Discussing Some Treatments

The body operates like a fine-tuned vehicle. When it is new, everything works fine, but as time progresses it needs an oil change and tune up. However, just like a car, there are preventative methods that can be put into place that allow the body to continue to work properly. Like a car, once issues begin, they usually don’t seem to stop. Due to many medical practices, it has been easier to find and fix the problem; fortunately, in some cases the issue can be addressed before it occurs to keep the well-oiled vessel running like new. The back sits on a pedestal as it is the housing for the central nervous system. Without it, normal daily activities can become very painful, difficult, or impossible. Through my research I have compiled three common causes of back problems: mechanical problems, injuries, and infections and diseases.

Mechanical Problems
"For every action there must be an equal or opposite reaction." Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion. For every step that is taken, the spine must be able to absorb the shock. Failure to do so can result in intervertebral disc degeneration which naturally occurs with age. It is the spine’s function to allow for mobility. With wear and tear, the spine loses its ability to allow for pain-free mobility as the disks between intervertebral joints become thin. Disks degeneration is common in all people as it occurs with age, which is why it is the leading mechanical problem in the spine.
Failure to maintain proper posture when sitting and walking are also mechanical problems that go in hand with chronic back issues. When we slouch, our muscles and ligaments struggle to keep us balanced properly, thus causing our muscles to pull and work harder. Although having improper posture every once in a while is not harmful, we have to remember that our body functions like a fine automobile. If we hit the brakes too hard once, everything is fine. If we continue to do such, eventually our brake pads will wear out and need changing. This can cause continuous muscle strain and tension.

Injuries
An obvious cause for back problems are injuries. Most injuries in sports and car accidents can cause great harm to an individual. In some cases, even paralysis. These injuries can often be corrected and fixed through surgery, physical therapy, or a chiropractor; however, pain related symptoms can persist years after correction. Accidents, such as falls, sprains, and fractures, can also cause extreme back pain. Even minor falls left untreated can cause chronic back pain, which is very difficult to place, years later.

Infections and Disorders
Another common cause of back problems are infections like kidney stones and disorders like pregnancy and scoliosis. Infections of the kidneys can cause pain in the back due to its placement above the pelvic saddle. Usually pregnancy is an honorable stage of life to experience for a mother; however, for an expecting mother’s back, pregnancy can cause immense pain as her back struggles to carry the additional weight. The lower lumbar muscles are continuously strained; however, scoliosis is a more permanent disorder. Although it is corrective, it causes a lateral curvature in the spine which makes it very painful to walk, sit, and sleep.

Prevention
Every one thousand miles or so a car requires an oil change. Without one, the car now becomes subject to many mechanical issues causing the engine to not work properly and the car eventually failing. An oil change is a preventative method that allows for the better functioning of an automobile. As a car needs oil as a preventative method, our bodies require exercise as our oil change. With proper exercise, especially the abdominal muscles, the back muscles strengthen which allow it to respond better to sudden movements, many of which can cause spasms. Many Americans sit behind a desk for eight hours or more a day. This is harmful. Exercise is important in the prevention of back injuries because it increases the blood supply within the spinal canal.

In addition to exercise, the use of proper body mechanics and diet and nutrition help prevent back problems. Although it may not seem like “a big deal", knowing how to properly lift objects at home and at work are very important. Feet should always be spread shoulder width apart with the knees bent. Having proper posture is also important. If we hold our heads erect with our shoulders back when we stand and walk, we are less likely to experience back pain when we are older.
Diet and nutrition also play a major role in the prevention of back problems. Poor health habits like smoking can cause progressive degenerative issues on intervertebral discs. Increasing water consumption allows for healthy mobility and movement of nutrients throughout the spinal canal. Recent discoveries show that individuals who are overweight or obese have additional stress on their back.

Treatment
I have discussed causes of back problems as well as prevention, now let’s discuss treatment. Think of the chiropractors as mechanics, there to fine tune and correct all ailments. There are three common methods they go by when treating their patients: spinal manipulation, massages, and flexion-distracted technique. Spinal manipulation, also called osteopathic manipulative treatment, uses mobilization ad manipulation techniques to help restore movement in restricted joints through hands on therapy that retrain muscles of the back. Most people are familiar with the relaxing massages, but chiropractic massages are more intense in that they target the deeper tissues of the muscles and apply an uncomfortable amount of pressure. Flexion distracted technique allows for the release of pressure in the disc and spine through vertical and circular movements creating an effect to allow a disc to be returned to its normal range of motion. These are some of the most common practices but are not the only practices. Many methods and techniques are created every year as medicine develops and chiropractors create new way for treating patients.