​Bottom Line:
 
Your core is made up of the groups of muscles that provide stability in the abdominal and lower back regions. It includes your abs and the deep muscles that surround and support your spine. These muscles also coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and spine. Ideally, your core and low back work together in a balance of strength and flexibility. A lack of flexibility or strength in your core can contribute to low back pain.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Strengthening your core muscles can help your endurance, improve your posture, and take the pressure off your low back. Having strong core muscles makes it less likely that you will suffer back pain and can give you better balance. Everything you do in daily life or during a workout will be easier if you have a strong and flexible core. It's the centerpiece of all body movement.

• A strong and flexible core can help improve your posture, balance, and reduce your risk of experiencing back pain.
• When your core muscles contract, they stabilize your spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle to create a solid foundation for movement.
• Weak core muscles can alter your posture and spinal curves which often leads to back pain.

 
 
Next Steps:
 
There are a million ways to work your core. So how can you decide what's best? Just ask us! We are happy to provide you with some of our favorite core strengthening exercises to fit your activity level and health goals. Some of the most efficient core exercises don't require any additional equipment, just the desire to improve your health with better strength and flexibility.
 
Science Source:
 
Core Stability Exercise Versus General Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain. Journal of Athletic Training. 2017

​Bottom Line:
 
Restrictions and limited mobility of your lower back may be causing your pain. If your low back doesn't have a full range of motion, then you are setting it up for future injuries. Bending forward and back (flexion/extension), side bending (lateral bend), and turning side to side (rotation) are the three movements that make up a full range of motion. You have to use it, or you'll lose it. Neglecting your lower back and not actively improving and maintaining a full range of motion can cause restrictions, reconditioning and increase your chance of injury.
 
Why it Matters:
 
The care given in our practice is specifically designed to address both aspects of improving your range of motion, segmental, and global. That means our chiropractic adjustments work the specific joints of your spine that are "stuck" or restricted. This begins the process of improving your range of motion and often provides quick relief from pain. The next steps are to improve the overall, or global, range of motion. This is where we may recommend at-home stretches, specific exercise, or even periodic adjustments to help continue your progress and hopefully keep you pain-free in the future.
 

• Limited range of motion in your low back can lead to a combination of shortened and weakened muscles that increase your risk of injury. 
• Chiropractic care provides relief by improving the motion of your facet joints and limiting the pain signals traveling through your central nervous system. 
• At-home stretching, daily exercise, and even periodic chiropractic adjustments are all ways you can take a proactive approach to stay pain-free.

 
 
Next Steps:
 
If your low back is de-conditioned and limited in its mobility, you likely have a combination of shortened and weakened core muscles that are over-stressed and causing pain. Our practice is focused on helping you decrease pain, improve your mobility, and live a healthier life. The first step is to give us a call and let us help you get back in motion.
 
Science Source:
 
Magnetic resonance imaging zygapophyseal joint space changes (gapping) in low back pain patients following spinal manipulation and side-posture positioning: a randomized controlled mechanisms trial with blinding. JMPT 2013

​Bottom Line:
 
It's been estimated that over 90% of us will deal with low back pain at some point in our life. So, you may be wondering why. What causes most of us to deal with lower back pain? How we move our body, previous injuries, and the habits we do (or don't do) each day can play a huge role in either increasing or decreasing your risk of an aching back.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Low back pain occurs when joints of your spine become overloaded beyond normal limits. This can happen in an instant (lifting heavy weight incorrectly) or can happen over a long period (poor posture, too much sitting). Most of us try to remember to use proper posture when lifting heavy items. But, did you know the risks associated with sitting? Researchers have recently discovered that long periods of sitting may be as harmful as smoking. Extended periods of sitting increase your risk of back pain by de-conditioning the muscles supporting your spine. Studies have also found that sitting can contribute to health concerns like increased blood pressure, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
 

• Low back pain can happen in an instant due to an injury, or it can creep in over a long period due to your daily habits.
• Extended periods of sitting are one of the top reasons for not only back pain but also health issues like obesity and heart disease.
• Taking a proactive approach with a daily exercise routine and stretching at work can help you reduce your risk of encountering low back pain

 
 
Next Steps:
 
Paying attention to how you move your body is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of back pain. Your job may require you to be at a computer all day, but that doesn't mean you can't take positive steps towards better health. Standing up every 30 minutes, stretching at lunch, and having a comfortable lumbar support are all ways to increase your energy level while decreasing the likelihood of experiencing back pain.
 
Science Source:
 
What are the risks of sitting too much? Mayo Clinic 2018

​Bottom Line:
 
Nearly everyone will have back pain at some point in their life, but with sciatica, you'll know something is different right away. Pain that begins in your back travels down to your buttocks, and shoots down your leg is a classic sign of sciatica. The shooting pain down your leg is caused by compression on one of the nerves exiting your spine. Even a small amount of pressure can cause a tremendous amount of pain, so getting rid of the inflammation and opening up space, the nerve is essential to find relief.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Pinching, or compression on a spinal nerve can occur because of an injury to one of your spinal discs (such as disc herniation) or the development of a bone spur. Either way, it's likely to cause pain and discomfort until you can decrease the inflammation, open up space for the nerve, or improve the movement of your spinal joints.
 

• Sciatica occurs when a spinal nerve gets pinched by a disc, bone spur, or ligament and can cause pain that travels down the buttocks and leg.
• Research has discovered that 60% of people with sciatica benefitted from chiropractic adjustments to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention (without any of the risks!).
• Exercise and rehab can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and reduce the likelihood of a relapse.

 
Next Steps:
 
Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs can be scary. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with our office right away. Top research publications have shown that people struggling with sciatica can get fantastic results with chiropractic care. Reach out today to discover if the techniques we offer in our practice can help you get on the road to relief.
 
Science Source:
 
Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. JMPT 2010