A Pain In the Back
Are you one of millions of people around the world that suffer from back pain?
It’s more common than you might think.
Estimates say that up to 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at some point during their lifetime.
Back pain can come on suddenly, or it can build up over time until it becomes unbearable. The discomfort can occur from something simple, such as bending down to pick up an object off the floor. Or it may have cumulative effects, like from a car accident where the pain has simply continued to increase over the years since.
Acute, Chronic, or In Between?
Your symptoms can be described based on the amount of time that you have had them.
Acute pain has been present for 6 weeks or less. It can also be used to describe pain that comes on quite suddenly.
Subacute describes pain that lasts for more than six weeks, but no longer than 3 months.
Chronic pain is a persistent form of discomfort just doesn’t seem to respond to anything. It lasts for more than 3 months with little or no improvement over time. Since the majority of cases of back pain recur, most can be referred to as chronic.
How the Pain Sets In
As is the case with any health-related condition, it’s important to understand the cause behind your back pain. Some of the most common include:
- Strain. Overuse or improper movement can strain the muscles or ligaments in your back.
- Disc problems. The vertebra of your spine are cushioned buy the discs that are located in between. The soft material can rupture or bulge, pressing on a nerve.
- Arthritis. though you may at first associate arthritis with the hands, it can happen in your back, too.
- Osteoporosis. Just like any other bones in the body, the spinal bones can become brittle.
What You Can Do About Back Pain
Sometimes, you can notice a pretty big difference in your pain just from giving yourself a break. Refrain from any strenuous activities that may oplace further strain on your back. Prioritize getting proper sleep each night. Resting for a few weeks may give you more relief than you think. In many cases, however, you can benefit from taking further measures to beat your back pain.
Each year, between $6-12 billion is spent on low back pain care. Back pain results in missed working days, and takes a significant toll on your personal life, too. It is of vital importance that you focus on your recovery if you suffer from back pain.
If you have never been to a Chiropractor, it may be time to consider what Chiropractic can do to help your back pain. In numerous studies performed all over the globe, Chiropractic has been shown to be highly effective in many types of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain. Give us a call to schedule a full evaluation that pinpoints the exact cause of your pain.
The Many Types of Ankle Pain
Have you ever stepped on an uneven surface and had your ankle twist? A strain or sprain can be painful and leave you with long-lasting problems. Perhaps you’ve even suffered the misfortune of a broken ankle bone, which can affect any of the three bones that make up the ankle: the tibia, fibula and talus.
If you have struggled with ankle-related problems before, you’ve likely felt frustrated with how long they can take to resolve. Many people who have had an issue with their ankle find that episodes of pain continue to recur.
Here are some of the most common sources of ankle pain:
- Sprained ankle. Your ligaments can become stretched and torn. These ligaments hold the ankle bones together. You may experience bruising, swelling and pain as a result.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. This condition occurs when your immune system attacks your joints, which may cause pain in your ankles.
- Osteoarthritis. When the cartilage at the end of a bone wears off, the bones rub on each other, leading to pain.
- Flat feet. There is an arch between your heel and the ball of the foot. When you stand, a hollow area should be created. If not, it is referred to as flat feet. Flat feet can be inherited, or may be a result of injury. If flat feet cause your ankles to go out of line with your knees, pain and swelling will occur.
- Fractured ankle. If any of the three bones that make up your ankle break or crack. If you have a break in the ankle, you will know due to the high level of pain and swelling. It’s essential to seek emergency treatment in such a case.
- Achilles tendinitis. Your Achilles tendon connects your heel to your calf muscles. If this tendon is strained, it can cause tiny tears. The back of your ankle will feel tender, swollen or warm.
- Bursitis. There are bursa, which are fluid-filled sacs, between the tendons and bones in the ankle. They may become inflamed due to overuse, improper footwear, or arthritis.
- Infection. Be sure to look out for fever, swollen, warm or red areas and general signs of sickness. If these accompany your ankle pain, you may have an infection that requires immediate attention.
- Chronic lateral ankle pain. This is a category all its own because of the many causes. It may be the result of a past sprain if the ligament remains weak. There are several possible reasons behind this type of pain, and the proper treatment will depend on which yours is.
How to Relieve Your Pain
The treatment that is right for your particular ankle pain will depend on what the cause of it is. There is some general advice, however, that can be followed for an acute form of injury that can be treated at home with RICE:
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
If you are unsure of where to turn, consider visiting us. We are trained in human anatomy and have a keen understanding of body biomechanics – including your ankles. If Chiropractic is not appropriate for your particular concerns, you’ll be informed immediately so that you can find the right place for you.
