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The lumbar and pelvic region is particularly vulnerable to trauma, whether resulting from a sudden, incorrect movement or prolonged poor posture. This area bears the significant responsibility of supporting the entire upper body against the pull of gravity, often compromising its position.
The vertebrae, discs, and joints in the lower back ideally maintain their positions to evenly distribute the load they bear. Engaging in activities like heavy squats with a hunched back, executing tasks involving twisting motions, or consistently carrying one’s weight without proper core bracing using abdominal muscles can induce stress. Over time, this stress may lead to degeneration and maladaptive changes in the spine, causing the lower back to tense up and fatigue faster.
These consequences can manifest as pain, irritated nerves, and even more severe issues such as inflamed or herniated discs. It’s crucial to be mindful of our movements, adopt proper posture, and incorporate core-strengthening exercises to protect the integrity of the lower back and pelvic area. By doing so, we can reduce the risk of long-term damage and enhance overall spinal health.
Disc Herniations
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SI Joint
Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome or subluxation occurs when the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis, responsible for bearing the weight of the entire torso and linking it to the lower limbs, becomes stuck and malpositioned. This can manifest as a sensation resembling a “witches arrow” or radiating pain from the buttock down the leg, commonly known as sciatica*. Individuals experiencing this condition often endure localized pain in various positions, particularly after prolonged periods of sitting, exercise, or bending motions. Additionally, there is frequently a concurrent dysfunction of surrounding muscles, such as the gluteal muscles and notably the piriformis muscle, potentially leading to piriformis syndrome, where the muscle itself impinges on the nerve.
The root causes of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction are diverse and may include traumatic incidents like falls or twisting motions. People with sedentary lifestyles, as well as those engaging in vigorous exercise, such as athletes, are susceptible to this condition. Lifestyle factors, including nutrition, also play a role in contributing to the problem by causing ligament laxity. The alteration of the gravitational line and ligament laxity explains why many pregnant women often experience this issue.
In our clinic, we focus on addressing the malposition of the sacroiliac joint, ensuring the proper functioning and coordination of the supporting muscles in the pelvis. We guide patients on preventing instability and managing pain through lifestyle adjustments, providing exercises aimed at strengthening and stabilizing the pelvis.
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Sprain/strain, Muscle spasm, pain
Experiencing muscle spasms, pains, sprains, and strains is a common occurrence that can affect any muscle in the body. These issues not only result in discomfort but can also disrupt the essential function of supporting and maintaining our body. Malpositions or subluxations in the skeleton may contribute to these problems, hindering the healing process of affected structures and leading to persistent muscle aches and potential inflammation.
Various factors can trigger these issues, including sports injuries, repetitive strenuous movements involving the low back, abdominals, and lower limbs. Additionally, accidents such as falls, car accidents, or direct impacts on the muscles can contribute to malfunctions. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in essential minerals, or the side effects of certain medications, may also be linked to muscle spasms.
At our clinic, we prioritize the restoration and rehabilitation of muscle function, ensuring that both agonist and antagonist muscles operate harmoniously. These muscles work together to maintain the delicate balance within our bodies. Addressing spinal or skeletal malpositions and subluxations is crucial, as they can significantly impact the proper functioning of muscles, further exacerbating discomfort and hindering the healing process.
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Osteoarthritis
Ensuring the well-being of the discs nestled between our vertebrae is paramount, as these discs lack blood flow and rely entirely on the ebb and flow of water and nutrients driven by the spine’s movement between segments. When the spine remains immobile, these discs face the risk of desiccation, shrinkage, and inflammation. Intervertebral foramens, through which spinal nerves travel to the periphery, may experience a reduction in space when there’s a decrease in height between vertebrae. The body’s response to this challenge is an attempt to stabilize and prevent further movement or disc space reduction, leading to the development of calcification and bony spurs known as osteophytes. This progression characterizes Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), often accompanied by the degeneration of other spinal structures and joints collectively referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). This inflammatory degenerative joint process is commonly identified as Osteoarthritis.
Degeneration is a natural course within our skeletal structures. In the spine, bones lose density and height, muscles weaken, and overall structural integrity becomes more delicate. While aging alone should not cause significant issues in the spine for a healthy, active individual, immobile or damaged spinal joints, particularly those subluxated, accelerate the degeneration process, leading to arthritis. Trauma to any joint, even at a young age, can render it susceptible to faster degeneration, especially without appropriate rehabilitation. Some individuals have a predisposition to this process due to systemic conditions that heighten overall body inflammation.
In our office, our focus is on restoring movement in the spine and extremities. Through specific adjustments, we enhance joint space and increase mobility while reducing inflammation—provided the inflammatory process is not severe—. Recognizing the pivotal role inflammation plays in pain and joint recovery, we guide our patients toward nutritional options that can help decrease overall inflammation levels. For individuals grappling with osteoarthritis, a combination of reduced inflammation levels and regular chiropractic adjustments may pave the way for a pain-free and highly functional life, even in sports.
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Spondylolisthesis and stenosis
Spondylolisthesis refers to an unstable joint that has shifted out of its proper position, slipping forward in relation to the vertebra below. This instability often results in discomfort in the affected area. The condition can progress, advancing up to five levels, ultimately reaching spondyloptosis, where there is complete slippage of the vertebrae in front of the gravity line. To assess whether the segment is unstable and identify any potential fractures that may have caused it, imaging is essential.
Severe cases of spondylolisthesis can lead to stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to motor and sensory issues. Trauma, such as sports accidents (like heavy liftings or falls) or car accidents, is a common cause of spondylolisthesis. Additionally, abnormal wear and tear due to poor posture and muscle imbalances can contribute to joint degeneration, leading to instability and slippage. The trauma or stress on the joint often causes fractures in the pars interarticularis, facilitating anterior slippage.
At our clinic, we carefully evaluate potential misalignments in the spine that may have contributed to the degenerative process. Our approach involves correcting any surrounding structures, allowing the body to heal more effectively by reintroducing motion and signaling the healing of injured ligaments and muscles. We provide guidance on strengthening core muscles to stabilize the affected area. In most cases, regular chiropractic care, coupled with a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain positions, enables individuals to lead a pain-free, functional life while preventing further slippage.
In instances of progressive, unstable spondylolisthesis, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgeons may opt to fuse the affected vertebra with the one below, preventing any further movement altogether.
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Period pains, Bloating
Experiencing discomfort during your menstrual cycle, including period pains and bloating, is not uncommon, but it’s crucial to recognize that these symptoms may be indicative of more profound issues related to systemic imbalances, dysfunctions, or underlying medical conditions. Menstrual pain, often considered a normal part of the process, can actually result from improper functioning of the nervous system and musculoskeletal system.
Factors such as muscular, ligamentous, and spinal misalignments or subluxations can contribute to improper nervous system function, leading to physical stress on organs and structures in the abdominal region. Additionally, inflammation, stress, hormonal imbalances, nutritional factors, and underlying medical conditions may also play a role in causing unnecessary pain and discomfort.
It’s worth noting that individuals have reported experiencing more manageable menstruation and reduced bloating after undergoing spinal adjustments. These adjustments not only address nervous system function but also alleviate physical stress on organs and structures. By optimizing the nervous system, our approach extends to enhancing the overall function of the digestive, hormonal, and reproductive systems. This comprehensive approach allows the brain to coordinate more efficiently, contributing to improved bodily functions.
In addition to spinal adjustments, we also explore lifestyle changes that can significantly impact menstrual pain. Our goal is to empower you with a holistic understanding of your well-being, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors that may contribute to your discomfort.
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Lower crossed syndrome
Lower Crossed Syndrome poses a common challenge, manifesting as persistent discomfort in the lower back, particularly following prolonged periods of standing. This condition is characterized by an anterior tilt of the pelvis and an exaggerated arch in the lower spine. While spinal misalignments can contribute, the primary culprit is often dysfunctional muscle groups, disrupting the natural postural balance. Individuals grappling with Lower Crossed Syndrome frequently experience tense hamstrings, hip flexors, weakened glutes, and overworked lower back muscles, resulting in lingering aches.
It’s noteworthy that Lower Crossed Syndrome often paves the way for Upper Crossed Syndrome. The exaggerated arch in the lower back prompts compensatory adjustments in the upper regions to maintain an upright posture. Consequently, this cascades into symptoms affecting the upper back, neck, and head.
Various factors can contribute to the development of this postural issue. Traumas, both physical and emotional, may induce muscle dysfunctions that contribute to the syndrome. However, more commonly, a sedentary lifestyle, desk jobs, or certain sports that involve a pelvic hinge can lead to muscle imbalances. This imbalance alters weight distribution and shifts the center of gravity, subjecting the spine and its articulations to increased stress.
At our office, we prioritize a comprehensive approach to address Lower Crossed Syndrome. Our interventions include spine and pelvis adjustments, identification and correction of malfunctioning muscles, and the provision of tailored home exercises. Additionally, we offer ergonomic recommendations to cultivate positive postural habits, aiming to alleviate discomfort and foster overall well-being.
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