The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the great outdoors is calling your name. As the warmer weather arrives, the temptation to get outside is practically irresistible.
Maybe you’re eager to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement again. Or perhaps you can’t wait to get started in your garden. Whatever outdoor activity has you excited, it’s important to approach it with caution. After all, you want to make sure you don’t overdo it right out of the gate. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping you pain-free as you enjoy the return of spring.
Remember, back pain doesn’t discriminate. And even though you’re more likely to experience back pain as you age, it’s safe to say that most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Over the years, you may have heard a few theories about what causes back pain and what to do when the pain interferes with your daily life. But do you have the right facts?
Here are some common myths surrounding back pain and the truth behind them.
1. This pain is so intense I should probably head straight to the emergency room.
Evidence shows that most low back pain cases are manageable and do not require an emergency visit.
When should you go to the ER? Go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a loss of sensation in the saddle area or if you have lost bowel or bladder control. Otherwise, your best first step is to find a musculoskeletal expert such as a chiropractor to diagnose and treat the cause of your low back pain. If the cause of your pain is serious enough to warrant the emergency room, these specialists will immediately send you there.
When pain affects your quality of life you want help today, not tomorrow. Call Pickering Village Chiropractic & Massage and our staff will do their best to get you assessed quickly. Call us at 905-427-3202 to book an appointment.
2. If I’m in a lot of pain, there must be a lot of damage.
Pain is a sensation that acts as a warning system for your brain. Many things can cause that warning system to go off. A musculoskeletal expert can help determine if your pain is related to your joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves. It’s important to remember that intense pain doesn’t necessarily mean that there is significant damage.
3. All I need is to stretch my back.
Before you stretch, it’s important to get checked out to see if stretching is the right thing to do. Certain stretches can make things worse depending on why your back is hurting. For example, if you have a disc problem, you may want to avoid stretches that flex the spine and put additional pressure on the discs. A chiropractor can help you discover the root cause and show you which exercises and stretches will help.
4. Applying heat will help relieve my back pain.
Applying heat may make the inflammation of your joints, surrounding muscles and ligaments worse. Ice is the way to go for at least the first three days of short-term (acute) pain.
5. Pain is the main indication that something is wrong.
Your back may be in trouble and you may not feel it. Restricted movement or discomfort in your arms, legs and shoulders are also indications of spinal problems.
6. I need an X-ray, CT or MRI to figure out why I have back pain.
The reality is that most causes of acute lower back pain will not show up on an X-ray, CT or MRI. A qualified healthcare provider is trained to know when you should have diagnostic imaging done, and they have a series of other tests they can do to help you get to the bottom of what is going on.
7. Now that my back pain is gone, I can stop doing my exercises.
Once the pain stops, many people stop doing the things that helped them get rid of the pain. It’s important to make healthy back care and exercise a regular part of your routine. Otherwise, your back pain is likely to return.
With spring just over a week away and warmer weather within sight, many of us are getting ready to hit the streets and hiking trails on a more frequent basis.
At Pickering Village Chiropractic & Massage, we know how important it is to keep your body moving! As spine, muscle, and nervous system experts, chiropractors Dr. John Noble and Dr. Mark Fera would like to share a few reasons for you to stay active:
1. Exercise helps relieve low back pain
Have you found yourself sitting more in the past year? It isn’t helping your back pain. Exercise, especially core strengthening, is very effective in improving the function of your back.
2. Exercise improves bone health
Current evidence shows that exercise can increase bone density and decrease the risk of falls and fractures in the elderly. Studies have also shown that exercise is comparable to medication in improving the day-to-day functioning of people with osteoarthritis.
3. Exercise helps prevent obesity
Obesity is often linked to many life-threatening illnesses (e.g., diabetes or high blood pressure). There is strong evidence that exercise is important for preventing weight gain, as well as keeping your weight stable after you’ve shed some pounds.
4. Exercise helps improve your mental health
Physical exercise can have a positive effect on the long-term management of psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and chronic stress!
5. Exercise helps manage diabetes
Diabetes affects approximately 3 million Canadians, with over 200,000 cases being diagnosed every year. Researchers around the globe have all found that regular exercise, along with dietary changes, can help manage diabetes.
6. Exercise prevents your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease
Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of death in Canada. There is increasing evidence that shows exercise can help protect you from developing cancer in the colon, breast, uterus, and prostate. Studies have also shown that exercise lessens your risk of developing heart disease because it helps reduce the amount of fats and cholesterol in the body (both play a role in damaging your arteries).
7. Exercise can help improve brain health
Individuals who exercise regularly may have a decreased risk of developing dementia. It may also improve balance and function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Enjoy the warmer weather and improve your overall health by making exercise a part of your daily routine.
At Pickering Village Chiropractic and Massage, we provide our patients with more than just chiropractic and massage therapy services, but also the know-how to build better personal wellness habits so you can be at your best for work or play, every day.
To book an appointment or learn more about the chiropractic and therapeutic massage therapy services available at our clinic, call 905-427-3202.
With content from the Canadian Chiropractic Association.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Dr. John Noble and Dr. Mark Fera offer your loved ones, family and friends a complete chiropractic consultation and examination at our expense (a $150 value).
If your friends and family are suffering from neck, shoulder or back pain, fear of the unknown may be keeping them from enjoying the benefits of chiropractic care. If you’re a patient at our clinic, you understand what’s involved in chiropractic treatment. You have also experienced the positive change these treatments have had on your health.
Booking an appointment during Sweetheart Appreciation Week is the perfect way to introduce your friends and family to chiropractic care. There’s no fee and no obligation to begin care.
Below are the answers to a few questions your friends and family may have.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. Chiropractic care’s emphasis is on manual treatments, which include spinal adjustments and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.
Chiropractors are spine, muscle and nervous system experts. They are specifically trained to diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatment options to relieve pain, restore mobility and prevent reoccurrence without surgery or pharmaceuticals.
What are the benefits?
Your musculoskeletal system supports your weight, provides physical stability, enables you to move your body, and protects your vital organs.
Benefits of chiropractic care include:
Improved movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
Better posture
Relief from headaches, neck and back pain
Prevention of work-related muscle and joint injuries
Enhanced athletic performance
Improved flexibility
Relief of pregnancy-related backache
Correction of gait and foot problems
What can I expect from my chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic treatments normally consist of manual therapy, including joint manipulation, mobilizations and soft tissue therapy.
A manipulation (commonly known as an adjustment) is a quick, small thrust to the spine or other parts of the body intended to provide immediate pain relief and mobility.
Mobilizations are slower, more passive movements or stretches that help relieve stiff joints.
Soft tissue therapy refers to a variety of different techniques focused on alleviating discomfort without causing movement.
In addition to manual therapies, Ajax chiropractors Dr. John Noble and Dr. Mark Fera are trained to recommend a course of action that includes exercise, ultrasound or laser treatments, rehabilitation, nutritional counselling and injury prevention strategies.
Whether you are suffering from a specific injury to your muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves, or you have a chronic condition such as spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis, Dr. Fera and Dr. Noble can help relieve pain and restore function in the following areas of the body:
Head and neck
Shoulders
Mid-back
Low back and pelvis
Elbows, wrists and hands
Hips, knees, ankles and feet
Are chiropractic treatments safe?
It is important to keep in mind that there is a difference between something being unsafe and having potential reactions. Any therapeutic treatment from medication to manual therapy comes with potential risks.
For example, there is a concept in the pharmaceutical industry known as a risk-benefit analysis which is used to assess how much benefit a medication has compared to the potential risk. The riskier the medication, the less likely it will become mainstream. Spinal manipulations should be recommended for patients when a similar risk-benefit assessment has been conducted. This assessment on the safety of chiropractic treatments is performed via the patient intake form and physical examination.
We have reserved a limited number of appointments during Patient Appreciation Week: February 12th – 17th.
Winter is just a few weeks away, and you know what that means: snow!
No matter where you live in Southern Ontario, snow is virtually guaranteed. And while that means more chaos on the road for drivers, it also means more homeowners suffering from sore backs because of improper snow shovelling.
“Shovelling out after a storm doesn’t have to leave you stiff and sore,” says Ajax chiropractor Dr. John Noble.
In this video shot a few years ago during one of our bigger snowstorms, Dr. Noble offers a few common-sense tips on shovelly safely.
Just because we are Canadians, it doesn’t mean we are experts when it comes to shovelling snow!
Follow these guidelines from the Ontario Chiropractic Association and with a little know-how, you can clear your driveway without any back, neck and shoulder pain ruining your day.
Before You Head Outside to Shovel
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in the winter months as it is in the summer.
Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as you get warm.
Wear proper footwear. Shoes and boots with solid treads on the soles can help to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
Pick the right shovel. Use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body. An ergonomically correct model (curved handle) will help prevent injury and fatigue. Also, if you spray the blade with a silicone-based lubricant, the snow will slide off more easily.
Before beginning any snow removal, warm up for five to 10 minutes to get your joints moving and increase blood circulation. A brisk walk will do it.
Follow These Tips To Avoid Injury While Shovelling
1. Push, Don’t Throw
Push the snow to one side and avoid throwing it. If you must throw it, avoid twisting and turning — position yourself to throw straight at the snow pile.
2. Bend Your Knees
Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.
3. Watch for Ice
Be careful on icy walkways and slippery surfaces. Intermittent thaws and subsequent freezing can lead to ice building up underfoot, resulting in nasty slips and falls. Throw down some salt or sand to ensure you have a good footing.
If you’re experiencing back pain, consider visiting the chiropractic and massage therapy team at Pickering Village Chiropractic & Massage. We help our patients build better pathways to overall wellness, as well as relief from back pain and muscle aches. Contact our clinic today at 905-427-3202.
With content from the Ontario Chiropractic Association.
December is just a few days away and with it, the season for eating great food, spending quality time with loved ones and sharing cherished traditions. Unfortunately, all of the hustle and bustle can also bring you an unwelcome gift — back pain.
Holiday activities such as shopping, wrapping gifts and skating can cause your muscles to work in ways they’re not usually used and can result in neck, shoulder or back pain.
Try these five tips to reduce your chances of pain and strain:
1. Ergonomic Gift Wrapping
After searching high and low for the perfect gifts, it’s time to wrap them up! Rather than spreading out on the floor, use a dinner table or desk. This will make it easier for you to use good posture. Just remember that sitting in one position for too long can put additional strain on your body. Take frequent breaks and stretch your hands, wrists and forearms by clenching your hands and relaxing.
2. Strain-Free Snowman
Building your very own Frosty the Snowman is top of mind for many children once the snow falls. Roll your snowballs into place and work together as a team to lift them when you’re ready. And remember, rule number one is to lift with your legs, not your back!
3. Lift Light to Shovel Right
When shovelling your driveway, let your legs and arms do the heavy lifting instead of relying on your back, and push the snow to one side to avoid throwing it. If you must throw it, avoid twisting and turning — face your snowbank and throw the snow straight into it.
It’s time to sharpen your skates and grab your snowboards! To prevent injuries that can plague you for months, remember to stretch before and after you hit the slopes or ice.
A basic go-to is the hamstring stretch:
Stand tall next to something you can hold on to for support.
Prop the back of one heel up on a surface like a stair, curb or bench and pull your toes back towards you.
For a deeper stretch, bend forward slightly at the hips.
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds on each side.
5. Holiday Shopping
Carrying all those bags may be a productive way to move through your Christmas list, but it’s not great for your back. Consider taking a trip to your car to drop off your bags and lighten the load. If that’s not reasonable, take breaks and set your bags down or use a backpack to help distribute the weight.
Take care of yourself during the cold-weather months.
There are lots of ways to make the short winter days a little brighter. The wellness team at Pickering Village Chiropractic and Massage encourages you to make your physical and mental health a priority.
We provide our patients with more than just chiropractic and massage therapy services, but also the know-how to build better personal wellness habits so you can be at your best for work or play, every day.
To book an appointment or learn more about the chiropractic and therapeutic massage therapy services available at our clinic, call 905-427-3202.
With content from the Ontario Chiropractic Association.
What role does good posture play in maintaining your good health?
Proper posture keeps your bones and joints in optimal alignment, allowing you to move easily so that your body supports your weight without strain. Good posture delivers increased energy, better breathing, improved circulation, and less wear-and-tear on your joints. Poor posture can place stress on your tendons, muscles, and ligaments, leading to neck and back pain.
If you suffer from neck and back pain, improving your posture may go a long way in easing your symptoms.
Try incorporating these simple tips into your daily routine and talk to your healthcare provider about other ways to keep your spine aligned and your aches and pains at a minimum.
10 Posture Tips for Older Adults
Place a small towel or pillow in the curve of your lower spine to provide additional support for the low back when sitting.
When sitting, make sure that both feet are flat on the floor.
Sleep on your back or side rather than your stomach, and keep your head position neutral.
Avoid forward bending after long periods of inactivity or unrest.
When knitting or reading, take frequent breaks and change the position of your body.
Try to keep things light by packing only the things you will need. If you use a walker, use a basket attachment to transport your belongings.
When lifting objects, bend your knees to lift with ease.
▸ Avoid forward bending and twisting your body while bending.
▸ Provide support to your back, knees, ankles and arches by wearing a low-heeled, supportive shoe.
Choose soles with good traction to help avoid slips and falls.
Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder.
Strong core muscles help maintain appropriate posture and reduce strain on the spine.
Ajax-Pickering chiropractors Dr. Mark Fera and Dr. John Noble are specialists in back health. Their natural approach involves addressing the overall health of individuals in addition to treating specific symptoms.
Registered massage therapists Jessica Raedisch and Rolf Castenheiro share in this natural approach by employing a variety of hands-on techniques to assess and treat the soft tissues and joints of the body. The benefits of massage therapy are numerous and act as a perfect complement to chiropractic care.
Whether you’re a student, work in an office or run your own business from home, your daily routine can be a pain … literally. And often, it’s not the big tasks that take the biggest toll on our bodies.
We live in a world where we’re constantly in a hurry, juggling multiple tasks and carrying our belongings with us everywhere. And, believe it or not, this can have serious consequences on your back health.
In fact, back pain sends more individuals to seek medical attention than almost any other ailment, second only to the common cold.
Let’s explore some common activities that adversely affect the back health of Canadians:
Back Pain and Commuting
Just like sitting at your desk, hunching over your steering wheel can cause your muscles to tighten, curving your back. Over time this can result in long-term lower back problems. This is important for the 15.4 million Canadians who commute to keep in mind.
The solution
Sit at a 90-degree angle and don’t fully extend your legs.
Move your seat up to allow yourself to sit up straight.
Adjust your lumbar to fit your back, and if it’s not enough support, try rolling up a towel to help decrease stress on your lower back.
Back Pain in Your Work life
Did you know sitting puts 40 percent more pressure on your spine than standing? It’s important to remember your posture especially when you’ve had a long day at your desk.
The solution
Practice ‘active sitting’ with your feet flat on the floor in front of you with your back straight, your shoulders squared and chin parallel with the floor.
Ensure your workspace is set up to enable frequent breaks from sitting, like getting up to go to the printer and taking phone calls while standing.
When you’re carrying a heavy purse or laptop bag, your shoulders become out of line. This can cause your muscles to ache and throw your spine out of line.
The solution
Reduce the number of items you carry with you.
Consider using a backpack to help distribute the weight of your load evenly across your body. This will help avoid the stress of isolated muscles overcompensating for unevenly distributed weight.
Strained your back while lifting heavy boxes? You’re not alone. Lifting heavy items improperly can put undue pressure on your spine and even cause spinal disc injury.
The solution
Picture yourself doing the lift before engaging to ensure you’re keeping the object in front of you, your back is straight and you’re lifting with your knees/hips rather than your back.
How can chiropractic and massage therapy help with your back pain?
Chiropractic treatment relieves back pain using effective clinical tools like manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, exercise, patient education and rehabilitation.
Extensively trained in spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), chiropractors are proficient in providing specialized care which has been proven effective in reducing pain, improving function, and decreasing the chances of low back pain becoming a chronic condition.
Ajax chiropractors Dr. John Noble and Dr. Mark Fera can provide education on your spine and posture and create a personalized treatment plan for your low back pain designed to ease pain and lower your risk of recurrence.
If you’ve ever had pain radiate from your low back, through your hips, and down one leg, you may have experienced sciatica.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a distinct and often excruciating type of back pain that originates from the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs down the length of each leg, starting in your low back and ending at the heels of your feet.
Sciatica is a term used to describe the pain caused by irritation of that nerve. You may find that are a variety of names for it, including lumbosacral radicular syndrome, discogenic sciatica, nerve root pain, and nerve root entrapment, but sciatica is the most common term.
How is sciatica different?
Sciatica is different from low back pain in that it results from the sciatic nerve, rather than the spine.
This nerve serves an important function, affecting the hamstrings, calf muscles, lower leg muscles, and some foot muscles. In many cases, the pain gets worse with twisting, bending, sneezing or coughing.
Causes of sciatic pain
Researchers estimate that 90 per cent of sciatic pain cases are caused by a herniated disc where the nerve root is compressed. This can occur as a result of an injury or age-related wear and tear. Other possible causes include lumbar stenosis and piriformis syndrome.
Common symptoms of sciatica
Patients most often complain about pain radiating down the back of their leg, reducing their mobility. “Leg pain from true sciatica can also be mistaken for many other medical conditions so please consult your chiropractor who has the most experience in this area,” explains Pickering chiropractor Dr. John Noble.
Who’s most at risk?
While more research is needed to determine the exact incidence and prevalence of sciatica, it’s estimated that five to 10 percent of patients with low back pain have it, and 10 to 40 percent of people experience it in their lifetime.
There are certain risk factors that increase the chance of developing sciatica, including age, height, mental stress and cigarette smoking. In addition, certain occupations are predisposed to sciatic nerve pain, including machine operators and truck drivers.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
When a patient complains of pain radiating down their leg, a chiropractor will typically conduct a full history and physical examination to determine whether the sciatic nerve is to blame. Chiropractors often work as part of a patient’s healthcare team. If there are red flags present – such as if Cauda Equina syndrome is suspected – the chiropractor will recommend advanced imaging to determine if surgery should be considered.
Treatment options for sciatica
There are a variety of treatments that chiropractors can offer, including recommendations on lifestyle changes, including:
Physical activity
Acupuncture
Spinal manipulation
Home treatment for sciatica
Talk to your chiropractor to ensure you are doing everything you can to improve your condition at home. He or she may recommend one or more of the following:
Use hot and cold packs for comfort
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
Practice good posture
Improve your core strength through exercise
Gently stretch out your lower back and hamstrings
Take a walk regularly, go swimming, or try aqua fitness
Use the proper technique when lifting heavy objects
How can you prevent sciatica?
“Core strength is one of the most important factors in preventing sciatica,” says Ajax chiropractor Dr. John Noble. You can reduce the chances of developing sciatica by exercising regularly and paying attention to your posture. Try the following exercises if you’re looking for inspiration, but the most important thing is to find an activity you enjoy:
Walking
Jogging
Swimming
Cycling
Dancing
Strength training
Yoga
Tai Chi
Pilates
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments is crucial for effectively managing this condition. If you experience persistent back pain with radiating leg pain or other related symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.
March is here and with it comes the mass exodus of families heading off to sunny destinations.
In the excitement of packing for a vacation or family visit, it’s easy to get carried away and pack more than you need into your suitcase and carry-on.
“Over-packed luggage and improper lifting and carrying techniques are common causes of injury to the back, neck and shoulders,” says Ajax chiropractor Dr. John Noble. “The good news is that many of these injuries can be easily prevented.”
Follow these tips and help take the pain out of your next vacation:
Tips for Choosing Your Luggage
When shopping for new luggage, look for a sturdy, light, high-quality and transportable piece. Avoid purchasing luggage that is too heavy or bulky when empty.
Choosing a bag with wheels and a handle can go a long way to lighten your load.
A good quality backpack with adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a waist strap makes an ideal carry-on because, when worn properly, backpacks can evenly distribute weight.
Tips for Packing Your Luggage
Over-packing is an easy pitfall, but consider that the larger and heavier the luggage, the more susceptible a traveller is to neck, back and shoulder injuries. Try to only pack what you absolutely need.
When possible, place items in a few smaller bags, instead of one large luggage piece.
Ensure your carry-on luggage does not weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of your body weight.
Keep the contents of any carry-on luggage to a minimum, pack heavy items at the bottom of the bag and make efficient use of the bag’s pockets.
How to Lift and Carry Your Luggage
Lifting your luggage can’t always be avoided, even if your luggage has wheels. But practising safe lifting techniques can substantially reduce your risk of injury.
Move slowly and, whenever possible, break the action into smaller parts. For instance, when loading a suitcase in the trunk of a car, try lifting it first onto a chair or step stool, then lifting it into the trunk. Similarly, when placing luggage in an overhead compartment, first lift it onto the top of the seat.
When lifting your luggage, first get close to the load and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Bend at the knees and let your leg muscles, rather than your back, do the lifting.
Hold the load close to your body.
Avoid twisting. Instead, turn your feet in the direction you are headed and turn your entire body in that direction.
Do not carry bulky luggage for long periods of time. Make sure to check heavier items when travelling rather than carrying them for the duration of the trip.
Try to carry light pieces in each hand rather than a single heavy item on one side.
If using a backpack, use both shoulder straps and the waist strap, and adjust them to minimize the bag’s movement.
If using a duffel or shoulder bag, switch sides often to reduce strain.
Staying active during the winter months can be a challenge. But one thing is for certain. Whether you’re sitting at your desk longer than before or you’re now more active than ever, back pain doesn’t discriminate.
And even though you’re more likely to experience back pain as you age, it’s safe to say that most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Over the years, you may have heard a few theories about what actually causes back pain and what to do when the pain interferes with your daily life. But do you have the right facts?
Here are some common myths surrounding back pain and the truth behind them.
1. This pain is so intense, I should probably head straight to the emergency room.
Evidence shows that most low back pain cases are manageable and do not require an emergency visit.
When should you go to the ER? Go to the emergency room if you are experiencing a loss of sensation in the saddle area or if you have lost bowel or bladder control. Otherwise, your best first step is to find a musculoskeletal expert such as a chiropractor to diagnose and treat the cause of your low back pain. If the cause of your pain is serious enough to warrant the emergency room, these specialists will immediately send you there.
When pain affects your quality of life you want help today, not tomorrow. Call Pickering Village Chiropractic & Massage and our staff will do their best to get you assessed quickly. Call us at 905-427-3202 to book an appointment.
2. If I’m in a lot of pain, there must be a lot of damage.
Pain is a sensation that acts as a warning system for your brain. Many things can cause that warning system to go off. A musculoskeletal expert can help you figure out if your pain is related to your joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves. It’s important to remember that intense pain doesn’t necessarily mean that there is significant damage.
3. All I need is to stretch my back.
Before you stretch, it’s important to get checked out to see if stretching is the right thing to do. Depending on the reason your back is hurting, certain stretches can make things worse. For example, if you have a disc problem, then you may want to avoid stretches that flex the spine and put additional pressure on the discs. A chiropractor can help you get to the root cause and show you which exercises and stretches will help.
4. Applying heat will help relieve my back pain.
Applying heat may make the inflammation of your joint, surrounding muscles and ligaments worse. Ice is the way to go for at least the first three days of short-term (acute) pain.
5. Pain is the main indication that something is wrong.
Your back may be in trouble and you may not feel it. Restricted movement or discomfort in your arms, legs and shoulders are also indications of spinal problems.
6. I need an X-ray, CT or MRI to figure out why I have back pain.
The reality is that most causes of acute low back pain will not show up on an X-ray, CT or MRI. A qualified healthcare provider is trained to know when you should have diagnostic imaging done, and they have a series of other tests they can do to help you get to the bottom of what is going on.
7. Now that my back pain is gone, I can stop doing my exercises.
Once the pain stops, many people stop doing the things that helped them get rid of the pain. It is important to make healthy back care and exercise a part of your regular routine. Otherwise, your back pain is likely to return.
With content from the Ontario Chiropractic Association
The Village Chiropractic Clinic consists of a group of knowledgeable, and friendly professionals that have worked as a team to help me obtain and maintain my optimal health goal through chiropractic and massage therapy.
2. Strain-Free Snowman
How is sciatica diagnosed?
