Pain in the lower back (lumbar spine)

Pain in the lower back is the most common complaint for which patients seek chiropractic care. Symptoms can vary from patient to patient, ranging from, chronic, persistent discomfort or tense muscles, to acute pain that completely impairs normal functioning (including being stuck in bed and unable to move). The lower back is often injured from heavy lifting, sports mishaps, falls and accidents.

Lower back pain is most often associated with a mechanical malfunction in the lumbar vertebrae, muscle tension or a problem in the intervertebral discs.

Chiropractors are well-trained to address lower back problems and locate the source of the pain. They can assess the issue at its core and treat the underlying joint dysfunction, frequently providing relief to patients suffering from both acute and chronic lower back pain.

Back pain associated with pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, the mother’s body changes and adapts to allow the baby to grow. These changes are essential to keep the mother’s body in balance as the pregnancy progresses. The increase in the curvature of the lumbar spine and pelvis, as well as a gradual shift of the center of gravity towards the front of the body, put additional strain on the back muscles.

During pregnancy, the body secretes a hormone called relaxin. This hormone softens and stretches all the ligaments of the body, such as those that hold the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis, allowing the body to gradually adapt throughout pregnancy and assist delivery. Consequently, the mother is prone to experiencing back pain associated with these dramatic changes.

The chiropractor is trained to modify and adapt treatment to ensure the mother’s comfort. Chiropractic evaluation and care during pregnancy can help alleviate back pain, contributing to a more comfortable gestation period.

Sacroiliac irritation

The sacroiliac joints are located between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine), and the two iliac bones on each side of the pelvis. Patients suffering with sacroiliac joint problems can experience pain in the lower back and pelvic area, often felt more on one side than the other. It is often caused by a bad fall on the pelvis or from lifting injuries.

The pain can be localized, or radiate to the buttock and the hip. A common symptom associated with sacroiliac joint problems is a significant increase in pain when shifting positions—either from sitting to standing, or from lying down to standing. Simply putting on a pair of pants from a standing position, or rolling over in bed, can be next-to-impossible when someone is suffering from sacroiliac joint pain.

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and mobility to the injured sacroiliac joint. It can be very effective in relieving this painful and debilitating condition, which is so often misdiagnosed.

Muscular tension

Muscle tension can occur in any part of the body, but is most common in the neck, shoulders and lower back. A chiropractic examination can often identify the cause of pain associated with muscle tension. Keep in mind that muscles are attached to bones, and therefore, proper bone and joint alignment are essential to reducing muscle tension. Muscles tend to contract around a weakness in the spinal column to provide support. Hence, recurring muscle tension can be a sign of mechanical problems in the vertebral column.

Improving our posture at work, at school, or when sitting in front of a computer, as well paying attention to how we position our bodies when going to bed can also help to prevent muscle tension.

Chiropractors are trained to locate and treat underlying joint problems that are frequently associated with chronic muscle tension. Chiropractic care can provide lasting relief for patients who may have only found temporary relief with other remedies.

Pain in the mid-back (thoraco-lumbar spine)

This section of the spine is often injured following a bad fall during which the ribs or the mid-back hit the ground first, or from lifting heavy objects with the torso twisted. Thoraco-lumbar pain frequently manifests as a stabbing sensation, tension in the mid-back, or pain on either side of the spine in the area of the ribcage. It can also be associated with pain in the lower back, hip and groin region, or on the side of the pelvis.

Chiropractic care can provide relief by adjusting dysfunctional joints and reducing muscle tension frequently associated with this condition.

Neck pain (torticollis or stiff neck)

Neck pain can occur immediately following an accident or fall, or it can start years later and have a more gradual onset. In cases of acute Torticollis, patients can wake up with excruciating neck pain and stiffness. Whiplash, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, concussions and bad falls (such as on ice or stairs) are all common causes of neck pain. It can also be due to poor posture, bad habits at work, prolonged studying, awkward sleeping positions, repetitive movements, or spending long hours in front of a computer or screen technology. Arthritis is another source of neck pain.

These different factors frequently result in joint dysfunction in the cervical vertebrae, and/or tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back.

Neck pain is frequently associated with tension and stiffness; pain in the shoulders, arms or hands; and occasionally, even numbness in the arms and hands. Some cervical pain can also cause headaches and/or migraines.

Chiropractic care focuses on improving and maintaining spinal function, often providing much-needed relief to those suffering from neck pain and stiffness; pain or numbness in the shoulders, arms and hands; as well as headaches.

Tendinitis (shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, etc.)

Tendinitis is caused by trauma, or repetitive movement, that progressively irritates the tendon of a muscle, triggering acute and chronic inflammation. Tendons are specialized connective tissue that attach muscle to bone. Tendons subject to injury and most often treated are those of the biceps, the rotator cuff of the shoulder, the forearm muscles (elbow), and the knee. Although athletes, sports enthusiasts and those whose work involves manual labour are more prone to developing tendinitis, it can happen to anyone.

Tendinitis in the joints (such as shoulders, elbows, wrists and knees) manifests as stiffness, acute pain, and/or weakness that can prevent the execution of certain movements. Daily tasks like getting dressed or taking a shower can become difficult and painful.

The chiropractic approach to tendinitis is to re-establish ideal alignment of the involved articulations, in order to facilitate optimum muscle function and pain-free movement. Moreover, the chiropractor will assess nerve function of the problem area. Adequate nerve conduction is essential to control and coordinate the function of all the joints of the body necessary for normal movement. Restoration of nerve conduction facilitates the healing process, and may explain why certain joint injuries have not fully responded to other therapeutic approaches.

Chiropractors can also recommend stretches and/or certain exercises in order to accelerate healing, reduce the risk of relapse, and address the imbalance of muscle strength often seen in cases of chronic tendinitis.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body. It can be injured from heavy lifting, sport mishaps, falls and/or accidents. Irritation of the sciatic nerve can cause acute pain, often described as a shooting or stabbing sensation, and/or numbness, radiating to the buttock region or the back of the legs. This pain is known as sciatica.

Sciatica is often caused by joint dysfunction in the lower back vertebrae, and/or a bulging or herniated intervertebral disc, both of which can irritate the sciatic nerve. Sciatic pain can also be caused by excessive muscle tension in the buttock region, particularly in the piriformis muscle.

Chiropractic care focuses on treating the underlying cause of the sciatic nerve irritation, providing welcome relief in most cases.

Headaches & migraines

There are many different causes of headaches and migraines. An often ignored but frequent cause of headaches is articular dysfunction in the neck and upper back vertebrae. When the cervical (neck) vertebrae have limited mobility, this can result in what is called neuralgia. In simpler terms, when one of the spinal nerve roots is irritated, whether it be from muscle tension, inflammation or articular dysfunction of the vertebrae, the involved nerve will send pain signals along its path. Since many of the nerves that exit the spine in the neck supply the head, the pain is felt in the head only, even though the source of the irritation is actually located in the cervical spine (neck).

The pain associated with headaches and migraines is often pounding and is felt in the temples or behind the eyes. Tension headaches, on the other hand, tend to feel like a headband that is too tight, or a constant pain or pressure which generally starts at the back of the head and spreads to the forehead.

The chiropractic approach focuses on improving the function of the spinal articulations and eliminating the nerve irritation (neuralgia) which is often the cause of headaches and migraines. With chiropractic care, a great number of patients have experienced a noticeable reduction in the frequency and intensity of their headaches and migraines.

Pain between the shoulder blades

Pain between the shoulder blades can vary greatly, ranging from tension or stiffness, to severe pain which can be stabbing, burning and acute. The pain is not only felt in the back, but can also radiate to the thoracic cage (the ribs), and even the chest, imitating respiratory difficulty and heart problems. Symptoms in this region of the spine are often the result of falls or long hours spent in front of a computer.

Joint dysfunction in the vertebrae of the upper back (thoracic spine), as well as in the articulations between the vertebrae and the ribs (costovertebral joints), is often the source of the pain in the upper back, the thoracic cage, and even the chest.

Chiropractic care can be quite effective in improving the articular dysfunction which is frequently the cause of thoracic pain and/or rib pain, bringing much appreciated relief to patients suffering with these symptoms.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by nerve impingement in the wrist. The most common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the hand and fingers.

The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often mimic the symptoms of nerve compression coming from the neck, shoulder, arm and forearm. Since the nerves which supply the arm and the hand originate in the neck, the chiropractor must evaluate the wrist, the elbow, the shoulder and the neck during the physical exam, to determine where the impingement is coming from.

This comprehensive approach is often successful in treating not only the symptoms in the hand, but also in addressing the problem at its source.

Moreover, the chiropractor can offer advice to help patients improve the way they go about their daily activities, providing recommendations for better lifestyle habits, and/or help with creating a more ergonomic workplace.

Pain in the upper limbs (arms, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands)

Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors are trained to diagnose and assess injuries of all the joints in the body, not only those of the spinal column.

When joint function is impaired, the range of motion is reduced, causing stiffness, pain and inflammation. In the long term, if the problem is not corrected, arthritis can set in. Joint problems, such as those in the shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands, often manifest as pain and stiffness that can hinder movement. Daily tasks like getting dressed or showering can become very difficult and painful. In some cases, following an accident or a fall, the onset of joint pain can be sudden and acute. In other cases, the resulting pain can start years later and have a more gradual onset.

The chiropractic approach consists of re-establishing ideal alignment of the involved articulations in order to facilitate the muscle action necessary for movement. Moreover, the chiropractor will assess nerve function of the problem area. Adequate nerve conduction is essential to control and coordinate the function of all the joints of the body necessary for normal movement. The restoration of nerve conduction facilitates the healing process and may explain why certain joint injuries have not fully responded to other therapeutic approaches.

The chiropractor can also recommend stretches and/or specific exercises to accelerate healing, reduce the risk of relapse and address the imbalance of muscle strength so often seen in chronic cases.

Pain in the lower limbs (legs, hips, knees, ankles and feet)

Contrary to popular belief, chiropractors are trained to diagnose and assess injuries of all the joints in the body, not only those of the spinal column.

When joint function is impaired, the range of motion is reduced, causing pain, stiffness and inflammation. In the long term, if the problem is not corrected, arthritis can set in. Joint problems, like those experienced in the hips, knees, ankles and feet, often manifest as pain and stiffness that can hinder movement. Daily tasks such as getting dressed, showering, going up and down stairs, and walking can become very painful and difficult. In some cases, following an accident or a fall, the onset of joint pain can be sudden and acute. In other cases, the resulting pain can start years later and have a more gradual onset.

The chiropractic approach consists of re-establishing ideal alignment of the involved articulations in order to facilitate the muscle action necessary for normal joint movement. Moreover, the chiropractor will assess nerve function of the problem area. Adequate nerve conduction is essential to control and coordinate the function of all the joints of the body necessary for normal movement. Restoration of nerve conduction facilitates the healing process and may explain why certain joint injuries have not fully responded to other therapeutic approaches.

Chiropractors can also recommend stretches and/or specific exercises to accelerate healing, reduce the risk of relapse and address the imbalance of muscle strength so often seen in chronic cases.