Avoiding Back Pain Brochure

Doctor with patient


What Is Chiropractic Care?
Healthy Spine

Chiropractic is a natural method of health care that treats the causes of physical problems rather than just the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise: With a healthy lifestyle and normal functioning spinal joints and nerves, your body is better able to heal itself. That’s because the spinal cord, which is protected by the spine, is the main pathway of your nervous system. It controls movement, feeling, and function throughout your body.

Dr. Weber has nine years of professional training in the sciences and health care, leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. He works to restore your health and guide you in a personalized approach to overall wellness.

 

What Can I Do to Avoid Back Pain?

Just as you may not know that a tire on your car is out of balance until it begins to vibrate or wear unevenly, you may not know your spine is out of alignment until you feel pain. You can do much to prevent this by being aware of your body, taking care of yourself, and seeing Dr. Weber--even if the pain goes away.

 

Be Aware of Your Body

Even if your back doesn’t bother you, your body can be telling you that your spine is out of alignment. Frequent headaches or neck pain, stiffness or soreness when you wake up, or shoes that wear unevenly can be signs of a problem in your spine. So can having one shoulder or hip that’s higher than the other, or feeling pain anytime you move a certain way.

Have Regular Spinal Checkups

Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular spinal exams. Early detection of wear and tear on your spine can prevent permanent injury. Dr. Weber does physical, orthopedic (bone and muscle), and neurological (nerve) tests to check the condition of your joints, discs, and spinal nerves. Gently touching and moving your spine helps locate the muscle tightness. If Dr. Weber finds a problem, he can recommend appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.

 

Maintain Good Posture

Woman at a desk

Remember to keep your ears and shoulders centered over your hips when you sit or stand. When sitting, also be sure to support your lower back. Dr. Weber may have other suggestions for you, too.

Exercise Regularly

man swimming

Aerobic exercise strengthen your muscles and helps keep your spine flexible. Choose activities you like, such as walking briskly, cycling, or swimming. Build up to 20 -- 30 minutes a day. Be sure to do warm-up exercises first. Make sure to check with your chiropractic or medical doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Control Stress

woman smiling

Stress can strain your spine. You can’t always avoid stress, but you can learn to control it. Take time to do activities you enjoy. Spend time with people you like. Dr. Weber may have some personal tips for reducing stress also.

Eat Well

woman eating

Eating foods that keep you healthy may help slow spinal problems. Eat lots of fresh fruits, fresh or lightly steamed vegetables, and whole grains. Choose seafood, poultry, and low-fat or non-fat dairy products

doctor examining patient

Possible Spinal Problems

A healthy spine supports your body and lets you bend and twist your back. Injury, poor posture, overuse, or a problem from birth can put stress on your spine. This causes wear and tear on the joints where the bones (vertebrae) meet. You may have pain and stiffness, or you may have no symptoms until the spine is permanently damaged.

stages of spine degeneration diagramMisaligned Joint

When a joint is out of position (misaligned), the bones can’t move correctly. The discs that act as cushions between the bones become stressed and may press on nerves.

 

Early Degeneration

With repeated stress, a disc may thin and tear or bulge. Bony outgrowths (spurs) may develop, muscles may stretch unevenly, and nerves may become irritated.

 

Advanced Degeneration

Years of stress on joints may cause discs to wear out. The nerves may become irritated, causing pain and limited movement.

If You Need Treatment

Dr. Weber is trained to improve the health of your spine. Special chiropractic methods, called adjustments, can help slow or prevent spinal problems and relieve pain. During an adjustment, Dr. Weber gently presses on the joints in your spine to improve range of motion, correct misalignments, and relieve replica iwc watches pressure on nerves. Dr. Weber may also suggest other types of treatment such as heat or ice, ultrasound, traction, as well as a personalized home stretching and strengthening exercise program.

chiropractor performing a spinal adjustment

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