Today’s Discussion: How Core Strength and Low Back Pain Are Related

In the world of Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medicine, there is much debate and discussion revolving around the topic of “core strength.”  The reason this topic has been so highly discussed is usually in regards to the fact that research has shown us that individuals possessing greater core strength and stability often have reduced incidences of things like low back pain, sports injuries, and postural dysfunction.  With this article I would like to discuss exactly what the core is and the role it plays in helping us stay injury and low back pain free.

Core Muscles

The core is made up of a lot of different muscles and tissues all working in synergy to provide a solid foundation for the body to operate upon.  One thing that people often mistake about the core is the actual muscle groups it incorporates.  It is not just the abdomen that needs to be strong in order to have a strong core; in fact it is much more than that.  The core does include the abdominal musculature like the rectus abdominis, and the obliques, but the back or posterior part of your body needs to be equally if not greater in strength and stability.   Having strong back muscles, along the spine as well as having deep “stabilizer” muscles will help your body better react to everyday forces that are applied to it.  Along with having strong back muscles, having strong and flexible leg muscles is also extremely important.  The hamstrings need to be flexible and firing properly, along with the big muscles like the gluteus maximus or your “butt muscles.”  Yes, there should be muscle there, not just a seat cushion!  If muscles like the gluteus maximus and hamstrings are strong and doing their job, they will help stabilize the pelvis, which in turn will help decrease some of the forces and load that is placed on the lumbar spine or “low back.”

The chiropractors at Mountain View Pain Center are well trained in identifying weaknesses in your core musculature.  If low back pain is your problem, it is very possible that there is dysfunction in your core.  Through soft tissue treatments and rehabilitative exercises, core dysfunction can be treated successfully and ultimately lead to you having less pain, and having increased ability to do the things you want to do in life.  If you have questions or concerns related to your posture, pain, or core weakness, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Our Chiropractors Discuss Treatment and Diagnosis of Facet Syndrome

This week’s discussion deals with facet syndrome. Facet syndrome is one of the most common causes of pain originating from the spine. In order to understand facet syndrome we must first start by defining what facet syndrome is by looking at the anatomy of a typical spinal vertebrae.

The facets are on the posterior section of the vertebral body and are made up of two articulating surfaces the inferior articular process and the superior articular process. The facet joint is formed when the superior portion of a lower vertebral body meets the inferior portion of the vertebral body above it.  The facet joint is further held together a capsule of ligaments forming a joint commonly known as the zygapophyseal joint (z-joint). When these joints are jammed together from either injury, inflammation, or degeneration we get the facet syndrome. Causes of this jamming could lead from trauma, excessive weight, decreased disc height, and an increased lumbar curvature. Degenerative changes and bad posture caused by muscle imbalance is the leading reason why people develop facet syndrome.

 Signs and Symptoms of Facet Syndrome

Common symptoms of facet syndrome is neck pain and low back pain that hurts more during rest, extension, or is relieved with motion. The neck pain will be aggravated by extension, rotation and repetitive movements. Low back pain is aggravated by extension, rotation, prolonged sitting and repetitive movements. Most patients describe facet pain as sharp and in a well-defined area, normally feels superficial and one sided.

People also report that they have diffuse morning stiffness. As we can see the signs and symptoms of facet syndrome is every similar to those of a herniated disc. This is why it’s so important to get the proper diagnosis so you can receive the proper treatment for you problem.

Treatment Goals for Facet Syndrome

At Mountain View Pain Center our chiropractors have a number of treatment options to help with your problem. We offer myofacial release therapy, physical therapy, decompression therapy, massage, and chiropractic therapy. Our treatment goals are to promote soft tissue healing; we do this by removing scar tissue and promote healing with micro current. Restore normal strength and stability to joint structure. Most importantly we want to make sure you get out of pain as quick as possible so you can return to normal daily function without pain. If you have questions or concerns about your condition please feel free to call and one of our doctors will be more than happy to answer any question you might have. We have two locations one in Centennial CO and Aurora CO, please feel free to contact us. If you would like more information please read our about us page.

Cost Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain

A new study that was in the November 2010 issue of Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics looked at the cost effectiveness of chiropractic care vs medical care for the treatment of low back pain. The primary reason for this study was to determine if there are differences in the cost of low back pain treatment when a patient is able to choose between a medical doctor (MD) versus a doctor of chiropractic (DC), given that his/her insurance provides equal access to both provider types. The study was done on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee’s large group fully insured population between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2006. The results of the study showed episodes of low back pain treatment initiated with a DC were 40% less than those who saw treatment of their low back pain with an MD.

Chiropractic Care is more effective!

This study shows that chiropractic care for low back pain is more cost effective than medical care for low back pain. If you have any questions about this study or questions about your low back pain please feel free to give us at 303-221-1569.  Mountain View Pain Center is located in Centennial and Aurora CO which is conveniently located to Denver CO, Highlands Ranch CO, Littleton CO, Greenwood Village CO and Lone Tree CO.

Low Back Pain Study 

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapy looked at the efficacy of chiropractic manipulation over muscle relaxants for subacute lower back pain.  The design of the study was a randomized, double blind clinical trial. The study was done on 192 people that had low back pain for 2 to 6 weeks.  The people were divided into 3 groups; 1st group received chiropractic manipulations, 2nd group received muscle relaxants and the 3rd group got a placebo.

Low Back Pain Study Results

The results showed that chiropractic manipulation was more beneficial for low back pain than both muscle relaxants and placebo when patients responded to the Global Impression of Severity Scale questionnaire.

What this study indicates to us is that chiropractic care should be the first line of care when a patient is having low back pain. Chiropractic care has the lowest risk with the highest patient satisfaction when treating low back pain. If you have questions about your low back pain or want more information please feel free to contact us anytime.  Our office is in Centennial, CO which is conveniently close to Highlands Ranch CO, Littleton CO, Parker CO, Denver CO, Englewood CO, Greenwood Village CO, and Aurora CO

Massage therpay is now offered at Mountain View Pain Center

We are happy to announce that massage therapy is now a treatment option at Mountain View Pain Center.  Our therapist specializes in deep tissue, trigger point, neuromuscular, Swedish, sports massage, manual lymphatic drainage, and reflexology.  Massage therapy combined with chiropractic and physical therapy care can be a very powerful way of healing your body from musculoskeletal injuries.

If you’re suffering from neck pain, headaches, upper back pain, lower back pain, and extremity pain or weakness, let our team of specialists get you back on your feet.  We have two locations one at 8216 S Holly St Centennial CO 80122 303-221-1569 and another at 6616 S Parker Rd Suite 106 Aurora 303-645-4363. Which are conveniently is close to Denver CO, Lakewood CO, Parker CO, Littleton CO, Highlands Ranch CO, Cherry Hills CO, Lone Tree CO, and Greenwood Village CO.

Cost of Back Pain

The cost of back pain has grown higher and higher each year in the United States this is evident with the new research released by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).  The costs of back pain have resin to more than $30 billion in 2007, that’s $14 billion higher compared to 1997.  The AHRQ reports that in 2007 27 million people age 18 and older have reported back pain and of that 19 million received medical treatment. The average out of pocket cost for treatment of back problems were $1,589 per adult in 2007 ($1,146 for outpatient care and $446 for prescription drugs).  As these healthcare cost continue to rise what is an effective treatment for back pain?

At Mountain View Pain Center our Chiropractors specialize in upper back and low back pain.  We have extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system so, not only would our Chiropractors address the Chiropractic aspect of your back problem, we would also look for other ways to treat your condition (look under treatments tap to see different treatment options).

Treatment of Back Pain

We will design a treatment plan that will not only help you get of back pain; it will help you stay out of back pain.  Our treatment plan will include physical therapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation programs. We also, work with all major medical insurance companies so; let us call your insurance in so you can get the most cost effective treatment. We are conveniently located to Denver CO, Aurora CO, Lakewood CO, Parker CO, Littleton CO, Highlands Ranch CO, Centennial CO, Cherry Hills CO, Lone Tree CO, and Greenwood Village CO.

Centennial CO Chiropractors Discuss Causes of Back Pain

Centennial CO Chiropractors discuss the causes of back pain and how chiropractic can help. According to the United States National Library of Medicine back pain affects 8 out of 10 people in the United States. So, the question is what causes back pain? The cause of back pain from person to person will differ; some will suffer from disc conditions such as a bulged disc or degenerative disc diseases.  Both of these conditions will cause back pain but it is important to know what condition you have in order to treat you properly.

Read more >>