Back Pain Treatment in Fort Myers
As you probably already know, back pain is a very common complaint.
About three in four adults will experience back pain during their lifetime—and that number may very well rise, given our aging population and the recent trend of obesity.
Among people seeking back pain relief alternatives, most choose chiropractic treatment. About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually. Of these, 7.7 million, or 35%, are seeking relief from back pain from various causes, including auto accidents, sports injuries, and muscle strains.
The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of injury in addition to back pain relief. Chiropractic care is a back pain treatment alternative that aids in relieving its symptoms at their source.
If you’ve been suffering from back pain, Fort Myers Chiropractors, Kaster Chiropractic and Associates can offer relief.
Types Of Back Pain
There are different types of back pain which may be categorized in two ways:
Sciatica (Radicular Pain)
Sciatica pain (also known as radicular pain) is caused by compression, irritation or inflammation to a spinal nerve root. It is often described as deep and radiating through the extremity (arm or leg). The pain experienced in the extremity is often worse than the pain in the back. Presence of numbness, tingling or weakness may be observed. Radicular pain is also known as Sciatica.
Acute pain
Acute pain is defined as pain lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Its cause is usually mechanical in nature (a disruption in the way the back’s components move). Acute back pain usually resolves on its own.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain on the other hand, is defined as pain that lasts for 12 weeks or longer. Pain continues to be experienced even if the underlying cause of acute pain is treated.
Non-Specific Back Pain
Nonspecific back pain is the most common type of back pain. It is called nonspecific because the cause of pain is usually not clear. The severity of pain may vary from mild to severe.
Referred Pain
Referred pain tends to move around and vary in intensity. It is characterized as dull and achy and may radiate from the lower back to the upper thigh. Degenerative disc disease is an example that may cause referred pain to the hips and posterior thighs.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain in Fort Myers, FL
Chiropractic Physicians utilize hands-on manipulation and other treatment alternatives to restore mobility to structures restricted by injury brought about by trauma or repetitive stress. The idea of chiropractic is that the correct alignment of the body, particularly the spine, enables the body to heal without surgery or medication.
When treating back pain, Kaster Chiropractic and Associates may also use supplemental therapies. These include:
- regenerative medicine
- massage therapy
- cryotherapy (cold therapy)
- Interferential Electrotherapy (E-Stim)
- Intersegmental Traction
- Laser Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Spinal Decompression Therapy
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Ultrasound
Why should you choose Chiropractic for Back Pain?
Chiropractic care is gaining popularity worldwide due to its treatment advantages. More and more people are seeking chiropractic care for back pain.
Studies reveal that chiropractors showed greater improvement and satisfaction compared to patients treated by physicians. A higher proportion of chiropractic patients (56% vs. 13%) reported that their back pain was better or much better.
Another study observed that there were reduced odds for having surgery for those whose first provider was a chiropractor.
There are also other factors that may increase your chance of acquiring this disorder such as:
- Age – as we grow old our immune system deteriorates leading to osteoarthritis
- Gender – women in general are more prone to joint problems like osteoarthritis than men
- Injuries – individuals who are engaged in physical sports are more susceptible to wear and tear of the joints
- Occupation – any job that requires repetitive joint movement could stress the joints
- Obesity– Individuals who are overweight are most likely to develop joint dysfunction because any excess in weight adds pressure to the lumbar spine, hips, and knees
- Joint Irritants – These include allergies, a high-fat diet, leaky gut. Read more about joint irritants
Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain may develop gradually or may appear suddenly. Symptoms may also vary from the underlying cause of pain. Here’s the list of symptoms to watch for:
- There is aching or stiffness anywhere along the spine
- Sharp, localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back (usually felt after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity)
- Chronic ache in the middle or lower back (experienced after sitting or standing for long periods)
- Back pain that radiates from the low back to the buttock, down to the back of the thigh up to the toes
- Inability to stand straight without having pain or muscle spasms in the lower back
- Limited flexibility of the back
Causes of Back Pain
The causes of back pain can be complex. Some causes of back pain include accidents, herniated discs, degeneration, lifting injuries, muscle strains, and sports injuries.
Incorrect body mechanics during lifting, twisting, or ballistic movements can cause muscles, joint capsules, discs, and ligaments to develop microscopic tears, which result in back pain. There are also causes of back pain that are not related to trauma like poor posture, excessive weight, lack of exercise, limited flexibility, and poor workstation setup.
Prevention of Back Pain
Keeping your back strong and flexible is the best way to avoid getting back pain. Cases of recurring back pain are often preventable by avoiding movements that strain the back. Regular exercise, maintaining good posture, and lifting correctly will all help. We need to stretch and strengthen our core muscles to stabilize our trunk.
Treatments of Back Pain
A. Conservative Treatment
Rest
Allows the injured structure time to heal. In return, it will help relieve back pain.
Ice/Heat
Application of ice compresses with a material / thin towel to buffer against the skin for 20 minutes on, and 40 minutes off will aid in decreasing inflammation. With acute injuries, heat will bring on more inflammation and result in increased pain later on. Avoid heat. Heat may feel good when applied, but you end up paying for it later with increased pain and inflammation.
Excercise
Strengthening and stretching exercises are some of the prescribed managements for the treatment of back pain. The top goals of these exercises are to stabilize the trunk (mostly the abdominals) and increase the flexibility of the spine.
Chiropractic/Spinal Manipulation
A common therapeutic treatment that applies manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns. It decreases pain and inflammation that results to improved spinal function.
Massage Therapy
This type of treatment improves blood circulation and promotes relaxation to the muscles. Massage also increases endorphin levels that will make you feel good.
B. Medical Treatments
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine has emerged as a promising treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. Cell therapy, a key component of regenerative medicine, holds immense potential in this area. By injecting cells directly into the affected area of the spine, these cells can help regenerate damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Cells have the ability to transform into various types of cells, including those that make up the spinal discs, ligaments, and muscles, providing a natural and efficient way to repair and restore function. Additionally, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, another regenerative medicine technique, can be used to alleviate back pain by stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. Regenerative Medicine offers lasting relief from their pain & discomfort.
Medications
NSAIDs are one of the most used OTC and are most commonly prescribed medications to decrease the symptoms of back pain. These medications usually target inflammation while others inhibit the transmission of pain signals to reach the brain. However, don’t become dependent on these medications as they do have side effects such as: leaky gut syndrome, difficulty omega 3 essential fatty acids, nausea, vomiting, addiction, and can impair kidney function long term
Epidural Steroid Injections
A method that delivers steroids directly into the painful spot. As we all know, steroids help reduce the signs of inflammation, and thus, provide pain relief and improved physical function. Steroids are usually short lived-meaning if the patient receives relief it is short term up to 3 months and the patient’s original pain and symptoms return. Other side effects: osteonecrosis (death of bone), further degeneration of the joint injected, cataracts, nerve damage, bleeding, weight gain, and sometimes a Dural puncture can occur which results in a severe headache for several days.
Surgery
This method would be the last resort should all conservative managements fail. It is primarily the patient’s decision if he/she are willing to undergo surgery. The type of surgery will depend on the type of back pain and its causes. But, you have to keep in mind that not all surgeries are successful and complications are inevitable. Some still experience back pain after surgery.
Fort Myers Chiropractor for Back Pain Relief
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for back pain. The theory behind the success of chiropractic is that realigning the spine results in the restoration of natural nerve functions throughout the body. Recent studies have shown that chiropractic patients have a faster recovery time compared to other treatment alternatives.
Here at West Coast Integrative Wellness Center, we are here ready to help with your back pain. Dr. Jason B. Kaster is an experienced Chiropractic Physician who serves Fort Myers, Florida and the surrounding Lee County communities.