Chiropractic During Pregnancy: Good for Mom, Safe for Baby

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There’s a lot of restrictions on what pregnant women can and can’t do for the health of their unborn child. That’s why it may come as a shock to expectant mothers when they realize chiropractic is on the good list of things you can do while pregnant!

Despite the misconception that chiropractic is all about jerky motions and popping joints, chiropractic adjustments and gentle palpation are actually good for mom and safe for baby. In fact, adjustments can be an important tool in helping mom cope through the duration of her pregnancy, as she deals with daily struggles like swollen feet, mood swings, and back pain.

At Advanced Spine and Posture, we encourage expectant moms throughout Las Vegas, NV to stop in and learn more about how chiropractic can help ease the stress of being pregnant. Using a careful Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) approach, we’ll work to help you feel more comfortable, without putting you or your baby at risk.

Coping with pregnancy pains

Getting comfortable while pregnant is a monumental task. You’re basically relegated to laying on your back – and that’s just not possible all the time. Standing on swollen feet is a no-go and sitting up straight puts a strain on your already aching back. What’s an expectant mom to do?

Chiropractic can help. In fact, choosing light palpations and gentle, low-velocity adjustments might be a better option than reaching for a bottle of pain relievers. This is because it focuses on the root of pain, not the symptoms. This is vitally important for pregnant women, since pain can stem from a variety of sources:

  • Weight gain: Your baby might only weigh six or seven pounds when it’s born, but bulking up far beyond that is part of your body’s natural response. Women carrying an extra 10-20 pounds may have a hard time adjusting to this new weight on their frame, which leads to stressed joints and muscle imbalance.
  • Postural changes: Aside from weight gain, your body’s entire shape will change. To accommodate a rounded belly, your back will arch further, your feet will bow outward, and your shoulders will be thrown back. These dramatic postural changes can cause some pain – the type of pain that won’t go away without manual adjustment and gentle palpation.
  • Hormonal changes: The flood of hormones that accompanies pregnancy creates its own type of pain for many women. They actually contribute to joint laxity, which is useful for delivering the baby but can be painful when you’re trying to support a bigger body.

Pregnant women are encouraged to stay away from all major over-the-counter (OTC) medications while pregnant. Heat and ice will only go so far for pain relief. So, as many women have found comfort from gentle massage, chiropractic is popular as a natural next step in finding relief.

Tell your chiropractor you’re pregnant

Just like you need to tell your doctor you’re pregnant before making any lifestyle changes, the same goes for your chiropractor. Letting your chiro know you’re pregnant will change how they adjust you. For example, they may opt for traction, low-velocity adjustments, and gentle palpation instead of high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques. The idea behind this is increased comfort, instead of putting more stress on an already-stressed body.

If you’re a few months along and starting to feel the stress of pregnancy on your body, visiting a chiropractor in Las Vegas, NV could help you find relief. Advanced Spine and Posture welcomes pregnant women! We’ll be glad to explain the safety of our techniques and get you acclimated with our Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) approach to delivering targeted adjustments. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

Taking Corticosteroids? You May be at an Increased Risk for Spinal Fractures!

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Osteoporosis is a condition many people become intimately familiar with in their old age. Women are especially at-risk. And while it’s generally attributed to deficiencies of Vitamin D and calcium, other factors can contribute to the condition, such as corticosteroids. If you’re taking corticosteroids for another condition – whether orally, as a cream, or through injections – development of osteoporosis can be a reality.

A major concern of osteoporosis (regardless of its cause) is vertebral compression fractures. Due to a loss of bone density, these fractures are common in osteoporosis patients and many actively avoid strenuous activities that may induce them. For patients taking corticosteroids who may be developing osteoporosis as a result, they may not have the foresight to avoid these fractures.

At Advanced Spine and Posture, we actively talk with our patients in Las Vegas, NV about any medications they’re taking before administering adjustments. This includes corticosteroids.

Understanding the impact of corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatories that are great for treating several chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases like arthritis. The problem with them is that they can do this at the expense of bone health if taken for extended periods of time.

The biggest concern is the effect corticosteroids have on osteoclasts. Steroids stifle the effects of these bone-producing cells and actually prevent the formation of new osteoclasts over time. Cumulatively, this leads to a loss of bone density and the inability of the body to process calcium to replenish bone matter.

Be aware of the risk of spinal fractures

Many people taking corticosteroids also seek alternative modes of treatment for managing ongoing pain. Chiropractic is among these.

Just like a chiropractor will make special considerations for patients suffering from osteoporosis, they’ll likely adapt their adjustment techniques for someone with a history of corticosteroid use. The reason hinges on accommodating the body, not working against it. It may include using gentler techniques or focusing adjustments on specific at-risk areas where vertebral compression fractures are known to occur.

They’ll also be able to advise on lifestyle changes that may mitigate the risk of vertebral compression fractures. This may include advice on diet and exercise, as well as a routine chiropractic adjustment schedule.

Recognizing a spinal fracture

A vertebral compression fracture isn’t easily mistaken. It’s acute pain, followed by restricted range of motion and the inability to walk or sit without immense discomfort. It’s a condition you should seek immediate assistance for.

If you’re suffering from a spinal fracture and seek help from a chiropractor, they’ll likely ask about any preexisting conditions such as osteoporosis. What they might not always ask, however, is if you’ve been taking a corticosteroid long-term. This is something to make known, as it provides insight into how or why your fracture occurred.

At Advanced Spine and Posture, we thoroughly review our patient’s medical histories with them. If our Las Vegas, NV patients are taking corticosteroids, we take note and use this information to deliver a better level of care. And, when it comes to formulating a Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) adjustment plan, we make sure it’s one that supports your body, including bones that may need a higher standard of care.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our expert chiropractic practitioners.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

Tips for Sitting and Sleeping with Scoliosis for Better Weight Distribution

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Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature or twisting of the spine, affects a great number of people. But it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Scoliosis can take different forms, curving to the left or right (or both) and being severe or mild.

Unfortunately, back pain is a common symptom of scoliosis, due to the alignment of the spine affecting nerves, joints, tissues, and muscles. If your scoliosis isn’t severe enough to require surgery, bracing, massage, and physical therapy exercises may relieve pain. However, a large part of scoliosis treatment is simply day-to-day management.

At Advanced Spine and Posture in Las Vegas, NV, we work with scoliosis patients to create a plan for pain management that might include massage, exercise, and chiropractic adjustment. But another aspect of management is posture.

Posture plays a large role in the management of scoliosis; not only can it potentially minimize pain, but having good posture may also help mitigate other back problems caused by poor posture.

Maintaining healthy posture with scoliosis

In order to maintain good posture with scoliosis and reduce pressure on the spine and surrounding tissues, you must distribute your weight evenly and help your joints bear an equal amount of pressure at all times. Standing posture can make a difference, but many people forget about the importance of good posture while sitting and sleeping, as well.

Sitting with scoliosis

When sitting, ideal posture is achieved by placing weight firmly on the buttocks and thighs, with the back straight and not tilted or curved forward or backward. Feet should remain firmly planted on the floor and your pelvis should be neutral. You should also aim to sit in chairs offering lower back support and arm rests.

Note that sitting for extended periods of time may result in greater back pain or discomfort, so you should try to get up and take a short walk after sitting for a half hour.

Sleeping with scoliosis

Sleeping with scoliosis can also be tough. Not all positions will be comfortable for people with back pain. The goal during sleep should be to keep your spine in a neutral position and support it.

First, make sure your mattress has adequate back support and is not too soft or hard. When sleeping, always avoid lying flat on your back with your legs spread out straight or sleeping on your stomach. These positions may put extra pressure on your lumbar spine or arch your back, putting stress on the spine.

Aim to sleep on your back with your legs bent over a roll support, on your side with legs bent forward, or on your side with a pillow between the knees. These positions will help support all parts of your spine and distribute your weight evenly. If you’re sleeping on your back, you may also want to place a pillow under your back or shoulders for extra support.

Posture corrections are just the start

Even with proper posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping, scoliosis may still cause you pain or stiffness. A combination of pain management techniques may be necessary to relieve you of physical discomfort. Chiropractic care may help alleviate pain and strengthen your muscles to make holding proper posture easier.

At Advanced Spine and Posture in Las Vegas, NV, we treat patients with scoliosis through our Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) techniques — a holistic approach to patient care that emphasizes total-body wellness through corrections of the spine and surrounding tissues.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

Tense? Chiropractic and TENS May be a Winning Combination

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Muscle tension is debilitating, no matter what level it affects you at. It can lead to everything from personal discomfort to serious nervous system issues, a reduced range of motion, and even semi-permanent mobility restrictions. If you’re experiencing regular bouts of extreme muscle tension, it’s time for a trip to the chiropractor.

At Advanced Spine and Posture, our chiropractic practitioners have all sorts of tools at their disposal to reduce and alleviate muscle tension – especially since we rely on Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) to individualize all treatments. Not many of our Las Vegas patients anticipate getting hooked up for electrical stimulation, however!

Explore the benefits of TENS

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a healthcare treatment methodology that involves transmitting low levels of electrical stimulation directly through a patient’s skin. There are no known side-effects to TENS treatment and it is non-addictive.

TENS technology is relatively new in the medical field, which means there’s still a lot of research that needs to be conducted about its effectiveness and potential side-effects. With that said, there’s strong anecdotal evidence that TENS therapy, especially when coupled with traditional chiropractic care, is an exceptionally effective means of pain treatment.

Here are just some of the early anecdotal benefits of using a TENS system you should discuss with your chiropractor:

  • Pain relief: One of the most notable benefits of TENS is it’s capability to alleviative even chronic pain, especially when coupled with another treatment modality, like massage therapy or chiropractic care.
  • Inflammation reduction: TENS, at least according to some studies, is capable of reducing inflammation. The stimulation caused by the light, painless electrical current a TENS unit produces may help improve blood flow around the affected area.
  • Non-invasive: Compared with other pain management therapies – which may involve surgery or other, more invasive options – TENS is exceptionally non-invasive. It’s a lower risk treatment modality than direct injections and carries less risk than chronic prescriptions.

Why TENS?

In addition to the physical benefits associated with TENS stimulation, there are also several hallmarks that make it a favorite treatment approach of chiropractors.

  • Non-addictive: Unlike opioid-based pain management solutions, TENS systems are completely non-addictive. This means you can use your TENS unit as much as you want, without having to worry about developing dependency.
  • Compact and portable: TENS units aren’t large, cumbersome devices that have to be used in a medical office. In fact, TENS units are small and compact enough to carry around and take with you, wherever you go. This means you can comfortably travel with a treatment option for muscle cramps and nerve pain flare-ups.
  • Affordable: You may think the cost of a TENS unit is prohibitively expensive. The fact is, TENS units are actually relatively affordable. Many mid-range models sit around $200. You may even be able to get your insurance company to help foot the bill!

At Advanced Spine and Posture, we advocate all non-invasive pain options when helping patients address muscle pain. We love to extol the benefits of TENS to our Las Vegas, NV patients – especially as part of their Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) wellness plan.

Contact us today to learn more about TENS or to schedule an appointment to have your muscle pain, nerve pain, or muscle soreness evaluated by our qualified professionals.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

Pay Attention to Clues Pointing Towards Facet Joint Syndrome

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Back pain is an all-too-common occurrence, and many people are able to link their back pain to a particular cause: trauma from a car accident, lifting something heavy, or repetitive motion, to name a few. However, sometimes, the root of back pain isn’t easy to pinpoint.

Experiencing unexplained bouts of back pain can be frustrating, debilitating and stressful, especially when they occur irregularly. At Advanced Spine and Posture, we see many patients in Las Vegas, NV who deal with this issue for many years. Fortunately, if you suffer from this kind of pain, there may be an answer: Facet joint syndrome.

Facet joint syndrome is a degenerating disease of the spine’s facet joints. It can cause irregular periods of acute pain along the spine. Knowing the particular signs of this condition may help you identify the problem and seek treatment from a Chiropractic BioPhysics-trained spinal expert.

The importance of facet joints and how they degrade

A facet joint is a joint at the back of your spine, composed of two bony surfaces lined with cartilage to promote smooth movement. Your spine has many facet joints, and they sit at the points where each vertebra, or spinal bone, touches the one above and below it.

Facet joints are extremely important because they facilitate movement in the spine, such as bending and twisting. They also limit your range of motion so you can’t bend too far and damage your nerves.

Unfortunately, like other areas of the body with cartilage, facet joints can get worn down over time, reducing the cartilage between the bones. This often happens because of a change in the way the facet joints are aligned, potentially caused by aging, excessive weight bearing, spinal injuries, arthritis, and other damage.

When the bones are able to rub together, inflammation and swelling occur, resulting in pain in the neck or back.

Understanding the signs of facet joint syndrome

Because back pain is not always able to be linked directly to a cause, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms and areas of pain so you can identify what kind of issue you might be experiencing. Facet joint syndrome has a few distinct signs that differentiate it from other back pain problems.

  • First, facet joint syndrome often produces irregular periods of acute pain that you are unable to link to an obvious cause. The pain can be random, occurring once every few weeks. Typically, facet joint pain feels like a dull ache.
  • Second, you may experience soreness if you touch the skin in the painful area. This is caused by the muscles around the spine reacting and tightening.
  • Third, your pain may be relieved when you lean forward and may get worse when you bend backward. This is because of the pressure being removed or put on the facet joints in each posture.

Finally, your pain may begin or worsen after sitting for long periods of time. This is due to the pressure of gravity weighing against already tender facet joints.

Alleviating facet joint pain

If you believe you’re experiencing a problem with your facet joints, visit a chiropractor to discuss treatment options. Facet joint syndrome patients may respond well to physical therapy-type exercises and stretches, as well as chiropractic adjustments to properly align the spine and joints.

At Advanced Spine and Posture in Las Vegas, NV, our experts are experienced in identifying and implementing treatment plans for all kinds of back pain. Visit us today to see how we might help improve your condition. We’ll provide you with a free consultation and help you better understand your spine health situation.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Because Arthritis Isn’t Just for the Elderly

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Formerly called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a condition affecting children and adolescents. Called idiopathic because its exact source has yet to be determined, JIA is an umbrella term for a number of issues that can cause pain, swelling, discomfort and more in young patients.

If a young person in your life may be suffering from JIA, it’s important to realize that it’s not likely caused by the same sources of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. In fact, only about 10 percent of young people suffering from JIA also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. The distinction may seem purely medical, but it’s important to discern for treatment. At Advanced Spine and Posture, we confirm the medical history of our Las Vegas patients to rule out overlap.

An arthritis primer

Arthritis is, at its core, a term that refers to the inflammation of joints. There are a number of different types of arthritis that affect patients of all ages and backgrounds. Some types of arthritis are chronically painful conditions that require decades to overcome, while others are treatable with the right type of holistic healthcare.

Youth suffering from JIA typically exhibit the same symptoms as adults with arthritis conditions, including swelling, tenderness, warmth and joint pain that’s present for six weeks or more. If you know of a young person experiencing any or all of these symptoms, consult with a chiropractor about conditions affecting the spine and nervous system. There’s a moderate chance they’re suffering from JIA and may benefit from targeted treatment.

Types of JIA

When it comes to the types of arthritis affecting youth, there are several common culprits that can cause discomfort, pain, swelling, loss of motion and more. Here are some of the most common types of JIA affecting young people:

  • Psoriatic arthritis: This type of arthritis usually accompanies the skin condition, psoriasis. If joint pain follows the development of dry, scaly skin, psoriatic JIA is likely the culprit.
  • Oligoarthritis: Typically affecting the larger joints, like the knees and ankles, oligoarthritis usually starts with one to four joints that are inflamed within the first six months. After the first six months, more joints may become inflamed. This type of arthritis represents roughly 40 percent of all new JIA cases.
  • Polyarthritis: Affecting a minimum of five joints in the first six months, polyarthritis is sometimes seen as an early warning sign of adult early-onset rheumatoid arthritis. Smaller joints, like wrists and fingers, are most likely to be affected with JIA polyarthritis.
  • Undifferentiated JIA: When an adolescent experiences symptoms that don’t fit within any of the established JIA categories, they’re diagnosed with undifferentiated JIA. The recommended treatment will differ depending on the patient and their unique healthcare needs.

Whenever dealing with any type of arthritic condition, it’s important to seek the care and expertise of a healthcare practitioner adept at treating issues of the spine. Advanced Spine & Posture is a Las Vegas chiropractic clinic specializing in a holistic approach to healthcare. We tailor our approach and treatment to meet the needs of patients of all ages and symptoms.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from JIA, reach out to us today. We’ll help you learn more about our Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) approach to treating different forms of arthritis.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

Tender Points vs. Trigger Points: Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

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In spinal healthcare, two primary types of points are used to delineate different types of pain and their relevant causes: Tender points and trigger points. While it’s easy to confuse these two different methods of pinpointing pain, it’s important to realize they refer to distinct and separate phenomena.

At Advanced Spine and Posture, we’re adept at differentiating both tender and trigger points in our Las Vegas, NV patients. Doing so is the first step in making an accurate diagnosis of a condition like fibromyalgia.

Tender points vs. trigger points

Tender points relate to fibromyalgia. They’re a useful diagnostic tool chiropractors and other holistic healthcare providers can use to provide an accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia versus other types of chronic pain. If you have 11 or more of the 18 established tender points, it’s likely your chiropractor will diagnose you with fibromyalgia. However, you may still receive a diagnosis even if you have less than 11.

Trigger points, meanwhile, are areas of concentrated, tightly wound muscle fibers. Trigger points are associated with localized and referred pain. Also called muscular knots, trigger points are often associated with underlying musculoskeletal conditions that could cause long-term adverse health problems if left untreated.

Qualifying sensitivities

It’s important to learn how to differentiate between tender points and trigger points, so you can provide your chiropractor with accurate information. Qualifying the sensitivities you’re experiencing can help a chiropractor move forward with your case. Here are a few of the defining traits of tender points:

  • Localized pain: Tender points cause localized pain directly on the source.
  • Always multiple sites: People with tender points never experience a single tender site; instead, they experience multiple points of tenderness.
  • Symmetrical locations: The tender points are symmetrically located across the body. There are a total of 18 possible tender points.
  • No referred pain: Pain within tender points is always localized and never referred. Tender points can, however, increase sensitivity throughout the body.

While it’s often easy to mistake the two, there are several factors that set trigger points apart from tender points:

  • Taut band and twitch response: Trigger points are defined by a taut band of muscle, exhibiting a twitch response.
  • Single or multiple points: Unlike tender points, it’s possible for a single trigger point to manifest in your body.
  • All skeletal muscles are at risk: Trigger points don’t appear on predetermined parts of the body like tender points do. Instead, they can manifest on any skeletal muscle.
  • Causes specific referred pain: Trigger points refer pain in a specific pattern to other parts of the body, but don’t contribute to overall tenderness.

While trigger points and tender points both represent a healthcare conundrum, it’s important to understand the ways in which they differ. Understanding them will outline an accurate course of treatment, alleviating symptoms and treating underlying conditions.

Get to the point!

Not sure if you have a tender point or a trigger point? Want to know if you may have fibromyalgia? These are questions for a chiropractor.

At Advanced Spine and Posture, we help Las Vegas, NV patients qualify the sensitivity they’re experiencing and will diagnose any corresponding condition associated with them. Then, through a Chiropractic BioPhysics approach, we’ll work to assist you in managing or alleviating your discomfort.

To learn more about ways we diagnose and treat trigger points or tender points, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

Better Bedtime Habits to Help Reduce Your Insomnia and Back Pain

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woman suffering from insomnia

Few things are more integral to human health than a good night’s sleep. Spending each night tossing and turning could have serious adverse health outcomes in the long-term. That’s why it’s important to take steps toward improving the quality of your sleep if you’re experiencing insomnia or back pain whenever you hit the sack.

But, as we all know, good sleep is hard to come by! Many Las Vegas, NV patients come to Advanced Spine and Posture with complaints of back pain, chronic headaches, and muscle tension –products of a poor night’s sleep. Getting the sleep you need is a matter of changing your habits.

Many factors affect your quality of sleep, ranging from chronic pain conditions to stress at work. Understanding how your behavior and health affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep can empower you to make good decisions and improve the amount and quality of sleep you get each night.

There are several easy lifestyle changes you can make to improve your quality of sleep, duration of REM cycles, and overall feeling of being rested when the morning comes. Give the following a try if you’re having trouble getting quality shuteye:

  • Stick to a schedule: Maintaining a regular schedule is among the most significant steps you can take toward improving overall sleep. Our bodies operate on a biological clock, meaning they operate best when they’re on a regimented schedule. Staying on a consistent schedule will help your body get tired and wake up naturally, regularly.
  • Eat right: Staying on a healthy diet isn’t just good for your waistline – it’s also an essential part of maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine before bedtime can help you improve your sleep quality. Additionally, avoid going to bed on either an empty or completely full stomach. Doing so can cause discomfort and keep you from falling asleep.
  • Avoid naps: Taking long daytime naps disrupts your established sleep schedule and can make it especially challenging to fall asleep at night. If you find yourself needing to take a nap, do so earlier on in the day and avoid napping for more than 30 minutes at all costs.
  • Exercise every day: A common source of sleeplessness is a lack of exercise. You should be working out regularly to help your body feel tired when it’s time for bed. Additionally, spending time outdoors can help you improve your ability to sleep. Fresh air and sunlight go a long way towards helping your body calm down and get ready for sleep.
  • Create the right environment: Our ability to sleep is largely dependent on the environment we’re in. You should be in space that’s comfortable and familiar, designed to facilitate sleep. In your bedroom, for instance, the lighting should be low and you should avoid blue lighting (no phone screens!). Additionally, work to reduce stress and anxiety before bed, through breathing exercises or light stretching.

Getting the sleep you need is a product of creating the right routine for your body to adapt to. At Advanced Spine and Posture, we work at-length with our Las Vegas, NV patients to help pinpoint ways to improve their sleep – and as a result, their body’s natural ability to heal. This starts with Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP): A tailored adjustment schedule that’s patient-specific, targeting areas of misalignment or concern in the spine.

To learn more about ways we might be able to help you get the sleep you need and deserve, contact us today to schedule an evaluation.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

Your Back Spasms Are a Sign You’re Not Healing from Injury Properly

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It’s expected that roughly 80 percent of American adults will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is usually caused by everything from poor posture, to injury, to pregnancy. Accompanying back pain, back spasms are the result of involuntary contraction of the back muscles. These spasms may indicate an existing injury isn’t healing correctly, and could be a sign that you need to visit a chiropractic practitioner to have your recovery progress reevaluated.

There are a number of potential causes of back spasms, ranging from severe to relatively inconsequential. It’s important to realize, however, that back spasms are always a symptom of an underlying issue and not an issue in and of themselves. If you’re suffering from back spasms –which can be quite painful and uncomfortable – it’s advisable to seek out the assistance of a qualified care provider as soon as possible.

Advanced Spine and Posture is ready to help Las Vegas, NV patients make sense of their spasms. We may be able to help put you on a better road to recovery after an injury.

Diagnosing the source of back spasms

To diagnose a back spasm, a medical professional or chiropractic care provider will offer a range of potential solutions, including X-rays, magnetic imaging, or computerized tomographic (CT) scans.

Common causes of back spasms include ruptured discs, weak abdominal muscles and heavy lifting. When muscles in the lower back are injured, they may begin to spasm as a response to trauma. If back spasms continue, it could indicate serious issues with your muscles or the spinal tissue around them.

Sports, particularly golf and football, are also a common catalyst for back spasms. Many athletic activities require you to repeatedly twist back and forth, which can result in trauma to muscles in the lumbar back.

Treating back spasms

Regardless of the source of your back spasms, it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms. Working with a qualified provider of chiropractic care is the best way to ensure that the source of your muscle trauma is accurately diagnosed and treated.

Depending on the frequency and severity of your spasms, your provider may provide you with pain management tools in addition to your treatment. For example, both ice and heat are effective pain management tools to reduce swelling. It’s important to remember, however, that while pain management may mitigate the symptoms of your spasms, they’re not treating the underlying causes.

If you have a ruptured or slipped disc, physical manipulation of the spine via chiropractic care may be the best way to treat the injury. For traumatized muscles, your chiropractor may encourage you to take up physical therapy exercises, to help you to rebuild strength in the muscle that will eventually stop your spasms from occurring.

Don’t suffer through spasms

Advanced Spine and Posture is a trusted source of chiropractic care in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding areas. We’re here to deliver relief through corrective chiropractic care, physical therapy, and much more, using an individualized Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) approach. If you’re suffering from back spasms or if you’ve recently undergone spinal trauma, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and appointment.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.

How Can Traction Help Reduce the Pressure in Your Lower Back?

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Pain and pressure in the lower (lumbar) back can be caused by a range of issues, including nerve compression, muscle strain, and more. Holistic healthcare providers, including chiropractors, will try to identify the source of lumbar pressure or pain and prescribe a treatment that addresses both the symptoms and the root cause of the discomfort. Lumbar traction is one of these approaches.

Lumbar traction is a healing processes used by some holistic healthcare practitioners to help patients overcome discomfort and pain associated with the lumbar area. Using weights, pulleys, and levers, a chiropractor will apply mechanized pressure to manipulate the lower back and gently stretch the spine itself, resulting in a slow and steady decompression process.

Chiropractors may use lumbar traction to treat a range of back pain symptoms and causes, including sciatica, bulging discs, diseased spinal nerve joints, and more. The only way to determine if lumbar traction is a suitable treatment for you and your back pressure or pain is to ask your chiropractor if this therapy is right for you. At Advanced Spine and Posture, we’re always happy to explain the potential benefits of traction to all of our Las Vegas, NV patients.

What to expect with spinal traction

If your chiropractor recommends spinal traction therapy for you, it’s important to realize there are two primary methods of administering treatment.

  • It’s likely they’ll start by administering manual lumbar traction therapy. During a manual therapy session, a chiropractor uses their hands to manipulate the spine and surrounding joints and muscles into a state of traction. This is often a less intensive form of traction therapy.
  • Mechanical spinal traction therapy involves a series of devices, including pulleys, slings and more. The chiropractor will use these tools to slowly, gently stretch out the spine and alleviate pressure. Mechanical spinal traction is a more intensive therapy that may cause some temporary discomfort.

During and after spinal traction treatments, you’re likely to experience small muscle spasms. Some soreness in the lumbar back and other areas of the spinal column may result, as well. Your chiropractor will likely offer you tips for pain management following your appointment. It’s important to remain well rested and hydrated both before and after a spinal traction therapy appointment.

Benefits of spinal traction

While studies demonstrating the effectiveness of spinal traction on treating back pain and pressure are inconclusive, anecdotal evidence suggests spinal traction therapy is an effective means of treatment for many patients suffering from sciatica and other forms of disc damage.

The best way to ascertain whether spinal traction therapy is right for you is simply asking your chiropractor. If spinal traction alleviates pain and pressure in your lumbar back, you can work out a treatment schedule with your practitioner.

Advanced Spine and Posture is a full-service chiropractic care center offering holistic healthcare solutions for residents of the Greater Las Vegas, NV area. Count on us to provide you with personalized, innovative treatment strategies, rooted in our individualized Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) approach. Call today to schedule your free consultation.

Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.