What Causes Spine Problems?

It's no surprise that the term "backbone" is used colloquially to describe things that are important, foundational, and strong. Your spine is truly one of the most integrative and critical parts of your body. The spinal column and its associated muscles are necessary for almost all functional movement, and it protects a vast network of neurological and vascular pathways that are essential for survival.

Unfortunately, the spine is also one of the most common parts of the body to become injured. Statistics show that up to 70% of people worldwide will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and for many of these people the problem will recur. Why is this so? While individual factors will vary, here are a few of the most common factors that lead to spine problems, and a few of examples of what chiropractic care can do to resolve them: 

Treating Spine Problems in San Antonio

1. Joint or muscle derangement. You have hundreds of joints in your spine. If any of your spinal joints become misaligned, they can cause hypomobility and discomfort. This often leads to compensatory muscle tension, spasms, and strains. Chiropractors are skilled at providing manual adjustments to the spine and pelvis in order to restore normal joint mechanics. Chiropractors also prescribe corrective exercises to heal and strengthen damaged muscles.

2. Stress. Emotional and physical stress activates pain pathways in the brain, which often leads to chronic back pain. Poorly managed stress can also impair a person's quality of sleep and food choices. Chiropractors take a holistic approach to pain management, and offer relaxation and educational services including massage and nutritional counseling. 

3. Poor posture and improper body mechanics. Any person, especially athletes and people with physically demanding jobs, can injure their back if they are not moving correctly. Chiropractors use postural screens, patient education, and workspace modifications to prevent repetitive injuries and improve a person's functional performance in daily life. 

Are you experiencing chronic back pain, or are worried about your spine health? Call Dr. Phillips San Antonio Chiropractic today at %CLIENT_PHONE% to schedule your first appointment.