Chiropractor - Simi Valley
1716 Erringer Road
Simi Valley, CA 93065
805-581-8053

Posts for tag: back pain

By contactus
September 08, 2011
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: simi valley   chiropractor   disc   neck pain   ca   back pain   spinal disc   herniation   bulge   protrusion  

In the neck and back, we have discs that separate our vertebra, or spinal bones.   These discs provide for optimal motion, structure, and shock absorption.  The disc has two layers.  The outer layer is called the annulus fibrosis, and the inner layer is called the nucleus.  The annulus is made up of cartilage, while the nucleus is made of a gelatinous material. 

When a disc is injured, pain can be produced in various ways.  The annulus has nerve endings that run through it.  When it is stretched, strained, or torn, there can be a deep and intense pain.  The disc can also bulge, protrude, and/or herniate from its proper place.   In some cases, the central nucleus can be pushed into the outer edge of the disc.  The nucleus itself has no nerve endings and does not cause pain. However, the nucleus can push on other structures, including spinal nerves.  This can cause a sharp shooting pain that can travel to the arms and or legs, cause numbness, or weakness.
 
For some disc injuries, chiropractic care can offer many solutions.  Certain traction techniques can help bring the disc to it’s proper position and help the body properly heal itself.   Pain from more severe disc injuries may respond to epidural injections.  Some may even require surgical intervention.  MRI is the best diagnostic imaging tool to detect a disc injury.  As with everything, finding the problem is the first step to a solution.   
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By contactus
August 25, 2011
Category: Uncategorized

School is officially back in session.  Every September, the issue of heavy backpacks and back pain in kids and teens is brought up.  Here are some general tips with regard to backpack safety and avoiding injury:

1.  Pick the right backpack, making sure the shoulder straps are padded.  It should be the right size for the child.  The bottom of the bag should not sag too far below the belt line.

2.  If possible, avoid loading it too heavily.  15 to 20% of the child's body weight should be the most that the backpack weighs.  In some situations when a school aged child has been having back or neck pain, I've been able to write a note requesting another set of books, so that a set could be kept at home and not need to be carried to and from school.  If a heavy backpack is unavoidable, you may consider a backpack that has wheels and an extendible handle.

3.  Practice proper lifting techniques when lifting the backpack from the floor.  Check my previous blog on this subject.

4.  Make sure the backpack is fastened high and tight, so that it doesn't sag.  Use both shoulder straps, not carrying the bag on just one shoulder.

5.  Load the backpack with the heaviest items closest the the childs body.  Use the various compartments to do this.  This will help more evenly distribute the weight.

 

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By contactus
June 09, 2011
Category: Uncategorized
Tags: simi valley   chiropractor   neck pain   posture   back pain  

 

Postural assessment is a quick, but important screening tool that is used by many chiropractors.  It shows where there are enough imbalances in muscle tension that the tighter muscles pull on the skeleton, causing postural abnormalities. 

These muscular imbalances can be the result of traumatic injury, but are often caused by repetitive strain over a long period of time.   Common imbalances are with muscles in the front of the body versus muscles in the back.  For example, when you see someone who slouches with rounded shoulders and their head and neck far in front of their chest, this is often the result of tight pectoral (chest) muscles, and weak upper back muscles.   These imbalances can also be from right to left, or left to right.  For example, when there’s spasm lower back muscles on one side of the body, you’ll often see one side of the pelvis elevated in comparison to the other side.

As postural distortions are the result of an underlying problem, their presence can cause further damage, making the original problem that much harder to treat.  A self-test that can be done at home is what we refer to as the “I” test.  Take a look at a person from the back, as they’re standing straight, but relaxed.  The shoulders should be level, forming the upper horizontal line of the “I.”  The spine should be straight and not curved, forming the vertical line of the “I.”  The pelvis and hips should be level, forming the lower horizontal line, completing the shape of the “I.” 

 

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