Back Pain
Since back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, it is vital to know how to prevent the cause of back pain. By maintaining a healthy diet and weight, remaining active and avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest are all important ways to avoid back pain. Before doing exercises or any physical activity, it is recommended to warm up and/or stretch.
Some other preventative measures are to maintain proper posture, wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes and sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curvature in your spine. It is always good to remember to lift with your knees, do not twist when lifting and keep objects close to your body.
Another lifestyle to avoid is smoking which impairs blood flow resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues. By working with your doctor or chiropractor is the best way to ensure your working space is ergonomically correct. While nothing is fool-proof, these are helpful ways to prevent yourself from becoming the next statistic.
For more information or to request an appointment, call us today at (772) 466-9575.
Neck Pain
The neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. The cervical spine supports the full weight of your head which is on average about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.
The neck’s susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and everyday wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.
A neck adjustment (also known as cervical manipulation) is a precise procedure where pressure is applied to the joints of the neck, usually by hand. A neck adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion. Patients typically notice an improved ability to turn and tilt the head as well as a reduction of pain, soreness and stiffness.
Our team here at Gilmore Chiropractic will develop a program of care that may combine more than one type of treatment depending on your personal needs. In addition to manipulation, the treatment plan may also include mobilization, massage or rehabilitative exercises.
If you are experiencing neck pain, call our office today at (772) 466-9575 for an assessment today!
Sciatica
Sciatica is characterized by pain in the lower back that radiates down one or both legs. The pain is described as dull, achy, sharp, like “pins and needles” or similar to electric shocks. Other symptoms associated with sciatica include burning, numbness and tingling sensations. Sciatic nerve pain varies in intensity from mild to severe, and frequency may range from occasional to constant. The onset is generally gradual and not necessarily associated with a previous event.
Sciatica is also known as radiating or referred pain, neuropathy, or neuralgia.
Here at Gilmore Chiropractic, we regularly treat patients with sciatica. Since there are many disorders that cause sciatica, we will determine what is the root cause of your sciatica by taking a thorough patient history during your physical and neurological exam. In some instances, diagnostic testing such as an x-ray, MRI, CT scan and/or electrodiagnostic test (electromyography) might be necessary. These examinations and tests help to detect possible contraindications to spinal adjustments and other chiropractic therapies.
The best care for sciatic pain is to schedule regular chiropractic appointments. This allows us to better detect and correct any spinal dysfunction that may be a source of the sciatic pain. Call our office today at (772) 466-9575 to start living a pain-free life.