb or tingly.
  • Weakness: Your legs could feel weak, making it hard to do normal activities.

How Can a Chiropractor Help Your Bad Back?

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who focuses on treating problems with the spine. They can help relieve lower back pain using different techniques:

  1. Adjustments: Chiropractors use their hands or special tools to adjustments to your spine. This helps to improve the alignment of your back, which can reduce pain and help your body move better.
  2. Stretching and Exercises: A chiropractor might teach you stretches and exercises to help strengthen the muscles in your back and improve your flexibility. Doing these exercises regularly can help prevent pain from coming back.
  3. Lifestyle Advice: Chiropractors can also give you tips on how to improve your posture, lift things safely, and make other changes to your daily routine that can help reduce back pain.

Simple Ways to Feel Better

In addition to seeing a chiropractor, there are things you can do at home to help ease lower back pain:

  • Use Ice or Heat: Putting ice on your back can help reduce swelling and pain. After a couple of days, you can switch to using heat to relax your muscles. (Think Ice for Inflammation and Heat for relaxation.)
  • Stay Active: Gentle activities like walking can help keep your back muscles strong. Just make sure not to overdo it. Like everything else moderation in the key.
  • Practice Good Posture: Try to sit and stand up straight to take the pressure off your lower back. In some instances muscle might be to weak or to tight and this will be difficult in the beginning.
  • Yoga: Yoga or stretching helps the muscles relax and relief the pain.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for a Bad Back?

A good rule of thumb, always get checked out as soon as possible. The cause of a bad back or pain the the low back could range from simple to complex. Especially if you feel any of the following:

  • The pain spreads down your legs.
  • You feel numbness or tingling in your legs or feet.
  • You have trouble walking or standing up straight.

Conclusion

Lower back pain can be annoying, but with the help of a chiropractor, you can find relief. Whether through adjustments, exercises, or simple lifestyle changes, there are many ways to manage and prevent lower back pain. If you’re dealing with pain that just won’t go away, a visit to the chiropractor might be just what you need to start feeling better.

Take a Rest Day: The Dangers of Overtraining

Take a Rest Day: The Dangers of Overtraining

by | Nov 10, 2022 | Advice, exercise, Informational, Injury, Wellness

The benefits of a good training regimen are undeniable but there is something called “overtraining.”  Read on to learn more about the dangers of overtraining.

Daily exercise is proven to improve your overall physical health, as well as boost your mood and decrease feelings of depression. If you put in the right amount of work, you’ll feel and look great for a long time.

That said, it is possible to overdo things. In this post, we’re going to discuss the dangers of overtraining. As important as training is, it’s also important to take a rest day every now and then to let your body rejuvenate. 

Keep reading and you’ll have a better understanding of the problems that come from overtraining, as well as the benefits of a well-balanced training routine.

What Is Overtraining?

In short, overtraining accumulates stress on the body due to hard training and other factors, like your diet or stress levels. When you start training, it’s common to strive to push your body as far as it will go.

This may feel great for the first little while, but without the proper amount of rest, your body will start showing signs of wear. The symptoms of overtraining include increased heart rate (10-15 BPM), soreness lasting longer than 3 days, a drop in sleep quality, and a drop in your overall performance level. The biggest risk with overtraining is the potential for serious injury.

If you’re constantly dealing with little injuries as a result of your training, there’s a good chance you’re overtraining. Eventually, as you push through these smaller injuries, you’ll end up having a big one. Continuing to work out when you’ve got small tears or strains is only going to make you weaker.

Overtraining Syndrome

Overtraining syndrome (OTS) occurs when you have chronically elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, which regulates blood pressure, controls inflammation, and manages the way your body uses carbs, fats, and proteins.

While short bursts of increased cortisol are good, overtraining can lead to chronically elevated cortisol, which will have numerous negative effects. You may notice feelings of lethargy and moodiness, and your body may start losing muscle while storing more fat, even as you continue training. You’ll feel sick, tired, and slow until you correct your OTS.

How to Avoid Overtraining Muscles

By taking stock of how you’re feeling after each workout and planning regular rest days, you can stop the symptoms of overtraining. Buy yourself a heart rate monitor, get the right amount of sleep, and make sure you’re eating a balanced diet. Combined with rest, you’ll be in recovery mode in no time.

The best way to create the perfect fitness routine is to listen to your body. It’s important to have fitness goals, but you also have to be reasonable and give yourself breaks.

The benefits of proper training are countless. You should feel happier, healthier, and more energetic when you have a good exercise routine. Push it too far and the opposite will happen, so if longevity is what you want, then don’t overtrain.

The Dangers of Overtraining Are Real

Now that you know the dangers of overtraining, you can take the steps to avoid injuries and OTS. If you’ve been injured as a result of overtraining, contact us at Amazing Life Chiropractic in Mill Creek. We offer natural and reliable pain relief to help you recover from your overtraining injuries so you can get back to training responsibly.

X-Rays: Why We Use Them and Why We Don’t

X-Rays: Why We Use Them and Why We Don’t

by | Jul 7, 2022 | Informational, Injury, Research

Trauma and X-Ray Use in Chiropractic Care

Spine specialists–that’s what some people call chiropractors. While chiropractors do pay special attention to the spine, they can also specialize in other fields, such as neurology, clinical nutrition, and radiology.

Speaking of radiology, did you know that Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) and chiropractic radiologists use imaging equipment? These include computed tomography (CT) scanners and X-rays.

If you’re wondering why chiropractors would need X-rays, read on. Here, we’ll discuss why chiropractors take X-rays and instances when they don’t recommend it for their patients.

Osteoporosis and Spondyloarthritis: The Role of X-Rays

Conducting diagnostic tests is one of the ways doctors use differential diagnosis. Chiropractors also employ diagnostic tools to diagnose a patient’s condition better. 

For patients at higher risk of osteoporosis or spondyloarthritis, X-rays can be a valuable diagnostic tool. These conditions affect the bones and joints, making X-ray imaging essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Advantages and Disadvantages of X-Rays

Do all chiropractors require spinal X-rays to diagnose patients accurately? 

The answer is not everyone and not all the time. After all, manipulation and mobilization techniques are enough to address simple dysfunctions. If such conditions don’t improve, or for more complex cases, chiropractors may consider X-ray analysis.

Chiropractors also have to weigh the disadvantages against the benefits of X-rays. Remember, X-rays expose patients to radiation. While the level is safe for most adults, it may not be safe for a developing baby.

If you’re pregnant, be sure to tell your chiropractor. Also, if you believe your condition is related to your soft tissues (e.g., muscles, tendons, or ligaments), there’s no need for chiropractors to order an X-ray. Only conditions associated with bones and joints benefit from X-rays.

Some Notes to Keep In Mind

Beyond researching the answers to “how do X-rays work?” and “what can X-rays detect?” it’s more crucial to understand its use in chiropractic healthcare settings.

If your chiropractor requires X-rays for every condition, you may want to switch to another DC. Reputable chiropractors only use X-rays when needed. 

As for what to expect when chiropractors take X-rays, you may be surprised if the process differs from what you’re familiar with. Chiropractors consider the patient’s posture and weight. That is why they tend to look at images taken in standing positions instead of prone or supine positions. 

Also, don’t be surprised if your chiropractor takes multiple X-rays. If your condition requires monitoring, your chiropractor may request additional X-rays after the initial evaluation. They need to look at images of the spine and joints from various angles to check if their treatment plan is working.

Are You In Need of Chiropractic Care?  

If you need a chiropractor near the Mill Creek, Washington area, we can help. At Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, we provide chiropractic services, red light therapy, X-Rays, custom orthotics, etc.

To provide the highest quality of chiropractic care, we use diagnostic tools such as X-rays. Should you have questions about our services, feel free to contact us.

4 Ways to Fix Your Posture For A Healthier Back

4 Ways to Fix Your Posture For A Healthier Back

by | Mar 17, 2022 | Informational, Injury

There are a lot of reasons back pain can occur. Bad posture and the negative effects of bad posture are some of the biggest ones. Fixing your posture can be the first step for correcting back pain.

Recent studies have shown that at least 58.9% of American adults are living with back pain. Back pain can make going about our daily lives difficult. It can even make laying down uncomfortable, and no one likes that!

But, how do you fix your posture for a healthier back? Keep reading, and we’ll help you fix your back and live a more comfortable and amazing life!

1. Fix Your Seated Posture

For many people, the reason their posture is bad is that they work on a computer all day. Our screens might be too low and we arch our necks downward to look at them, like when we use our phone, tablet, or laptop. Or, because we get tired, we relax and embrace a slouched position for hours.

Our spines will develop a curvature to them, like a shrimp. Our necks might be more forward than they should be naturally. Some people even experience pinching along their spine or shoulder blades.

Developing correct sitting posture can alleviate back pain. A correct sitting posture has your back straightened and your shoulders back. Your buttocks touch the back of your chair and, if possible, you have a pillow to support the lumbar curve in your back.

One way to do this is by creating a desk set up that has your computer or monitor high enough so you don’t have to slouch to see it. While working, you can also try to keep your ears lined up with your shoulders.

2. Learning to Stand

Instead of sitting, you can always get a standing desk. But, you need to understand what makes a good standing posture. Standing posture is important for anyone who performs manual labor or is on their feet all day.

Correct standing posture will once again have your shoulders back, just like when you’re sitting. Your head should be in line with your body like a pole is going from your head to your toes. Then, bring in your stomach and keep your feet shoulder-width apart without locking your knees.

The weight of your standing position should be on the balls of your feet. But, if you need to stand for a long time, shift your weight from one foot to another. This can help make standing for prolonged periods easier.

3. Stretching and Exercising

Another way to improve your posture is by taking a break from technology. Stepping away from your computer and taking a walk can stretch out your muscles, plus it gives your eyes a break. You can also do upper body stretches.

To do this, face a corner with your arms raised, elbows and shoulder height, and hands flat against the wall. Place one foot in front of the other and bend forward with your knees, exhaling as you lean into the corner. With your back straight and head up, there will be a stretching sensation across your chest. Stay in this position for 30 seconds, then relax your body. 

4. Visiting a Chiropractor

When you’ve experienced poor posture for a long time, or begin to feel pain in your back, the best thing you can do is visit a chiropractor. These trained professionals can ease back pain. They can even help you find ways to maintain a correct posture all day.

For example, Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness has a chiropractor in Mill Creek that specializes in providing pain relief. Professional chiropractors will use their hands to manipulate your spine and other back muscles. This can help realign your spine or end any pinching you might feel.

Correct Your Bad Posture Today!

The negative effects of bad posture include back pain, neck pain, and spinal damage. Bad posture can make living life uncomfortable. These tips for fixing your posture can help you develop positive posture habits in any environment!

If you’re experiencing back pain or have tried to fix your posture on your own and failed, reach out to our team at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness. Located in Mill Creek, WA, we want to help you live a more comfortable life. Don’t let back pain stop you from doing what you want.

Contact us today to make an appointment!

A Guide to Heat and Ice Therapy

A Guide to Heat and Ice Therapy

by | Sep 27, 2021 | Informational, Injury

A Guide to Heat and Ice Therapy

Have you heard of the acronym R.I.C.E? It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It’s commonly given advice in the sports injury world. But what about the benefits of heat therapy. Read on to find out when to use ice therapy or when to use heat therapy.

So, what is heat and ice therapy? And how do you know when to use heat and when to use ice?

The guide below will help you decide between heat and ice therapy so that you can get back to feeling better and moving comfortably.

Heat Therapy

You can use heat therapy to increase blood flow and reduce pain through muscles, joints, and tendons in the body. Heat therapy can also improve range of motion – meaning it is easier to move parts of the body even after an injury. Many people prefer to use heat therapy because it’s more comfortable than cold therapy, especially in cold weather.

Heating pads are one of the most effective ways to deliver heat therapy. They are affordable, easy to use and reuse, and you can find them at most drug stores. You may also use hot water bottles or warm towels if you prefer wet heat therapy over dry. You can use heat therapy for minor injuries, sore muscles, cramping, and aches. 

Ice Therapy

Ice therapy can be used to reduce swelling or inflammation. The best time to use ice therapy is directly following an injury. You can use ice therapy for muscles, joints, and tendons. 

Ice therapy works by narrowing the blood vessels and reducing pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack, bag of ice, or a bag of frozen vegetables to ice an injury. Do not apply ice or ice pack directly to the skin. Instead, wrap it in a towel to provide a barrier between your skin and the ice.

Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. You can continue to apply ice throughout the day. If the swelling does not improve, consult a medical professional. 

Try Heat and Ice Therapy

Whether you’ve suffered an injury or you experience chronic pain, heat and ice therapy could be right for you. These easy forms of therapy can be completed at home with minimal effort and maximum results.

If you are still struggling with pain and want to seek professional care, contact us. At Amazing Life Chiropractic we help people of all ages recover from injury, improve range of motion, and live better lives.

Benefits of Trigger Point Massages

Benefits of Trigger Point Massages

by | Sep 16, 2021 | Informational, Injury, Massage

Did you know that the history of massage dates back over 5,000 years to ancient Egypt? Even without our modern knowledge of the human body, healers back then learned that people responded well to touch. Massage techniques have evolved over the centuries, but the basis remains the same. One modality that’s scientifically proven to reduce pain is trigger point massage. Would you like to experience this type of massage therapy for yourself? Read on to learn more about pressure point therapy and how you can benefit with trigger point massage to improve your health.

What Is a Trigger Point?

You might refer to them as “muscle knots,” but what are those little lumps exactly?

Rest assured that they’re not actual knots in the muscle fibers. Their scientific name is a myofascial trigger point.

In basic terms, it’s a tiny cramp inside the muscle tissue. Think of it as a miniature “charley horse” that only affects one small section of the muscle. Common trigger points include those “knots” between your shoulder blades that never seem to go away.

These “cramps” may be small, but they can create a lot of pain and discomfort. Reduced blood flow irritates the muscle even more, creating a vicious cycle of myofascial pain. In some cases, the pain can even radiate (or refer) to other parts of the body.

What Is Trigger Point Massage?

The goal of this type of massage is to find those active trigger points and get them to “calm down.” If you can release the trigger point, the entire muscle will relax and function normally.

Your therapist will start by palpating your muscles to identify the source of your pain (often a nagging trigger point). Then she’ll use direct pressure on the point to encourage it to release. She may also include some stretching and kneading techniques to further help the muscles relax.

This may feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’ve had the problem for a while. Communication is key to ensure that the pressure isn’t too much for you.

How to Massage Trigger Points

Even if you’re not an expert in pressure point therapy, there are some basic techniques you can try at home.

Start by downloading a trigger point chart or trigger point map. This will help you identify the specific points that may be causing your pain, whether it’s headaches, tennis elbow, or lower back.

Use the chart to find those trigger points on your own body. You’ll know when you’ve found them because they’re likely to be tender. They may even refer pain to other parts of your body.

Apply consistent pressure to each point, pressing as firmly as you can without making the muscle tense. Hold each spot for 3-5 minutes and repeat up to 5 times a day.

Our Clinic

While we do not offer massage therapy, our office specializes in chiropractic and decompression therapy. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for these services, please click the link below. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness!