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Category: Back Pain

back pain wilmington nc
By admin_seuser October 9, 2020 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care, Uncategorized , , , , , , , ,

Top 5 Back Strengthening Exercises

Of all the musculoskeletal complaints for which people will go to a doctor, back pain in Wilmington NC is the most prevalent. The more sedentary we are (think about our desk jobs and all the hours we spend in front of a TV or computer screen), the weaker all of the structures that support our frame—muscles, tendons and ligaments—become. This in turn makes back injuries more likely. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. By strengthening your core, which includes not only your back, but your abdomen, buttocks and hips, you are more likely to prevent injury. By practicing a few of these back strengthening exercises on a regular basis, you can help keep your back pain-free.

1) Bird Dog – While on your hands and knees with your hands directly beneath your shoulders, stretch out your right arm and your left leg so they are parallel with the floor. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Keep your head aligned with your back by looking at the floor or just slightly ahead.

2) Bridge – Lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet close to your buttocks (your knees should be approximately above your ankles). Keep your arms on the floor close to your sides and, tightening your buttocks, slowly lift your hips off the floor until a straight line is formed between your knees and your neck. Hold for 30 seconds, return your hips slowly to the floor, rest for 30 seconds, and repeat twice.

3) Forward Plank – Lie on your stomach and raise up on your elbows with your forearms flat on the floor in front of you with your fingers interlaced (forming a sort of triangle between your hands and shoulders), and your elbows directly below your shoulders. Then tighten your abdominal muscles and raise up on your toes, bringing your hips off the floor, forming a straight line between your head and heels. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat twice.

4) Side Plank – Lie on your side with one foot resting on top of the other. With your elbow under your shoulder and your forearm in front of you, raise your hips off the floor until a straight line is formed between your head and feet. Be sure to keep your hips from falling to the front or back. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat twice.

Need to See a Back Pain Chiropractor for Your Low Back Pain? Call Southeastern Today!

Low back pain can be debilitating and it can have a direct impact on one’s quality of life. But, help is available. With the right chiropractic treatment plan, your lumbar pain could be substantially reduced or even eliminated. Call Southeastern today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

wilmington nc back pain
By goodbackcare August 28, 2020 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care, Uncategorized , , , , , , , ,

Chiropractic Treatments for Lower Back Pain

It’s not news that millions of Americans suffer from lower back pain. But, what many people may find surprising is that a significant number of these people may be able to achieve lasting relief without medicines or surgeries. For many, a few visits to a back pain chiropractor might be all that’s needed to reduce or eliminate their pain.

How a Misaligned Spine Can Cause Back Pain

Chiropractic treatments have been proven effective for helping people manage their back pain because many of these problems arise from spines that are out of alignment. When your spine is out of alignment, it causes certain muscles to work overtime in order to maintain your body’s balance and stability. In more severe cases, the spine might be so far out of alignment that it may be pinching nerves, resulting in even greater pain.

By aligning the spine, these muscles will gradually be re-educated to work as they’re intended and pressure on the nerves will be released. This will also allow more blood to flow into the area, bringing healing oxygen with it, while at the same time removing pain-causing toxins that might have built up in the area. This is the body’s natural self-healing process at work.

What is the Usual Course of Treatment for Low Back Pain?

The first step a chiropractor does is review the patient’s medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. Depending on the situation, diagnostic imaging or lab tests may be ordered to determine whether or not chiropractic care is the appropriate form of treatment or if there is a more serious health problem that’s causing the pain.

The back pain chiropractor will then devise a treatment plan that includes manual adjustments, massage, at-home exercise, electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapy, rehabilitation (if necessary), and in some cases, nutritional counseling.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Treatments for Back Pain

Chiropractic treatments have been proven to be a safe treatment option for those looking for holistic, drug-free low back pain relief. When applied properly, chiropractic manipulation can leave you feeling a little sore, but over time, the soreness will go away and you’ll start feeling less pain and more flexibility, mobility, and better in general.

It is important to note that treating low back pain typically involves a series of visits to the chiropractor in order for the pain to be alleviated for the long term. When the spine has been out of alignment for a period of time, this will become its new norm, so it needs to be re-adjusted on a regular basis until it is re-educated.

Who Should Not See a Chiropractor for Low Back Pain?

Even though manual manipulation is safe and effective, it is not ideal for every person suffering from low back pain. In particular, people who are suffering from osteoporosis, spinal cord compression, or inflammatory arthritis, or who are taking blood-thinning medications should not undergo chiropractic treatments.

Need to See a Back Pain Chiropractor for Back Pain in Wilmington NC? Call Southeastern Today!

Call Southeastern today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

 

By goodbackcare July 24, 2020 0 Comments Back Pain , , , , , , ,

Back or Neck Pain? Chiropractic Can Help!

back pain chiropractorPeople who suffer from long-term neck or back pain Wilmington NC are often frustrated by the lack of treatment options available from their traditional healthcare providers. All too often, conventional treatments range from ineffective medications to dangerous surgeries, both of which offer more risks than results. As a result, it’s no surprise that so many back and neck pain sufferers turn to alternative treatments like chiropractic care for relief.

Three Out of Four Back Pain Sufferers Turn to Alternative Therapies

In a recent study performed and published by Consumer Reports, 45,601 of the magazine’s subscribers responded to a questionnaire regarding alternative therapy. As it turned out, three out of four people responded as having used some type of alternative therapy to treat their health issues.

It was also estimated that during the time the survey was being conducted, more than 38 million Americans made over 300 million visits to chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and other alternative medicine and holistic practitioners.

One of the most important pieces of information gained by the Consumer Reports study results is that not all alternative therapy options deliver the same level of results when it came to treating the 12 common health problems listed in the study’s questionnaire. More specifically, when it came to back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis, chiropractic care and deep-tissue massage were rated very highly by the respondents. In fact, in the cases of back pain and neck pain, respondents noted significantly more relief through hands-on treatments like chiropractic and massage than through prescription medications. In addition, one in four study respondents felt that their chiropractor was more interested in them and their pain relief, and were more insightful than their medical doctors.

Chiropractic Care Outperforms All Other Back Pain Treatments

The Consumer Reports study results suggests that “Chiropractic outperformed all other back-pain treatments.” By comparison, prescription medication, deep-tissue massage, yoga, and Pilates all delivered similar results, but lacked the effectiveness produced by chiropractic care. Of the study’s respondents who had sought chiropractic care for their back pain, 65% reported that it helped reduce their pain “a lot.” It was also reported that more people suffering from back pain sought treatment from chiropractors than they did medical doctors, and more importantly, the majority of them felt that they benefited from their choice.

The results are similar among neck pain sufferers. Nearly 65% of the study’s respondents who tried chiropractic care for their pain reported that it helped their pain “a lot.” By comparison, prescription pain medications ranked fourth in the ratings with just a 49% satisfaction score.

The Impact of Chiropractic Care on Other Health Conditions

Another impressive fact taken from the Consumer Reports study was that chiropractic care scored high as an effective therapy option for a host of other health conditions besides neck and back pain. Chiropractic care was ranked third as a treatment for allergies, second for treating colds and flu, third for treating fibromyalgia, and third as a headache and migraine treatment.

The Results are In – Chiropractic Care for Back Pain Wilmington NC Can Help Alleviate Your Pain

If you have chronic neck and/or back pain Wilmington NC, chiropractic care can help. Call Southeastern Chiropractic today at (910) 239-3551. We are here for you. Discover for yourself the difference that safe and effective chiropractic care can make. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

By admin_seuser May 6, 2020 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care

Car Accidents and Delayed Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Even if your recent fender bender didn’t seem too serious, there’s still a very real chance that you or your passengers may have been hurt. That’s because even the most minor car accidents can cause hidden injuries and delayed symptoms. And while damage to your car is likely obvious and easy to assess, evaluating damage to your body may be far more difficult. In fact, it’s not unusual for a driver or passenger to walk away from a collision with potentially serious musculoskeletal injuries (such as a concussion or whiplash), without knowing it.

Because of the stress response, right after an accident the body’s defenses are on high alert. Any pain may be masked by endorphins produced by the body during and shortly after this kind of traumatic event. Endorphins help the body manage pain and stress and can create a temporary euphoria or “high” feeling. When the threat of the accident is gone, endorphin production slowly disappears, allowing you to feel pain that may have remained hidden earlier.

Whiplash

Perhaps the most common delayed symptom is that of whiplash. Whiplash consists of soft tissue damage in the neck from the sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head, creating hyperflexion and hyperextension of the neck. This can not only cause damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments of your neck, it can also occasionally fracture or dislocate vertebrae and cause any of the following symptoms to show up later:

  • Headaches
  • Reduced range of motion or difficulty moving
  • Slowed reflexes
  • Vertigo
  • Muscle spasms
  • Localized weakness or numbness
  • Stiffness in shoulders and arms

Other Common Injuries

Every bit as serious as any broken bones or lacerations, a concussion can prove to be a grave threat to your health. Quite simply, a concussion is the result of the brain colliding with the inside of the skull from a rapid acceleration or deceleration. Not all concussions occur because of bumping the head. If the head is restrained in any way and the restraint suddenly stops or suddenly jerks into motion, a concussion may occur. Symptoms of concussion include the following:

  • Headaches
  • Bad temper
  • Nausea
  • Spasms
  • Loss of balance
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Disorientation
  • Confusion
  • Amnesia
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Difficulty concentrating or reasoning
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Tiredness, sleeplessness, or other problems with your ability to sleep

When Did the Symptoms Begin?

The key point with any of these symptoms is to know whether or not you had them before the accident. Someone who knows you or lives with you can help identify any changes in your behavior that may indicate a possible concussion. If you didn’t have a symptom that you’re now experiencing, see your doctor right away.

What Will Insurance Cover?

In addition to the health consequences of car accidents with delayed symptoms, there is also the insurance aspect to consider. Because many accident-related injuries don’t show up immediately, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for the medical expenses from any delayed symptoms if you settle with your insurance company right away. Therefore, consider waiting a few days before signing any release of liability so that any delayed symptoms have an opportunity to reveal themselves.

Contact Southeastern Healthcare for Your Auto Accident Injury

Seeing a chiropractor for a medical evaluation as soon as possible after an accident is also a good idea, since he or she can help identify injuries and start treatment promptly. In many cases, seeking appropriate medical care soon after an accident can improve your chances of a more complete and more rapid recovery. If you have an auto accident injury Wilmington NC, contact Southeastern Healthcare today! Schedule an appointment for a free consultation to see how we can help solve your pain.

By admin_seuser April 8, 2020 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care , , , , , ,

What is “Radiating Pain” and How Can Chiropractic Help?

back pain chiropractorIf you have ever had a case of sciatica, in which pain seems to start in your lower back or hip and radiate down your leg to your foot, you have suffered an example of what is referred to as “radiating pain.” The medical term for pain the starts in one area and travels to another is radiculitis, and although it is not the most common form of nerve pain, it causes a lot of misery for those who suffer from it.

What is Radiating Pain?

True radiating pain is usually the result of a nerve or nerve root in the spinal cord being subject to pressure of some sort, whether through inflammation, injury or spinal subluxation. For example, a herniated disk may create radiating pain because it has bulged out of its normal place and may impinge on a nerve root extending from the spinal cord.

The nerves that run the length of the spinal cord from neck to tailbone and branch out to the left and right are called the radicular nerves. When these are injured or compressed they are more likely to radiate pain than the other types of nerves in our body. If there is a neck injury, for example, pain may radiate down the arm to the fingertips. The pain of something like tendonitis, however, is from pressure on the nerves in the elbow and forearm and does not generally radiate. Some people think they have radiating pain, but the pain is instead often just due to myofascial trigger points that cause a more diffuse pain that seems to radiate out from one area. This is caused by tense muscles and scar tissue that has built up trapping nerves in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Why Use a Chiropractor for Back Pain?

Chiropractors are expert at treating radiating pain. Your chiropractor will first take a thorough history, examine you, and may order diagnostic tests such as an x-ray or an MRI to determine if your problem may be due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or another condition that is not apparent from a physical examination.

A chiropractic adjustment can address any spinal misalignments that may be impinging on spinal nerves, taking the pressure off the nerve and reducing pain. In addition, many chiropractors utilize additional therapies that can free trapped nerves, such as the Active Release Technique (ART). A chiropractic ART therapist will be able to break up the fibrous adhesions and scar tissue that has built up in the soft tissue, freeing trapped nerves.

Contact Southeastern Healthcare for a Back Pain Chiropractor!

If you’re looking for a proven, non-invasive way for back pain relief, Southeastern’s team of experienced back pain chiropractors can help. We treat patients like you every single day. All it takes is one visit to discover for yourself the benefits of chiropractic care.

Stop living in pain; call Southeastern Healthcare today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced and caring Wilmington NC back pain chiropractor. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

back pain wilmington nc
By goodbackcare March 13, 2020 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care , , , , , , ,

Top Back Pain Myths

Millions of people suffer from back pain. In fact, so many people suffer from mild to chronic back pain that collectively they make up one of the largest patient populations in modern healthcare. But, the problem with back pain is that it is different for everybody. One person may be able to find relief after just a few treatments while another might take several years to get an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. As a result, there are several common myths surrounding back pain that can truly impact one’s mentality regarding their pain. Here are some of the most common myths about back pain and how Southeastern Healthcare can provide you with effective relief for your back pain Wilmington NC.

Myth: Back Pain Worsens With Age

Truth: All too often, younger people with back pain start worrying that they’ll be in a wheelchair by the time they retire because they are under the belief that back pain worsens with age. The truth is, in most cases, it doesn’t. Today, the largest population of back pain sufferers is aged between 30 and 50 years old. Once these patients are able to manage their pain and maintain their ability to move and function normally, their back pain will most likely subside over time.

Myth: Back Pain Eventually Leads to Paralysis

Truth: So many myths about back pain are driven by fear. Worrying that the pain will eventually lead to paralysis is one of the most common. The truth is that most back pain problems reside in the lower back (lumbar region) and no part of the spine resides here. The spinal cord actually ends in the lower part of the thoracic spine. So, even serious conditions like a substantial disc herniation in this area is very unlikely to result in paralysis.

Myth: My Back Pain Will Always Be There, I Just Have to Deal With It

Truth: Pain in the neck and back can be extremely hard to deal with on a day to day basis. It can impact everything you do and if it isn’t treated, it can get worse. Over time, it can even play a role in the development of other health problems. But, treatments are available for all degrees of back and neck pain and they can help alleviate your pain and help you return to a more comfortable way of life. Don’t convince yourself that you’re out of options; a chiropractor may be the solution you need to find the relief you’re looking for.

Myth: I Have to Be Careful How I Move or I Could Make My Problem Worse

Truth: A high number of people with back pain tend to think that overprotecting their back is the right thing to do to help avoid further injury, but the truth is this can do more harm than good. By avoiding stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning exercises, their backs will become more rigid and the muscles surrounding their injury will weaken and this will lead to increased pain. The more sedentary the lifestyle, the less strength and flexibility the back will have.

Find Relief From Back Pain  Wilmington NC with a Southeastern Healthcare Chiropractor

There are many, many reasons why you might be suffering from back pain. And, not all of them are serious. If you want to start on the journey to a pain-free lifestyle, then you should pay a visit to one of Southeastern Healthcare’s experienced chiropractors. We can perform a thorough evaluation of your neck and back and provide you with a treatment plan that works.

Don’t get tricked into believing the myths. Relief from back pain Wilmington NC is available. Call Southeastern Healthcare today to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

chiropractor wilmington nc
By goodbackcare December 15, 2019 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care, Uncategorized , , , , , , , ,

Seeing the Chiropractor in the Winter

Winter is a busy time for chiropractor Wilmington NC. Even though we don’t get a lot of snow in the area, there are still plenty of chances to be had for sustaining injuries during this season. From lifting heavy Christmas trees to slips and falls on slippery surfaces to ice skating accidents and more, the winter season offers plenty of potential for suffering neck and back pains. But, did you know that targeted chiropractic care can even help you manage some of the season’s other health risks, like colds, flus, general aches and pains, and even winter depression?

How Chiropractic Care Helps Prevent Colds and Flus

Winter is synonymous with the holidays, but it is also known as cold and flu season. But, contrary to common belief, the upswing in illnesses has nothing to do with the chillier temperatures or the wet weather outside. For the vast majority of cold and flu cases, the illnesses can be attributed to the patient’s nervous system and their body’s white blood cell production. Both of these can be seriously impacted when the spine is out of alignment.

By going to the chiropractor regularly in the winter, any subluxations that exist in the spine will be cleared, thus making the nervous system better capable of fighting off illnesses like colds and the flu. Studies have even shown that the body’s production of white blood cells can be boosted simply by receiving chiropractic adjustments and this alone will help you combat illnesses all throughout the year.

Have Winter Aches and Pains? Chiropractor Wilmington NC Treatments Can Help

The winter cold and dampness can cause those with arthritis and other joint issues to experience morning stiffness, aches, and all-day generalized pain. But, going to the chiropractor can help these patients find relief because chiropractic treatments allow blood and oxygen back into problem areas. This helps heal tissue, lubricate the joints, and improve overall mobility. And, the pain relief comes without using risky pain medications or undergoing any dangerous surgeries or procedures.

 Fight Winter Depression with Chiropractic Care

There’s a reason so many people suffer from what is known as the “winter blues.” The longer evenings and loneliness that comes with being inside more often leads to a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder. And, those with compromised nervous symptoms are especially at risk for this condition because they aren’t able to effectively deal with their feelings of solitude. But, by seeing a chiropractor for regular adjustments in the winter, your nervous system will be less restricted and better able to communicate with the brain, thus helping you to manage your emotions and deal with depression or depression-like symptoms during this time of year.

Southeastern’s Chiropractor Wilmington NC Can Help You Stay Healthy This Winter

This winter, keep your spine in alignment and enjoy better health and less pain. Routine chiropractic treatments can be your most important ally in your fight to avoid colds and flus this season, and you’ll finally be able to say goodbye to morning stiffness and pain.

Call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with our experienced and caring chiropractor Wilmington NC. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

By admin_seuser September 18, 2019 Back Pain, Chiropractic Care, Health , , , , , , , ,

What Is Nerve Entrapment and How Can It Be Treated?

Have you ever felt an uncomfortable tingling sensation in your arm after performing the same motion for an extended period of time? Maybe it was after spending a day typing at your computer or raking leaves. This sensation may be caused by nerve entrapment syndrome, a common condition that is sometimes referred to as either a “trapped nerve” or a “pinched nerve”. Nerve entrapment can be uncomfortable, but there are treatments that can relieve the pain and help get you back to feeling normal.

Your body is equipped with nerves that carry information back and forth between your brain and your limbs, organs, and other body parts. Nerve entrapment happens when a bone, muscle, ligament, tendon, or other tissue presses against one of these nerves. This compression is most likely to occur in response to consistent, repetitive movement. Poor posture, obesity, and previous injury to the affected area are also risk factors.

Symptoms of Nerve Entrapment

The most common symptom of nerve entrapment is discomfort and numbness. You may feel as though a part of your body has “fallen asleep,” or you may find that your grip has weakened. While you may still be able to function normally with these symptoms, you should seek medical attention if the discomfort does not go away on its own after a few days. Sustained compression may lead to chronic pain and permanent nerve damage. This makes for timely intervention crucial to a full recovery.

When you visit your doctor, he or she might use a number of tests to diagnose your condition. After asking you questions about your symptoms and conducting a physical examination, your doctor may order a nerve conduction study. This test uses electrodes to measure electrical impulses in your nerve signals. You might also undergo electromyography (EMG) to evaluate your muscle activity or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the root cause of your compression.

Treatment for Nerve Entrapment

Chiropractors in Wilmington NC are experts in diagnosing and treating problems related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. There are several types of treatment that have been used successfully to relieve nerve entrapment syndrome:

  • Manual therapies, including chiropractic and soft-tissue mobilization.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Depending on your specific situation, your chiropractic physician may teach you exercises that will help to stretch and strengthen the muscles around your nerve. He or she may also recommend specific ways to help reduce inflammation around the compressed nerve.

To the extent that nerve entrapment is fundamentally a structural or mechanical issue, the symptoms can often be relieved with rest. Your doctor might instruct you to discontinue the activities that resulted in compression. He or she might also encourage you to wear a splint or brace to keep the problematic area still. If so, don’t be surprised if you are advised to wear your brace overnight. Many people move around while they sleep in ways that can irritate the compressed nerve.

Contact Southeastern Healthcare for Back Pain or Neck Pain Relief in Wilmington NC

If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of nerve entrapment, we encourage you to call Southeastern Healthcare. Call 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

By admin_seuser September 16, 2019 Back Pain, Chiropractic Care , , , , ,

Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy: A Great Combination!

Chiropractic physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They are specially trained to identify and correct structural misalignment and imbalances in the back, neck and joints that can cause a variety of health problems. The techniques that chiropractors use to accomplish this are typically referred to as adjustments, manipulation or mobilization.

Combining Chiropractic and Massage

Depending on the situation, it may also be necessary or useful for patients to receive therapeutic massage—either before or after a chiropractic adjustment—as part of a well-designed treatment plan. This is because the body’s bones are surrounded by soft tissues—muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage—that can contribute to pain and loss of function and that can also make chiropractic adjustments more difficult and less effective under some circumstances. Massage therapy can often be helpful in accelerating the body’s healing processes and in relaxing tight muscles.

In the simplest terms, chiropractors work with bones and massage therapists work with soft tissues. But as treatment modalities, they are compatible and complementary. This combination of treatments often produces a more comfortable patient experience as well as superior results. Massage is often recommended as a preparation for a chiropractic adjustment because it relieves the muscle tension that may be pulling joints out of alignment and makes it easier to move them back into place. Massage is also relaxing, and a relaxed body is easier for the chiropractor to work with. In addition, as the chiropractor corrects the structural problems that are causing pain or limiting your mobility, massage can complement the healing process by stretching and relaxing muscles that have been aggravated by these structural problems, making it easier for you to stretch and exercise, and thus more quickly achieve a state of normal well-being.

Chiropractors Working With Massage Therapists

Many chiropractors work hand-in-hand with massage therapists because their treatment modalities are so complementary. Patients who are working with massage therapists to address soft tissue problems but find that their symptoms persist are frequently referred to chiropractic physicians for further diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, chiropractic patients usually find that their treatment proceeds faster and with less discomfort when the soft tissue has been relaxed with massage. Recovery—especially from musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain and limit mobility—is normally faster and more complete when the underlying causes are addressed holistically, with the chiropractor working to resolve the structural problems and the massage therapist working to resolve the soft tissue problems. Chiropractors and massage therapists who work together collaborate to find the proper combination of chiropractic adjustments and massage to achieve your health and wellness goals as quickly as possible.

Chiropractic and massage therapy are holistic treatment modalities that share a common goal of treating the whole body, helping you to achieve a state of optimal health and well-being without resorting to drugs or surgery. Both focus on trying to resolve the underlying cause of your pain or discomfort rather than simply treating isolated symptoms. Used together, they can be a powerful combination!

Contact Southeastern Healthcare Today if You’re Experiencing Back Pain or Neck Pain!

If you or someone you care about is suffering from musculoskeletal problems, we encourage you to call or visit our office today. We’re always happy to discuss our overall approach as well as the treatment options we provide. Call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.

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By admin_seuser August 26, 2019 0 Comments Back Pain, Chiropractic Care , , , , , ,

Can Poor Posture Really Cause Back and Neck Pain?

In a word, yes!

Unless your back or neck pain has been caused by some type of over-exertion or acute trauma, it’s actually very likely that poor posture is at least a contributing factor. The alignment of the spine—from the neck through the lower back and hips—is critical to the body’s ability to support its own weight and move efficiently, so posture problems (which are often chronic) can gradually lead to pain and reduced mobility.

When it comes to pain in your back or neck, the relationship between poor posture and injury can also be a complicated one. On the one hand, having poor posture makes it more likely that you will suffer an injury. On the other hand, suffering an injury can also affect your posture. Mary Ann Wilmarth, DPT, spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association explains, “Little things add up. You can increase the pressure on your back by 50% simply by leaning over the sink incorrectly to brush your teeth. Keeping the right amount of curvature in the back takes pressure off the nerves and will reduce back pain.”

How posture problems contribute to neck pain

One of the most common posture problems is a “forward head and shoulder posture”. This occurs when someone “hunches over” and places their head in front of their neck. The weight of the head towards the front stresses the lower neck vertebrae, and leads to overworking of the upper back muscles to compensate for the pull of gravity on the head. Many people with this posture problem also have a rounded upper back and rounded shoulders, which can lead to further stress and shoulder pain. Often, poor desk and chair ergonomics contribute to these problems, but even slouching on the couch or at a table with your mobile phone can lead to hunching over.

How posture problems contribute to back pain

The “forward head” posture described above causes stress on the lower cervical vertebrae, which may end up sliding forward relative to each other as a result of gravity. This is a particular problem for people who have jobs requiring them to look forward or downwards all day. Eventually, the prolonged pressure on the cervical vertebrae will irritate the ligaments and soft tissues, radiating downwards to the upper back. This process can lead to disc degeneration, cervical osteoarthritis and herniated discs.

Tips for improving poor posture and relieving back and neck pain

Poor posture is typically the result of habits that have been developed over long periods of time performing the same activities over and over again. Here are just a few of the most common culprits:

  • Staring at computer monitors or mobile devices that are badly positioned.
  • Sitting in poorly designed office chairs.
  • Sleeping on mattresses that don’t provide the necessary support.
  • Carrying heavy backpacks or purses.

But how do you know which activities are contributing to your poor posture and causing you pain? The clues are usually fairly easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. For instance, the pain in your neck or back may be worse at some times during the day than at others, or it may come and go with changes in your body position. If you experience fatigue or pain when you first wake up in the morning or after you’ve been sitting at your desk for a couple of hours, it might be time for a new mattress or new office furniture.

The good news is that once you become aware of the activities that are contributing to your posture problems and pain, most can be fixed relatively easily, with no need for either medication or surgery. Learn to recognize when you’re hunching over your computer, slouching in your chair or craning your neck to look at your mobile phone. Then sit up straight, aligning your hips, shoulders and ears in one vertical line.

Sometimes, however, the solution is not so simple—especially when poor posture has caused structural changes in the spine and neck. In these cases, a chiropractor can help by designing posture correction and spinal rehabilitation programs to restore the spine’s normal curvature. These programs will usually involve a combination of mechanical techniques that actively remodel the spine (including the use of braces and molding blocks), exercises and stretches that strengthen postural muscles and restore range of motion, and lifestyle changes to address the root causes.

As experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, chiropractic physicians are specially trained to recognize and correct postural problems. If you’re suffering from neck or back pain and suspect that your posture may be at least partially to blame, call Southeastern Healthcare today at 910-790-3666 to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors. We are here for you. With six locations throughout the Wilmington area, we have an office conveniently close to you.