The problem with back pain

It’s no secret that low back pain is a prevalent problem. With a reported 60-80% of the U.S. population suffering each year. Low back pain is the second most common reason patients visit a medical doctor, and the number one reason they visit a Chiropractor. One study stated that the “lifetime prevalence of back pain has been reported as 54 to 80 percent. With as many as 60 percent of patients continuing to have chronic pain for more than five years following the initial episode.” 

Getting to the root of the problem

Could a misalignment in your feet be causing back pain? Absolutely.

If leg or foot asymmetries or misalignments exist, abnormal forces transmitted along the closed kinetic/kinematic chain can interfere with spinal function. Orthotics provide support to the lumbar spine and pelvis. Helping to balance the lower extremities during standing, walking, and running, and better function of the spine. 

Most chronic low back pain is the result of some form of structural weakness or failure. Recognizing and treating the source of these conditions is crucial in preventing further breakdown. 

The foundation of the body

The feet are the foundation of the body. Statistical evidence shows that at birth, most of us have perfect feet. By age 20, 80% of those “perfect feet” have developed some type of problem, and by age 40, nearly everyone has a foot condition. Many of these conditions eventually contribute to health concerns farther up the kinetic chain especially the generalized condition of “back pain.” Which is why being able to spot a potential low back problem before it can affect a patient’s health and lifestyle is in the best interest of our patients.

A significant factor frequently overlooked by practitioners in reducing excessive forces on the lumbar spine is gait analysis and the use of orthotics. Using external supports (orthotics, heel lifts) to decrease external forces. Commonly seen conditions in the lower extremity can have a major impact on lumbar spine function. In each of these situations, orthotic supports are not only appropriate, they will contribute significantly to a more cost-effective treatment outcome.

Perpetuating pain

When excessive pronation and/or arch collapse of the foot is present, a torque force produces internal rotation stresses to the leg, hip, pelvis and low back. The result is recurring subluxations and eventual ligament instability affecting the sacroiliac and lumbar spine joints. Flexible, custom-made orthotics can significantly decrease these stressers, as well as reduce low back pain. 

In patients with degenerative changes in the lumbar discs and facets, the external force of heel strike may aggravate and perpetuate low back pain and is easily reduced with the use of shock-absorbing shoe inserts or orthotics which contain viscoelastic compounds. The reduction in symptoms is often dramatic.

Chronic pain relief

An anatomical difference in leg length produces abnormal structural strains on the pelvis and low back. These strains can cause not only chronic pain, but also have been shown to result in specific degenerative changes. The use of lifts and orthotics has been shown to reduce these structural strains and bring about significant response. 

1. Do you stand or walk on hard surfaces for more than 4 hours daily?
2. Do you participate regularly in any physical sport (basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, etc.)?
3. Are you age 40 or over?
4. Have you ever had a prior injury to your knee, back or neck?
5. Do your shoes wear unevenly?
6. Do you have joint pain while standing, walking or running?
7. Is one of your legs shorter than the other?
8. Do you have knock-knees or bow legs?
9. Are you experiencing any obvious foot problems (bunions, corns, flat feet, etc.)?
10. Do your feet “toe out” when you’re walking?

If you answered yes to any of the above, consider yourself a likely candidate for flexible, custom-made orthotics.  See the front desk for a Free Gait/Foot Analysis Today!  

Want Share Chiropractic With Someone?  Ask The Front Desk About A Complimentary Exam For Referrals.

Discovering the “Magic Tape”

I’ve had lots of questions about the “magic tape” that my patients have seen on Olympians, local high school athletes, their neighbor’s back and Grandma’s knees. I, too, was critical when introduced to this kinesiology tape. I thought it was a fashion statement for athletes in crazy colors and designs like a temporary tribal tattoo. Once I learned the potential benefits of this tape, I decided to train in using it and to use the tape in case studies.

Rocktape

I typically use a type of kinesiology tape called Rocktape, which I like because it seems to stick very well even for swimmers and those with oily skin. I love having the kinesiology tape as a tool to use to help patients heal. The Rocktape.com website states that the tape “reduces muscle fatigue” and “promotes blood flow for faster recovery.” The tape is used to help with proper biomechanical motion and can stimulate or inhibit muscles that are imbalanced. When applied correctly, kinesiology tape acts as “compression or decompression and relieve pain and swelling.”

Research and Testing

After researching it and using it on my patients, I found it to be very beneficial. It turns out that not only was I seeing results, people were coming back and asking for more of the “magic tape.” Patients with knee pain exacerbated during long walks due to instability were now able to walk the whole mall with little to no pain. The tape also helped with lymph drainage as I saw when the bruises from a sprained ankle I taped diminished compared to the areas where I had not applied the tape. Pregnant women with unstable low back joints were raving about the tape. I couldn’t deny that patients were seeing results and improving in their activities of daily living faster with a combination of adjustments and tape.

Benefits and Treatment

• Who can benefit from tape?  Everyone will benefit from taping. If it hurts, tape it. If it’s a new sprain or chronic injury, tape it. The tape is latex-free and the adhesive is hypoallergenic. Most people can wear the tape with no problem.
• What conditions can be treated?
  • Lower back pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Postural imbalances
  • Ankle and wrist sprains
  • IT band tendonitis
  • Patellar (knee cap) tracking
  • Upper back posture
  • Tennis elbow
  • Uncomfortable pregnancy tummies.
  • Many more
• How long does the tape last? The tape holds for three to five days depending on the patient’s skin. You’re able to shower, swim and resume activities as normal with the tape in place. It doesn’t restrict movement, so most people forget they’re wearing it.
• Where should I get taped? Right here in our clinic!  Dr Ashlin has had specialized training in taping.  It’s not just Chiropractors that are trained and using taping many other health care professionals, such as physical therapists, physical trainers or sports therapists may also be trained in the application of kinesiology tape.

Chiropractic aids in asthma relief

Allergens aren’t the only culprit of asthma attacks. Stress factors such as moving to a new home, or changing jobs may induce or aggravate attacks. Even emotional expressions such as fear, anger, frustration, hard crying, or laughing can cause an attack.

Alternative treatments should be incorporated into the treatment program to reduce the patient’s stress level. These treatments improve the patient’s quality of life. Various relaxation techniques include: biofeedback, meditation, yoga, stress management, massage, chiropractic manipulation, breathing exercises, and acupuncture can be helpful.

Asthma is one of the leading causes of chronic and acute illnesses in children.

Chemical allergens such as pollen, animals, dust, exposure to cold and other stress factors can trigger an attack. Onset usually appears in the first five years of life. This was verified in a study conducted by the Michigan Chiropractic Council (MCC). A panel of doctors who tested the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of chiropractic care on children with asthma.

The study, conducted between May and June of 2006, examined the effectiveness of chiropractic in correcting the cause of asthma in patients from birth to age 17. Prior to the study participants were experiencing more than four attacks per day. After 30 days of chiropractic health care, patients averaged only one attack, with use of medications decreasing nearly 70 percent.

The study involved more than 70 chiropractors from 62 cities in Michigan, and 80 children suffering from asthma. Chiropractic wellness helps asthmatics by correcting the subluxation that correlates to the nerve supply needed for lung function. Change someone’s life, one breath at a time.

Suffering from asthma? Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors and get relief today!