It seems as if everyone has had a bout with back pain at one time or another. It has become so commonplace that many people accept it as part of life. You may feel as if it is due to your age or the type of work you do. Interestingly, as many as 90% of people who visit their family physician get diagnosed with common, non-specific back pain. This can cause you much frustration because you leave your doctor’s office with fewer answers and more questions than you came in with.
Your family doctor might suggest you use mild pain relievers and ice packs to dull the pain. Then, if no improvement is seen, the next step can be cortisone injections and possibly even surgery to correct the problem. But none of these treatments is guaranteed to solve the problem, and many patients are disillusioned with the results they receive.
Where Back Pain Originates
It is important to understand how the structures of the back work together and know where back pain begins. Back pain includes more than just the bones of the spine. There are many supporting structures, such as muscles and ligaments, keeping the back in good working order. These all work together as a unit. Therefore, a problem in one area of the back might manifest itself as back pain in another area. Oftentimes, the problem lies in one of the top bones of the spinal column, the C1 or C2 vertebra.
These particular vertebrae were designed to protect the delicate brainstem. If they misalign, they put the brainstem under stress or pressure. The brainstem is the main means of communication between the body and the brain. Nerves come off of the spinal cord and send signals to the brain. If the brainstem is compromised, the signals may be distorted. A misalignment also creates tension in the spine as the body begins to twist and move to compensate for the misalignment, leading to postural and muscle imbalances.
Here at Thrive Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Onalaska, Wisconsin, we use a gentle method to realign these bones and help you find relief from your back pain.
To schedule a complimentary NUCCA consultation call 608-783-0384