Anyone can develop back pain, which impacts millions of people across the country and the globe. Back pain ranks among the common reasons for people needing medical assistance or being forced to miss work. If back pain is disrupting life's simple pleasures or your daily routine, Dr. Robert Fitzpatrick and Dr. Lisa Morreale-Fitzpatrick at Fitzpatrick Chiropractic in Toms River NJ can help you find the relief you seek.
The Symptoms of Back Pain
The following symptoms characterize back pain -
- Sharp or dull discomfort or pain
- Sore/tender muscles; muscle spasms in the back/legs
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Tingling pain radiating down the legs
- Numbness/weakness in the legs/feet
- Difficulty standing up straight or walking
If back pain symptoms persist for longer than a few weeks or are severe and don't improve, it is important to get a medical evaluation.
Common Causes of Back Pain
A variety of factors may cause back pain. Poor posture, degenerative disorders, and injuries all have the potential to contribute to back pain -
- Arthritis Osteoarthritis often impacts the lower back.
- Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal cord, is a form of arthritis.
- A specific type of arthritis, known as Ankylosing Spondylitis, has the potential to fuse the bones in the spine, causing less flexibility.
- Muscle/Ligament Strain An unexpected, awkward movement or constant repetitive lifting of heavy objects can strain the spine's ligaments and the surrounding back muscles. This is especially true for those in poor physical condition, who will find that constantly over-straining the back can lead to painful muscle spasms.
- Bulging/Ruptured Discs Discs between the vertebrae are cushion-like; however, they can rupture/bulge, causing pressure on a nerve.
- Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones become porous and brittle, making them susceptible to fracture/breaking. The spine's vertebrae have the potential to develop painful breaks if the bones in the spine are affected by osteoporosis.
Top Chiropractic Treatments for Back Pain
Treatment for back pain varies and depends on the root or underlying cause of the pain. The most common chiropractic treatment options include the following:
- Spinal Adjustments
- Interferential Therapy
- Massage
- Intersegmental Traction
- Class IV Warm Laser Therapy
Get Back Pain Relief Today.
If you live/work in and around Toms River NJ, contact Dr. Fitzpatrick or Dr. Morreale-Fitzpatrick at Fitzpatrick Chiropractic online or at 732-288-0500.