Get In Touch Today
475 South Spring Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Call: (630) 530-4744
Text: (331) 205-7355
Email: reception@elmchiro.com
Office Hours
- Monday
- -
- Tuesday
- -
- Wednesday
- -
- Thursday
- -
- Friday
- -
- Saturday
- Appointment Only
- Sunday
- Closed
Back Pain
Are you currently experiencing any discomfort or pain in your back while residing near Elmhurst? Back pain is a common ailment that affects a significant number of individuals across the United States, with estimates suggesting that nearly 32 million Americans are currently experiencing it. Moreover, research indicates that about 80% of the population will suffer from some form of back pain during their lifetime. Given such high prevalence rates, it is unsurprising that back pain has become the leading cause of disability in the country. Consequently, it is crucial to understand what causes back pain, how to prevent it, and what the most effective treatment options are once it arises. Our team of chiropractors in Elmhurst aims to provide you with useful information and guidance in this article to help address these concerns and more.
Do you live near Elmhurst
& Have Back Pain?
Back pain is a complicated issue with a plethora of possible causes ranging from injuries, misalignments, to various conditions. The back's intricate structure must bear stress while enabling movement, making numerous components such as tendons, ligaments, discs, muscles, and bones susceptible to damage or irritation that leads to discomfort. Sometimes, severe trauma like a car accident can cause back pain, but oftentimes, repetitive strain can be the culprit. It's not uncommon to forget the exact cause of back pain. However, physical injury isn't always the sole cause, as other factors can also contribute. Thankfully, the seasoned doctors at Elm Chiropractic in Elmhurst have extensive knowledge and experience to diagnose the underlying problem and provide the most suitable care. Even minor issues can escalate into lifelong concerns without accurate diagnosis and treatment.
While the root causes of back pain may vary, some are more prevalent than others. Our Elm Chiropractic professionals regularly treat common causes of lower back pain in Elmhurst.
Disc Bulges or Herniations
A common cause of intense back pain in Elmhurst is a disc bulge or herniation. However, not all cases of disc bulges or herniations result in pain, as MRI studies reveal that up to 37% of the American population has a disc bulge or herniation without experiencing any related symptoms. Those who do experience pain often describe it as severe and intense, with the type of pain dependent on the type and position of the herniation. If the damaged disc irritates a nearby nerve, pain and weakness may radiate into the legs, with a stabbing, lightning-like sensation. To better understand how a disc herniation occurs, imagine a jelly doughnut, where wear and tear on the outer edges of the doughnut (disc) can cause the jelly in the middle of the disc to leak out and damage surrounding structures. While this process is difficult to reverse once it's completed, chiropractic care has been shown to prevent the progression of the herniation and provide relief from pain.
Subluxations
Overlooked but significant, subluxations are a common cause of back pain that are often ignored. A subluxation occurs when a vertebra in the spine is not properly aligned, disrupting normal movement and potentially leading to a variety of symptoms, including pain. Subluxations can happen anywhere in the spine and are caused by a range of factors, including physical trauma, stress, and exposure to toxins. Just as stress can cause ulcers in the gut, it can also lead to changes in the body that cause misalignments in the spine. Correcting subluxations can vary in time frame depending on the individual, but our chiropractors at Elm Chiropractic are highly trained to address this issue.
Muscular Sprains & Tendon or Ligament Strains
Strains and sprains are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone. However, they are often seen in individuals who engage in physical activities that their bodies are not accustomed to. For instance, someone who decides to participate in a marathon without proper training is more likely to overwork their muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing damage. Ligament sprains occur when the ligament is stretched beyond its limit, leading to tears, while muscular strains are usually caused by lifting heavy objects or twisting motions. These types of injuries can cause significant pain, as well as swelling and bruising in the affected area. At Elm Chiropractic, we offer comprehensive chiropractic care that can help treat and manage these injuries, as they are closely related to the spine.
Stress & Back Pain
Individuals who experience chronic stress undergo significant changes in their physical makeup. During times of intense stress, the body reacts by releasing stress hormones to adapt to the situation. This response may result in an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, an altered immune system, decreased bone density, and reduced muscle mass. Prolonged stress has been linked to the development of heart disease, digestive issues, depression, obesity, and back pain. Additionally, the tension produced by stress hormones causes muscle tissue to contract, leading to the formation of painful "trigger points". At Elm Chiropractic, we have a high success rate in treating these trigger points.
Can Chiropractic Care Alleviate Back Pain?
When it comes to treating back pain, healthcare providers such as chiropractors focus on addressing the root cause of the problem, rather than just the symptoms. A common factor in many causes of back pain is misalignments of the vertebrae in the spine. Fortunately, our doctors at Elm Chiropractic are highly trained in correcting these misalignments, making chiropractic care a leading treatment option for various types of back pain. It is always recommended to start with a conservative, effective, and non-invasive approach when treating back pain. Several studies have shown chiropractic care to be a safe and effective treatment for back pain. If you are currently experiencing back pain or have any questions about chiropractic care, we encourage you to contact our Elmhurst chiropractic office today to schedule a consultation.
Contact Us
Do you have any questions for us? Fill in the form below or contact us at (630) 530-4744
Footer Contact Form
Get In Touch Now
475 South Spring Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126