Spinal Spurs

 

If you regularly struggle with back and neck pain, spinal spurs may be to blame. These nubs of bone commonly develop in vertebrae as people reach middle age, and although many of them are harmless, they can put increased pressure on soft tissues and interfere with the spinal column’s integrity. At ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge, our quality of life specialists provide a variety of non-invasive, non-addictive treatments for back pain, including helping people to live more comfortably with bone spurs without the need for surgery.

Bones are living tissue, and as such, they are constantly breaking down and regrowing. But there are certain conditions in which bones are more likely to grow back mishapenly, such as when they are exposed to inflammation or a bone needs more surface area to distribute its weight. One of the conditions that puts people at high risk for developing bone spurs is osteoarthritis. As the cartilage cushioning and lubricating their facet joints degenerates, the interlocking portions of their vertebrae grind into each other and develop spurs. People are also more likely to develop bone spurs when they have degenerative disc disease, meaning that the spongy discs between their vertebrae are losing water. As the ligaments connecting to the vertebrae become more strained due to the discs’ inability to bear their share of the weight, the ligaments become inflamed and spurs develop where the ligaments attach to bones.

Spurs may put pressure on nearby arteries and nerve roots and stretch muscles that are already overly tight. People with spinal spurs sometimes feel a dull, aching pain, but may find it gets better when they bend down. Spurs may appear on images such as x-rays, but we would want to perform range-of-motion tests before determining that they are the cause of the patients’ pain. If we determine they are, we may provide chiropractic adjustments to realign the patient’s joints and provide anti-inflammatory treatments such as low level laser therapy. Patients would also need to engage in therapeutic exercises to increase their back muscles’ flexibility, making spinal spurs less of a strain on them.

If you suffer from persistent back or neck pain, you may be a good candidate for chiropractic treatment. Visit Dr. Carmelino Caratozzolo at ACT Wellness Center, 14111 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia. Call 703-491-9355.

Protecting Runners from Lower Back Pain

 

Lower back pain is a particularly common problem among runners. Although there is much to be said in favor of running as a form of exercise, it does subject the spine to a lot of jostling, and that strain can accumulate into soft tissue damage. At the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, we’re dedicated to providing non-invasive, non-addictive solutions to musculoskeletal pain and helping our patients to develop lifestyles that improve their overall health. To that end, we wanted to discuss some of the reasons runners are particularly at risk for back pain and what they can do to protect themselves.

When we engage in sports such as running, our lower spinal columns are swaying from side to side. This increases strain on the lower back’s supporting muscles and can cause them to spasm, which results in localized pain. In more severe cases, strain can also damage the spinal discs separating the vertebrae. If the disc swells and impinges one of the roots of the sciatic nerves that emerge from the lumbar vertebrae, a patient may experience radiating pain, tingling, or numbness along the length of their leg. Long term damage to the sciatic nerve may even make it more difficult for someone to lift their foot. Additionally, the vertebrae may start to move out of place, which can result in a condition called spondylolisthesis, in which the body of one vertebra slips over another.

We use spinal adjustments to return herniated discs to their usual position, taking pressure off the sciatic nerve roots and putting the body in the best position to heal itself. Our other treatment options include massage therapy for overburdened muscles and electric muscle stimulation to reduce inflammation. But to lower their risk of back pain, runners will have to give their lumbar vertebrae more support. This could mean wearing a brace, but in the long-term, they will need to build up their core muscles and make sure they’ve adequately stretched before each work-out.

Dr. Jay McClanahan is the owner and chiropractor of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Our office is located in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan visit our website or call 304-776-1520. 

Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Spine

When it comes to your spine’s long-term health, chiropractic care goes hand in hand with certain lifestyle decisions. Simple things like lifting properly or standing occasionally while working at a desk can make all the difference. Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, is dedicated to educating patients about the importance of mindfulness when it comes to your spinal wellness. 

Resting and Sleeping

Neck and back strain are common during rest and sleep. Sometimes we fall asleep in strange positions or angles and wake up asking ourselves, “did I sleep the wrong way?” It’s important that your pillow supports your neck and head so that everything is neutral with your spine.

Lifting

Lifting objects improperly is the most common way to injure your spine. Always use your legs to lift, never your back! Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. Never twist while picking something up and always set the object down the same way you lifted it.

Talking and Texting on the Phone

If you need to speak on the phone for an extended period of time, using the speaker function or a headset is recommended to keep your neck aligned with your spine. Tilting your head towards your shoulder will damage muscles and vertebrae. Similarly, when you’re texting, keep your neck and back straight with the device at chest or eye level. Never hunch!

Working at a Desk

Make sure that you’re getting up every thirty minutes to stretch out your body. Also be sure that when you’re sitting, your feet are flat on the floor with your knees at a ninety-degree angle. Your computer screen should always be at eye-level.

Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 642 Cross Lanes Drive in Nitro, WV 25143. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drjbackdocwv.com or call the office at 304-776-1520.