Friday, November 13, 2015

The lesser- known effects of back on your life.

Back pain can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. Its physical effects make the simplest of movements - getting in and out of the car, picking up items off the floor or stooping down to pet the dog - unbearable.

And back pain effects don't just stop at physical it can be a serious psychological and financial, effects.

When a spinal movement is restricted or spinal bones (vertebrae) become misaligned, the result is a common condition known as vertebral subluxation. Vertebral subluxation is linked with a myriad of health concerns, including back pain.

It’s vital not to self diagnose the cause of the back pain. In addition to vertebral subluxations, back pain may be sparked by a variety of other disorders.

Regardless of its cause, back pain is more than just a physical condition. It can also have devastating emotional impact. Research shows the widespread psychological effects of back pain extends beyond the patient to encompass families, Social participation and work place productivity, in terms of sickness and absences.

 Chronic back pain suffers particularly those afflicted with low back pain have an elevated risk of developing depression, anxiety and high levels of neuroticism.

Many individuals with chronic back pain also feel stigmatized; that’s it’s not real or, if it’s is, it’s their fault. Stigmatizing responses by family, friends, health professionals and the general public, appear to have a profound impact on perceptions, self esteem and behavior.

 How can you end or avoid back pain and its far reaching effects? Start with chiropractic. Dr. Nelson corrects vertebral subluxation with a gentle, low force approach to chiropractic care. Known as the Activator Method, Dr. Nelson has been using this technique safely on patients of all ages since the 1980's. Studies show that regularly scheduled adjustments may also help prevent back pain along with a host of other musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr Nelson urges patients to reject the notion that back pain is “normal” and that nothing can prevent or mediate its physical and psychological effects.

If you are among the millions of people around the worlds with back pain, don’t suffer in silence or resort to symptom masking drugs; many of which have potentially serious side effects. Instead schedule an appointment with our office today. 

We take vertebral subluxations and related disorders seriously. Along with freedom from pain, you’ll receive the attention and respect you deserve.

Nelson Chiropractic   425-867-1119
16250 Ne 80th Street, Redmond WA 98052


Friday, November 6, 2015

Hidden Cause of Low Back Pain

Injuring a major muscle , such as a hamstring, is no picnic; however, aggravating a small muscle - such as the piriformis- can sometimes pack an equally excruciating wallop.

People with piriformis syndrome typically suffer from low-back pain. Dr. Nelson notes that patients may also experience shooting pain and numbness in the buttocks, thighs or legs.

Exactly where is the piriformis?
The piriformis muscle extends along both sides of the lower buttocks. This small muscle attaches to the front of the middle pelvic bone (sacrum), passes through a hole in the pelvic bone (greater sciatic foramen) and connects to the top of the thigh bone (femur).

What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Sciatic nerves travel beneath the piriformis muscle- much like a highway underpass- on their way from the spine to the back of each leg.

Dr. Nelson describes to patients that piriformis syndrome occurs when the muscle becomes inflamed, forcing pressure on the sciatic nerve and entrapping it against the bones of the pelvis.

Along with compression of the sciatic nerve, the piriformis muscle itself is often tender and painful. Posture is also affected, with the pelvis bones (sacrum and iliac bones) moving slightly out of place. This misalignment is known as a sacroiliac subluxation.

The spinal bones of the lower back, known as the lumbar vertebrae, also tend to move slightly out of place - a condition termed vertebral subluxation.

In addition to aggravating piriformis inflammation, sacroiliac and vertebral subluxation may trigger a vast array of maladies, including back pain, leg pain, headaches, intestinal problems and infertility, explains Dr. Nelson.

Signs of Piriformis Syndrome

  • Back pain
  • Pain down the back of the thigh or leg
  • Numbness in the leg or foot
  • Aching or numbness in the buttock
  • Aching or numbness in the thigh
  • Pain made worse by sitting, squatting or walking
  • Pain after driving long distances
  • One foot that rolls in more than the other
  • Pain aggravated by sports activities

Dr. Curtis Nelson,

Nelson Chiropractic Office      (425-)867-1119
16250 NE 80th Street , Redmond WA 98052