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Category: Lower back pain

10 Researched Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

The benefits of chiropractic care are well established today and people suffering from back and neck pain are increasingly seeking out this alternative treatment technique. Chіrорrасtіс care has bееn рrоvеn tо rеlіеvе bасk раіn, headaches, arthritis, аѕthmа, organ function, neck pain, аnd a vаrіеtу оf оthеr healthcare соnсеrnѕ уоu mау fасе in your life. Thіѕ practice іѕ dеѕіgnеd tо hеlр your body heal nаturаllу thrоugh ѕtrаtеgіс adjustments in уоur spine аnd nесk. If уоu have bееn avoiding a trір tо thе сhіrорrасtоr because уоu аrеn’t sure it wіll bе able to help уоu, thе іnfоrmаtіоn іn this twо-раrt guіdе may change your mіnd. Here are 10 rеѕеаrсhеd bеnеfіtѕ оf chiropractic аdjuѕtmеntѕ.

Provides Effective Pain Relief

Several studies that have been done have established that chiropractic care can be more effective than medications when it comes to relieving lower or upper back pain or neck pain. It also works to treat the pain of sciatica, bulging disc and slipped disc.

Pain Management without Drugs

As research throws up more and more evidence of the dangers of taking medication and prescription pills, we are becoming more conscientious about reducing our dependence of medication. Chiropractic provides the perfect alternative as it promotes a drug-free approach. Chiropractic focuses on treating the whole system holistically.

Low Risk Treatment

Conventional medicine uses prescription medication for mild back pain and surgery for more severe back pain. Both of these are high risk as medications can cause complicated adverse effects and surgery is invasive. With chiropractic adjustments the only side effect you can expect is a bit of soreness and in some cases fatigues. Very rarely are there any serious side effects.

Treats the Cause of the Pain

Most medications merely help to manage the symptoms of pain but the cause of the pain still remains in the body. Painkillers may mask the pain in your upper or lower back but it does not cure the bulging disc. Chiropractic care on the other hand addresses the cause of the pain, which is more effective for long-term relief.

Treatments Can Be Customized Depending On Your Condition

Dr. Hohn, at Pure Chiropractic, located in Howell, MI makes use of a wide range of tools and techniques to treat pain and other mobility issues. All of these techniques can be customized for your body shape and size and the location of your pain. If you let your chiropractor know the exact spot that is painful and the kind of pain, you will receive customized chiropractic treatment.

Prevents Joint Dysfunction & Several Other Conditions

One of the greatest benefits of chiropractic care is that it reduces joint dysfunction, which could otherwise lead to symptoms in other parts of the body. Routine treatment can also prevent and treat several other health conditions, from headaches and migraines to menstrual disorders, fertility issues, gastrointestinal disorders and ear infection. Your chiropractor can help develop a customized treatment plan for you depending on your symptoms.

Improved body Function:

Chiropractic care from Pure Chiropractic can help with such body processes as increased circulation, improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients, improved flexibility, reduced muscle spasms, and assists the body with relaxing, repairing, and speeding up the healing process. The result is better physical performance, improved nervous system function, improved immune system function, boosted energy, and an overall healthier person. Chiropractic also put an importance on nutrition and fitness programs, and wellness and lifestyle modifications for sustaining physical and mental health.

Sсоlіоѕіѕ

Chіrорrасtіс аdjuѕtmеntѕ, соuрlеd wіth muѕсulаr rеhаbіlіtаtіоn, mау hеlр рrеvеnt thе progression of ѕсоlіоѕіѕ. Chіrорrасtіс adjustments аnd thеrаріеѕ help tо іmрrоvе fоrm and funсtіоn, аnd іnduсе mobility tо thе jоіntѕ. Thеѕе іmрrоvеmеntѕ саn dесrеаѕе раіn, increase comfort аnd іmрrоvе роѕturе. Chіrорrасtіс саrе саn hеlр stop оr dіmіnіѕh furthеr dеgеnеrаtіоn оf thе ѕріnе, whіlе helping іmрrоvе оvеrаll funсtіоn оf thе bоdу.

Sсіаtіса

Thе Eurореаn Sріnе Jоurnаl рublіѕhеd thе fіndіngѕ frоm a сlіnісаl trіаl lаѕt уеаr unсоvеrіng hоw сhіrорrасtіс adjustments resulted іn a 72% ѕuссеѕѕ rаtе іn treating sciatica аnd rеlаtеd ѕуmрtоmѕ соmраrеd tо thе 20% ѕuссеѕѕ frоm рhуѕісаl thеrару аnd 50% frоm соrtісоѕtеrоіd іnjесtіоnѕ. Cоmраrеd tо mоѕt mеdісаl trеаtmеntѕ, fеw іntеrvеntіоnѕ саn initiate bасk раіn relief and hеаlіng lіkе сhіrорrасtіс adjustments саn.

Back Pain and Neck Pain

Research has revealed that chiropractic care can benefit patients with back pain as much as such treatments as physical therapy and physician care. Chiropractics will help relieve back pain which allows the stimulation of healing. Chiropractors often work with medical professionals to ensure the patient is getting the required care. If you have a serious back injury, consulting with a physician is recommended before undergoing chiropractic care.

Chiropractics can help relieve neck pain from an injury. Chiropractors can perform neck alignments and there have been a very low rate of issues arising from the treatment. However, because there are a number of health risks when engaging in a neck alignment, it is important to consult with a Physician or Specialist before engaging in chiropractic treatment. Some experts say that the neck area should be avoided in chiropractics, especially if the injury is quite serious as after a car accident. There is a risk of a stroke, especially for those on blood thinners.

Like any other therapeutic treatment, when considering taking advantage of chiropractics, consult with your physician, a medical physician specializing in the spine, and even a chiropractic association. Make sure you ask the chiropractor many questions. He or she will explain the treatment process and will explain the benefits, and if there are any risks. When undergoing chiropractic treatment, always report any positive or negative reactions that you have during and after an adjustment. Always listen to a Chiropractor’s recommendations and advice so that your recovery process will be successful.

Chіrорrасtоrѕ рrіdе thеmѕеlvеѕ оn tаkіng a nаturаl, druglеѕѕ аррrоасh tо hеlріng thеіr patients reach their hеаlth goals. Eѕѕеntіаllу, thе bаѕіс рrіnсірlе uроn which the еntіrе рrоfеѕѕіоn is built uроn is thаt оur bоdіеѕ have the аmаzіng innate ability tо hеаl іtѕеlf (undеr thе right соndіtіоnѕ), and it іѕ the chiropractor’s jоb to help create an еnvіrоnmеnt to facilitate thіѕ.

Bесаuѕе thе nеrvоuѕ ѕуѕtеm controls еvеrу cell аnd оrgаn in уоur bоdу, Dr. Hohn focuses his аttеntіоn оn the health оf your spine being properly аlіgnеd аnd іf there аrе ѕhіftѕ, helping the spine come back into alignment. To get started with chiropractic, contact Pure Chiropractic today!

10 Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Research shows that nearly 80 percent of adults experience lower back pain at some point during their lives. At any given point in time, there are approximately 31 million Americans suffering from lower back pain. Further more, according to the American Chiropractic Association, lower back pain is the number one cause of disability across the world! Why does this matter? Because of all this means there are literally millions of people searching for ways to relieve their lower back pain.

a person with back pain

Facts and Figures on Lower Back Pain

  • Both men and women commonly suffer from lower back pain, but it is more prevalent in women
  • Americans spend at least $50 billion each year in order to diagnose and treat lower back pain
  • Overweight adults who do not exercise are the most susceptible to lower back issues
  • Approximately 2.4 million Americans are chronically disabled due to low back pain
  • Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work, and the second most common reason for doctors visits

Signs and Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Back pain is not a one size fits all condition. It impacts each person in a unique way. This makes sense because back pain is caused by many different factors! Signs and symptoms of lower back pain include, but are not limited to:

  • Muscle weakness in the lower back and thighs
  • Numbness in the lower back and thighs
  • Tenderness or shooting pain from the lower back to the thigh
  • Discomfort near the tailbone when sitting for extended periods of time
  • Pain when standing for long periods of time
  • Trouble sleeping due to pain
  • Stiffness or decreased range of motion in the lower back
  • Pain when exercising, walking, standing, moving, or performing basic tasks

Causes and Risk Factors for Lower Back Pain

Most cases of lower back pain can be sourced back to issues within the musculoskeletal system. Subluxations, weakness, and abnormalities within the spine, bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles can all cause lower back pain. Some of the most common causes of lower back pain are:

  • Arthritis
  • Joint irritation
  • Poor posture
  • Muscle strain or weakness
  • Overtraining
  • Pregnancy
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Poor sleep position
  • Sports injuries
  • Aging
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Obesity

10 Exercises for Lower Back Pain Relief

At Pure Chiropractic, Drs. Chris and Krystal Hohn firmly believe in the power of chiropractic to treat back pain. By identifying the source of your pain, and performing spinal manipulations and adjustments, Drs. Hohn can help provide lower back pain relief!

Between chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Chris and Dr. Krystal may recommend several exercises to help rebuild strength in the lower back muscles. Try out these exercises and let us know how they help!

1. Butterfly Pose. Tight thigh muscles can cause lower back pain. In order to relieve tension in these muscles, try out the butterfly pose! This will help you relax, stretch your glutes and thighs, and alleviate lower back pain.

2. Abdominal Crunches. A weak core can cause lower back pain. This is why strengthening your ab muscles is always a good idea. Strong abs make it easier to support your back. Click here for information regarding proper form and crunches.

3. Single Leg Lifts. Leg lifts are another great way to strengthen the lower ab muscles. Stronger abs mean your core can properly support itself. This helps get rid of lower back pain. Here are step by step directions for single leg lifts.

4. Wall Sits. Wall sits are a great way to target abs, thighs, and glutes all at the same time. They are also great because you can literally do them anywhere with a wall! Stand with your back about one foot away from the wall. Next, lean back until your back rests flat against the wall. Slide down until your knees create a 90 degree angle. Hold for 10 seconds and then slowly slide back up the wall. Repeat 10 times.

5. Oblique Crunches. Oblique crunches will strengthen the obliques in your core. Yet again, a stronger core will help reduce pain in the lower back. Here is great information on the proper way to perform oblique crunches.

6. Swimming. It’s summertime, which means the pools are open and ready for business. Luckily for those suffering from low back pain, swimming is a great way to help! It exercises your muscles, lungs, and heart. This zero impact activity is a great way to strengthen your body and back.

7. Lengthen Your Hamstrings. Tight hamstrings can cause lower back pain. Hamstrings often become tight from overuse, or sitting for extended periods of time. When they become tight, they create tension in the lower back. By simply stretching your hamstrings every day, you can reduce lower back pain. Give these stretches a try.

8. Bird Dog. Performing this exercise will help strengthen your core and glutes — two key players in relieving lower back pain!

9. Pilates Bridge. The Pilates bridge helps strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, and back muscles. Strengthening these areas will reduce lower back pain.

10. Stretch Your Glutes. The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in your buttocks. The top edge of your gluteus maximus attaches to the membrane that protects your lower back muscles, the lumbodorsal fascia. If your glutes are tight, they can lead to lower back pain. Try these stretches to loosen up!

Pure Chiropractic Can Help Treat Your Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can be miserable to deal with. Pure Chiropractic can help! Drs. Chris and Krystal Hohn are experts in treating back pain with chiropractic care. Chiropractic identifies the source of your pain and corrects it. Prescription and over the counter medications do not.

There is no need to accept lower back pain as part of your daily life. You can trust Pure Chiropractic. Contact our offices today at (810) 588-4036 or info@purechiropractor.com. We look forward to walking along your wellness journey with you and providing safe, natural, and effective pain relief.

Natural Ways to Relieve Lower Back Pain

Did you know that nearly 80% of adults have suffered from lower back pain at some point in their lives? Unfortunately, most doctors recommend over-the-counter pain medications or prescription pain medications to treat lower back pain. This solution only masks the pain, and doesn’t treat the pain at its source.

Back pain

There are various types of back pain, with a variety of causes and treatments. It is crucial to find out what is causing the pain so the right treatment plan can be put in place!

Low back pain can stem from any of the following areas:

  • bony lumbar spine
  • skin covering the lumbar area
  • discs between the vertebrae
  • ligaments around the spine and discs
  • internal organs within the pelvis and abdomen
  • muscles in the lower back
  • spinal cord and nerves

Lower Back Pain Causes 

Certain risk factors exist that can cause or increase one’s likelihood of experiencing lower back pain.

  • Sitting for extended periods of time
  • Doing heavy lifting or pulling while twisting the spine
  • Carrying a heavy purse or backpack each day
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic conditions such as spinal stenosis or fibromyalgia
  • Poor posture
  • Overdoing your exercises
  • Herniated discs

Lower Back Pain Prevention

Even though lower back pain is a prevalent issue in today’s society, there are certain steps we can take to prevent it!

  • Regular chiropractic care
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Using a wheeled briefcase or backpack
  • Exercise regularly
  • Life with your legs while keeping your back straight
  • Strengthen your core
  • Take breaks from sitting throughout the day
  • Warm up and stretch your muscles before exercising
  • Wear stable, comfortable shoes
  • Sit up straight
  • Raise your computer or electronic screen so you don’t have to hunch forward to see

Natural Ways to Treat Lower Back Pain

Treating lower back pain with over-the-counter and prescription medications can have damaging side effects on the body such as ulcers, addictions, intestinal issues, and more! Here are several natural remedies you can try to effectively treat lower back pain naturally

1. Chiropractic Care. A doctor of chiropractic will thoroughly examine your spine to identify any subluxations it may have. These subluxations, or vertebral misalignments, are often the source of lower back pain.

When spines are misaligned, bodies are unable to function as they should, and communication between the nerves and brain is thrown off.

Dr. Hohn will help identify and remove these subluxations in the spine through spinal manipulation. Next, Dr. Hohn will craft a treatment plan that will help keep back pain at bay.

Chiropractic care is one of the best, non-invasive, natural treatment options for permanent relief from lower back pain!

2. Exercise. Exercise releases endorphins within the body, and endorphins are natural pain relievers. They work by binding to the opioid receptors in your brain to block the perception of pain, much like OTC or prescription medications. The good news? Endorphins are 100% natural as they are made by your body, and their only side effect is putting you in a better mood!

By spurring the increase of endorphins through exercise, your pain levels can be drastically reduced. Obviously, choose gentle exercise that does not irritate your pain such as walking or yoga.

3. Essential Oils. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their analgesic effects. Some benefit from essential oils by simply using them for aromatherapy, while others incorporate them by applying the oils topically over the area in pain.

Oils such as peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and lavender oil are particularly known for their pain relieving effects.

4. Warm Baths. Soaking your body in warm water can help alleviate muscle pain and spasms, as well as several types of arthritis. Try soaking in a warm bath tub, hot tub, or even a warm pool!

Some people find added relief by adding Epsom salts or essential oils to their soak to improve muscle pain.

5. Heat Therapy. Applying heat to your lower back can help ease the pain. Try using a warm water bottle, a heating pad, or a hot bath for some relief!

Heat therapy helps in two ways:

  1. It increases the flow of healing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area
  2. It suppresses pain signals

6. Massage Therapy. A high quality, therapeutic massage increases blood flow and helps nourish and heal the soft tissues in your body. It also helps release endorphins!

7. Stretch. Your body is designed for movement, so stretching the soft tissues in and around the spine is a great way to reduce lower back pain.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, it may take several weeks or even months to reap the full benefits of stretching to loosen up your spine and soft tissues. Stay consistent!

8. Get outside. Just 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure each day can help the body produce vitamin D. Studies show that those who get the recommended daily amount of 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D experience less pain than those who don’t!

Other research shows that increasing vitamin D may help soothe pain.

9. Sleep. If you’re not getting enough sleep each night, you’re making it difficult for your body to heal! Restorative sleep is critical in pain management and healing. Focus on getting to bed at the same time each night and making sleep a priority.

10. Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day is essential for your overall health. Not only that, but staying well-hydrated helps reduce pain.

Hydration also helps the intervertebral discs in your spine stay healthy.

Drinking enough water helps reduce stiffness, helps your blood carry healing nutrients and oxygen, and helps flush toxins out of your muscles and other soft tissues.

Do Not Accept Lower Back Pain As Part Of Your Life

If you or someone you know is suffering from lower back pain, please give our office a call! Drs. Chris and Krystal Hohn will provide you with the best chiropractic care available and will help identify the source of your lower back pain!

Their knowledge and expertise in the chiropractic field has helped many people live happier, healthier, pain free lives. Call (810) 588-4036 or fill out this form via our online contact page to schedule your appointment today!

14 Exercises You Can Do With a Dish Towel

It’s hard to carve time out of your day to exercise, especially if you don’t live near a gym or lack the expensive equipment you need. But since most of us spend hours on our butts for work, socializing, or taking some well-earned “us”-time, getting up and getting those muscles moving is important.

 

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You can get a full workout within a few minutes, at home – and with only a dish towel. Include all these 14 exercise techniques and get more in-shape than you even would at a gym! What are these secret workouts?

  1. Arm Circles – towels under both arms

While lying flat on your stomach, place two towels underneath your hands. Extend them in front of you until your spine is stretched and your body forms a straight line. Then keep your arms extended and swing them down to your sides, as if making a snow angel while on your chest, lifting yourself up slightly as you do so. If you keep pressure on your hands, this will strengthen those hard-to-reach arm muscles.

  1. Leg Stretches – towels under both feet

Place two dishtowels underneath your feet. Assume the plank position, and then keep your spine as straight as you can to work the muscles of your core. While keeping this tense position, focus on bringing one knee up to press against your chest, as if you were about to rest on your thigh. Then slide your leg back into position and bring your other knee up to mimic the position, as if scrubbing the floor beneath you.

  1. Complete Crunches – towel stretched between both hands

Roll the towel into a tight rope and hold it between both hands. While lying flat on your back, keep your arms straight and swing yourself forward like in a crunch. Lean forward as far as you can so that you touch your feet, then while keeping the towel high above your head, repeat the motion to lie down. This focuses the strain on your arms and away from your back, so you can work out those aching muscles without injuring them.

  1. Wheelbarrow Exercise – towels under both feet

While planking with two towels beneath each feet, begin “walking” on your hands, much like when you played the game of “wheelbarrow” as a child. The towel will slide across the floor as you pull yourself forward, and by keeping your spine straight, this will work out both your abs and your arm muscles.

  1. Knee Curls – towels under both feet

Assume a plank position with two towels underneath your feet, your spine extended as straight as it can be. While clenching your lower ab muscles, draw both legs up underneath you like you’re hunched over, while keep your feet on tip-toe. So long as your knees come up directly underneath you, this will strengthen your core without requiring unnecessary effort from your back.

  1. Leg “V”s – towels under both feet

For those of your who like yoga, this is perfect. In a plank position with both feet on towels, slide your feet forward toward your hands while curling yourself inward. Be sure to keep both your arms and legs straight, so that you bend your body in a “V” shape. You should be almost able to touch your toes in this position, working your lower ab muscles.

  1. Arm “V”s – towels under both hands

Slide into a plank position with towels on both hands. With your feet anchored, slide the towels back towards your feet until your back arches up in a “V” shape. Be sure to keep your spine as straight as possible, and this effort will work the muscles of your upper abs, ridding you of those hard-to-reach flabs without putting a strain on your back.

  1. Pushing Leg Stretches – towel under both hands

Assume the plank position with a single towel extended under both hands. While keeping your spine straight and your ab muscles taut, bring your knee up to your chest and push yourself forward on the towel, as if trying to push a car. Bring your other knee up to follow through, going as fast as you can within your designated area. For smaller spaces and greater workouts, add something heavy such as books or weights to the towels for more resistance.

  1. Twisting Knees Stretches – towels under both feet

With two towels underneath both feet, place your arms underneath you and extend yourself for the plank pose. Then slide your knees up, as if to press them to your chest, but angle your hips to the side so that only one knee pressed to your chest while the other meets open air. This works the more difficult angles of your abs in a simple movement. If you don’t have a hardwood floor, this can also be done with plastic lids placed under the towel for carpet.

  1. One-Sided Push-Ups – towel under one hand

For beginners still struggling with pushups, this is a great way to get your workout without harming your spine. Put a towel under one hand and assume the position for a traditional push-up. Instead of sinking down on both arms, let the one with the towel slide out in front of you as you do it. Then switch arms and repeat.

  1. Side Push-up – towel under one hand

For a little more strain, place the towel under one hand and then take on the position for a push-up. Instead of going straight down, let your hand slide out to the side while you sink down on your un-padded arm. Do this for 10 repetitions and then begin again with your other arm for a full workout.

  1. Side Leg Stretch – towel under one foot

Place two towels beneath your feet and take on the position of a plank. While stretching your spine and fully extending your arms, swing your straight leg out to the side in a wide arch, as if you were doing a snow angel. Then while keeping your leg muscles taunt and your hips straight, swing it back in.

  1. Backward Lunge – towel under one foot

Stand straight with a towel under one foot, then put your hands on your hips and be sure to keep your spine straight. Slide your towel backwards as you sink down on your steady leg, until you’re nearly in a kneeling position. Hold that position for a moment and then rise up again. Do this 10 times per leg for a strong but low-impact lunge.

  1. Side Lunge – towel under one foot

Put your hands on your hips and a towel under one foot. While standing with your spine fulfilling its proper posture, slide the towel to the side, away from your body as far as it can go while you lean forward to accommodate. Then drag your leg back until you’re standing straight, and repeat.

 

Staying put for most of the day leaves you feeling tense, full of aches, and less resilient than you were before. You can put an end to that by grabbing up the nearest dish towel and putting a few or all of these techniques to work keeping you mobile and fit.

The Right Way To Wear A Backpack

Back to school time is right around the corner! With that in mind, we wanted to make sure our readers knew the safest way to wear a backpack this school year — Follow this easy backpack strategy to protect proper posture and avoid back, neck, and shoulder pain:

Red backpack standing isolated on white background

  • Pack it light.
    • Backpacks should not weigh more than 10-15% of your bodyweight at any given moment
  • Pack the heaviest items closest to your back.
    • This helps stabilize the items in the pack and evenly distribute weight.
  • Use all 3 straps.
    • Wear both shoulder straps approximately 2 inches below your shoulder blades so that the pack sits at waist level. Wear the waist belt if there is one. The backpack should fit snuggly on your back.

Symptoms of wearing too heavy of a backpack include:

  • Pain in the back, shoulders, neck, and hands
  • Strained or weakened muscles
  • Tingling in the arms
  • Pain in the arms
  • Poor posture

If you expect any issues throughout this school year with backpack strain, don’t hesitate to contact our office for an evaluation!

 

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