Back Pain Relief at Russell Chiropractic Hand & Foot Clinic

Back pain affects your daily life, limiting your movement, enjoyment, and overall well-being. However, finding relief doesn't have to be a frustrating or agonizing journey. At Russell Chiropractic Hand & Foot Clinic in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, we aim to help you eliminate back pain. Our goal is for you to experience a pain-free and active life.

Understanding Back Pain: The Lumbar Spine in Focus

Our lower back is important for supporting our body, allowing movement, and protecting vital organs. However, this vital structure is also susceptible to injuries and misalignments, leading to back pain.

Common causes of back pain include:

• Muscle strain or tear: Overexertion, lifting heavy objects, or poor posture can strain or tear muscles and ligaments in the lower back. Our hardworking lower back muscles aren't invincible.

These activities put excessive strain on the muscles, leading to potential injuries. Imagine these muscles and ligaments like tiny ropes supporting your spine.

When pushed too hard, they can stretch too far, causing micro-tears or even bigger rips. This ouch-worthy situation leads to inflammation, pain, and difficulty moving comfortably. So, listen to your body! Listen to those aches and twinges as they whisper warnings before turning into a full-blown back pain episode.

To keep your back muscles healthy, remember to lift properly, have good posture, and take breaks from strenuous activities.

• Disc herniation: The discs between vertebrae act as cushions, and when they bulge or rupture, they can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.

Imagine your spine as a stack of sturdy blocks, cushioned by soft, jelly-filled discs between them. These vital discs act as shock absorbers, preventing our bones from grinding against each other. But sometimes, due to age, wear and tear, or sudden strain, these discs can bulge or even rupture.

A disc herniation occurs when the cushioning jelly oozes out and presses on the nearby nerves. Imagine it as pinching a garden hose – it restricts the flow, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in the areas supplied by those nerves. Back pain is common and can cause tingling and radiating pain down the leg, known as sciatica.

While disc herniation can sound scary, remember, it's treatable! Chiropractic care, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help you find relief and enjoy life without pain.

• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal due to bone spurs or disc bulges can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, and tingling.

Imagine the spinal canal as a narrow tunnel protecting your delicate spinal cord and nerves. Now, picture this tunnel slowly shrinking due to bone spurs or bulging discs. This is spinal stenosis, a condition where the space for your spinal cord and nerves gets cramped. Think of it like rush hour traffic in a tiny tunnel – things get congested, and pressure builds.

Unfortunately, this pressure causes pain, numbness, and tingling sensations, often radiating down your legs. While it might sound concerning, remember, spinal stenosis is manageable! Chiropractic, exercises, and small procedures can help relieve discomfort by clearing up congestion.

With the right approach, you can navigate your way back to a pain-free and active life. While understanding the cause of your back pain is important, the focus should be on finding effective solutions. This is where Russell Chiropractic Hand & Foot Clinic comes in.

Modern Chiropractic Care: Finding Relief Through Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to relieve back pain without using strong drugs or invasive methods. We use spinal adjustments to align the spine and fix misalignments without surgery or invasive methods.

There are two main types of adjustments:

• Spinal manipulation: This involves applying a quick, controlled thrust to a specific joint to restore its proper position. You may hear a "popping" sound because gas bubbles are releasing from the joint capsule.

• Spinal mobilization: This gentler technique uses slower, repetitive movements to gradually increase the range of motion in a joint. Patients with more sensitive joints or acute pain often prefer it.

Our skilled chiropractors at Russell Chiropractic will assess your unique situation and tailor the best adjustment method for you. We focus on creating a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your back pain, not just the symptoms.

Beyond Adjustments: Comprehensive Back Pain Solutions

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we offer a range of complementary therapies to enhance your back pain relief:

• Therapeutic exercises: Specific stretches and strengthening exercises can help improve flexibility, build muscle strength, and support your spine.

• Physical therapy: A therapist can create a personalized program to help you heal faster and meet your specific needs.

• Massage therapy: Massage can help loosen tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

• Cold and heat therapy: Applying ice packs or heating pads can reduce inflammation and promote healing.

• Ultrasound therapy: This deep tissue heating technique can provide pain relief and improve blood flow.

Lower Back Stretches and Exercises for Pain Relief

Remember, self-care plays a crucial role in managing back pain. Regular stretching and exercises at home can help you. They can also help you play an active part in your recovery. This is in addition to professional chiropractic care.

Here are a few more examples to add to your repertoire.

Lower Back Stretches:

• Hamstring stretch

Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you. Lean forward slowly, reaching towards your toes without rounding your back. Hold for 20-30 seconds, feeling the stretch in the back of your thighs and extending down to your lower back. Repeat 2-3 times.

• Figure-four stretch

Lie on your back and bring one knee towards your chest, hugging it with your hands. Cross the ankle of that leg over the opposite thigh, just above the knee.

Gently pull the crossed leg towards you, feeling the stretch in your glutes and lower back. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Perform 2-3 sets on each side.

• Bird-dog stretch

Start on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees aligned with your hips. Extend one arm forward and the opposite leg straight back, keeping your back flat and core engaged. Hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat on the other side. Perform 2-3 sets on each side.

• Upper Back Stretches

• Chest opener

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and arms raised overhead. Clasp your hands together and gently push your palms upwards, feeling the stretch across your chest and shoulders. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.

• Neck stretches

Gently tilt your head towards one shoulder, bringing your ear closer to it. Use your hand on the opposite side of your head to provide mild pressure, without forcing the stretch. Hold for 15-20 seconds and repeat on the other side. Perform 2-3 sets on each side.

• Arm circles

Roll your shoulders forward 5-10 times, then backward 5-10 times. This helps loosen up tight muscles in your upper back and shoulder blades.

Before starting new exercises, consult your chiropractor to make sure they are safe and suitable for your condition.

Chronic Back Pain: Finding Hope and Solutions

Living with chronic back pain can be incredibly challenging. We understand your pain and want to assist you in feeling better and improving your quality of life.