Back pain affects more and more people worldwide, which is a source of major concern for us upper cervical chiropractors in Rockford, IL. Chronic back pain can lead to disability. Many reasons can be behind back pain, but how can you get relief? Here are some of the possible causes behind the pain in your middle and upper back, as well as a natural solution that can help you break away from the condition.
1. Carrying a Heavy Bag
It is a big mistake to carry your daily bag or purse using only one shoulder to support the weight. Making this habit spreads the weight unevenly across your body, affecting your posture and spinal alignment. As a result, back pain can ensue. You can correct this by choosing a bag that evenly distributes the weight of the bag, or reduce the amount of items you pack altogether. This lifestyle change can help avoid daily wear and tear stress on your back.
Kids should also make important changes. Heavy backpacks can be harmful to their developing spines. They should use a backpack that distributes the weight evenly. Parents should also encourage them to bring only essential items to school.
2. Poor Posture
This is often a major source of back pain for people, especially those adults who have a sedentary lifestyle. Poor posture is common in people who work at computers with monitors below eye level, people who hold their phones between their shoulder and ear, and anyone who is often glued to mobile devices. Spending extended hours commuting in the car can also have negative effects on posture. Any of these can result in spinal misalignments and back pain.
3. Lifting with the Back
The best way to lift heavy objects is to lift with the legs, instead of your back. Unfortunately, many people ignore this, resulting in numerous cases of back pain. Poor lifting methods can lead to misalignments and injuries in the back.
4. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to deteriorate. The pain is worse in the affected area of the spine. The weakness of the bones often begins in the upper back and spreads down. As osteoporosis progresses, it is common to experience fractures in the vertebrae. This results in pain, worse posture, and faster degeneration. Getting ahead of these types of degenerative spinal disorders is very important.
5. Scoliosis
This is a condition in which the spine has abnormal curvature. It can mean long-term issues as it progresses, affecting gait, posture, and pain levels. It’s important to catch scoliosis at an early stage as there are more treatment options to care for the condition. This is the reason why children often undergo examination and screening for scoliosis in school.
In one case study, a 15-year-old girl improved her scoliosis through upper cervical chiropractic care. From a 44-degree Cobb angle scoliosis (which normally requires surgery to correct), it improved to a 32-degree angle in only 5 months. After 4 years of care, it further improved to a 25-degree angle. Surgery was no longer needed.
6. Kyphosis
A normal, healthy spine must have a subtle S curve when viewing it from the side. The spine curves slightly between the shoulders. However, the excessive outward curvature of the spine is called kyphosis. It can lead to problems in the upper spine including osteoporosis and upper cervical misalignments. A “hunchback” look can be due to kyphosis. This condition involves stiffness and pain, and it can cause gait changes in a person.
7. Injuries or Accidents
Another major contributor to chronic back problems is injuries or accidents. Even a minor accident or injury can lead to long-term problems down the road. When you have a history of head or neck injury, it is a good idea to consult upper cervical chiropractors in Rockford, IL, because we can examine the top bones in the spine and make sure they are not causing problems for your back. Misalignment of the uppermost bones can impact the rest of the spine, causing chronic back pain and other debilitating symptoms.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic — A Natural Back Pain Reliever
If you are one of the millions of people suffering from back pain, we would like to introduce to you a natural therapy that can improve your scoliosis and spine-related conditions. It is none other than upper cervical chiropractic care. It is a niche in the chiropractic practice that focuses on the adjustment of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, the uppermost bones in the spine. Misalignments in this area can lead to various symptoms throughout the body.
Upper cervical chiropractors like our doctors here at Upper Cervical Care Center-Rockford in Illinois make a detailed examination of the cervical spine, including taking of exact measurements of the C1 and C2 using x-rays and diagnostic imaging. This involves giving of gentle adjustments that are tailored to each patient’s case and needs.
If you seek cervical spine relief in Rockford, IL, our office is well worth the visit. We only use low-force adjustments with very little pressure. Another good thing about this form of care is that it is drug-free and resolves the root cause of back pain symptoms. To learn more and experience the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic care, call us at 815-384-1127 to schedule a complimentary consultation. You may also send us a message through our contact form.
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