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Low Back Pain Treatment: An Oxnard, CA Chiropractor's Perspective

Did you know that low back pain and spinal disorders are the leading cause of pain, disability, and suffering in the world today? It can severely interfere with your quality of life and your ability to perform even the most basic activities of daily living.

As chiropractors here in Oxnard, CA we see so many people come in suffering from low back pain. It is critical to diagnose and treat it as early as possible to prevent the condition from worsening and progressing to a need for surgery. Studies show that about 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point, but luckily there are multiple treatment options available. At Kalani Total Health Center in Oxnard, California, you can find effective alternative treatments for it, including massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture.

How We Treat Low Back Pain in Oxnard, CA

Comprehensive Consultation and Exam

Here at Kalani Total Health Center treatment for low back pain begins with a comprehensive consultation and exam.

We start with your health history, which helps us gain a better understanding of where you’ve been and what direction we need to head regarding your treatment. Once your medical history is completed you are paired with one of our specialists who will review your history, ask various questions, and address your health goals.

Then, in most cases, X-rays will be taken to allow our specialist to take a deeper look at any problems that may be hiding. These images provide a more comprehensive look at the problem you may be having and are a valuable tool for getting to the root cause of your low back pain.

Finally, our specialist creates a care plan specifically designed to get you back to optimal health.

Specific Chiropractic Care in Oxnard, CA

Our chiropractors specialize in treating Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

What is Vertebral Subluxation Complex and why is it important? Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes the way vertebral joints shift out of alignment putting pressure on and stressing the nervous system. The misalignments trigger pain generators in your muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal facet joints, spinal discs, spinal nerves, spinal arteries, veins, and fascia which lead to abnormal posture, abnormal movement patterns, and spinal weakness. When treating low back pain it’s important to understand Subluxation so that we can get to the root of your problem and provide relief as quickly as possible.

Most Common Treatment Options

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is built on healing low back pain. Direct spinal manipulation, which is a core part of chiropractic, is the main technique used. Mobilization, a technique in which controlled motion is applied to your joints, is also effective to help reduce stiffness. The sooner you seek chiropractic treatment, the quicker you can increase your range of motion and reduce your discomfort.

We may also recommend some simple strength and conditioning exercises, such as the mirror image posture exercise, that can be added to your routine. Small changes like these can speed recovery from pain and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Massage

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek massage therapy. Because your back pain could have several different causes, our experts will determine the type of massage that is most appropriate for your needs.

For back pain, most treatments focus on the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle or the gluteus medius. Sports massage, Swedish massage, and deep tissue massage are all effective for treating it.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has long been used to relieve lower back pain and can provide long-term results. Acupuncture treatment stimulates your body’s natural healing mechanisms to reduce pain and inflammation. If done as part of treatment to an acute injury, like a sprain or strain to the spine, acupuncture can speed healing and soothe stiff muscles and ligaments.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain in Oxnard, CA

Low back pain is one of the most common ailments because it has so many different causes. Whether you realize it or not, your back is engaged in almost every movement you make and this workload leaves it vulnerable to:

  • Muscle or ligament strain
  • Bulging or ruptured discs
  • Arthritis
  • Skeletal irregularities
  • Osteoporosis

Muscle or Ligament Strain

Muscle or ligament strain is characterized by pain that gets worse when you move. You could also exhibit symptoms such as cramping or spasm, difficulty bending, walking, or standing straight.

Bulging Discs or Ruptured Discs

Bulging discs are usually due to degeneration with age and occur when the spongy disc between the vertebrae becomes compressed and bulges out. A bulging disc can lead to weakness and numbness in the legs and poor bladder control. A ruptured disc is a problem with the cushion between the vertebrae. The disc is ruptured when some of the nucleus pushes through a tear in the outer coating of the disc. A ruptured disc may irritate nearby nerves which can result in pain and numbness in the buttocks, thigh, and calf.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition affecting the joints characterized by pain, redness, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and warmth in the joints.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become brittle and can lead to back pain caused by fractured or collapsed vertebra.

Sometimes chronic pain can develop for no particular reason at all. However, just because there is no single cause doesn’t mean there aren’t treatment options for your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I be worried about low back pain?

Most people have experienced low back pain at some point in their life. It can range from a dull ache that lasts a few days to intense pain that lasts for weeks. When in doubt seek professional advice.

How do I know if my low back pain is serious?

If you are experiencing low back pain along with any of these symptoms seek immediate care:

  • High Fever
  • Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
  • Increased weakness in your legs
  • Severe stomach pain

What can I do to prevent low back pain?

Back pain can be prevented, or at least mitigated, by adding a few habits to your daily routine. Some of the best ways to reduce back pain or prevent it entirely are with low-impact, strengthening exercises such as swimming or walking. Exercises that improve flexibility, like yoga, are also encouraged. This gives your back the support it needs without the strain of more strenuous exercise.

Other tips to prevent back pain include:

  • Lose weight
  • Quit smoking
  • Use ergonomic desk/home chairs
  • Talk to your chiropractor about learning to improve your posture
  • Always lift heavy objects by engaging your legs, not lifting with your back

By strengthening and supporting the muscles and soft tissue in your back, you can eliminate some of the leading causes of back pain.

How should I sleep with low back pain?

  • Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. Using the pillow helps to keep your hips, pelvis, and spine in better alignment.
  • Sleep on your side in a fetal position. Sleeping in the fetal position helps open up the space between vertebrae which can relieve pain and discomfort.
  • Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. When you sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees it helps alleviate strain on your pressure points and provides better alignment of the spine.

How can you tell if your spine is out of alignment?

Spinal misalignment is characterized by headaches, low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, hip pain, frequent illness, excessive fatigue, and numbness and tingling of the hands and feet.

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