Low Back Manipulation - How Does it Work? | Yankton Chiropractor | Brian Olson DC

Low back pain (LBP) is such a common problem that if you haven’t suffered from
it yet, you probably will eventually. Here are a few facts to consider:  1) LBP
affects men and women equally; 2) It is most common between ages 30-50; 3)
Sedentary (non-active) lifestyles contribute a lot to causation; 4) Too much or
too little exercise can result in LBP; 5) A BMI around 25 is “ideal” for weight
management, which helps prevent LBP; 6) Causes of LBP include lifestyle
(activity level), genetics – including, but not limited to, weight and
osteoarthritis; 7) Occupation; 8) Exercise habits, and the list can go on and
on. Let’s next look at how an adjustment is done.
When spinal manipulation is performed in the low-back region, the patient is
often placed in a side lying position with the upper leg flexed towards the
chest and the bottom leg kept straight. The bottom shoulder is pulled forwards
and the upper shoulder is rotated backwards at the same time the low back area
receives that the manipulation is rotated forwards. This produces a twisting
type of motion that is well within the normal range of joint motion. When the
adjustment is made, a “high velocity” (or quick), “low amplitude” (a short
distance of movement) thrust is delivered often resulting in “cavitation” (the
crack or, release of gases). So, WHY do we do this?
Most studies show that when there is back pain, there is inflammation. In fact,
inflammation is found in most disease processes that occur both within and
outside the musculoskeletal system. We know that when we control inflammation,
pain usually subsides. That is why the use of “PRICE” (Protect, Rest, Ice,
Compress, Elevate) works well for most muscle/joint painful conditions. We have
also learned that IF we can avoid cortisone and non-steroidal drugs (like
aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.), tissues heal quicker and better, so these
SHOULD BE AVOIDED! If you didn’t know that, check out:
 http://www.benthamscience.com/open/torehj/articles/V006/1TOREHJ.pdf
Please see our prior discussions on the use of anti-inflammatory herbs and diets
that are MUCH safer than non-steroidal drugs! But what does spinal manipulation
DO in reference to inflammation?
Different things occur physiologically during a spinal adjustment or
manipulation. We know that the mechanical receptors located in muscles, muscle
tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules are stimulated and this results in muscle
relaxation (reduced spasm or tightness), increased measurable range of motion,
and a decrease in pain. A recent study also reported that inflammatory markers
(CRP and interleukin-6) measured in a blood test, NORMALIZED after a series of
nine chiropractic low back manipulations! So, NOT ONLY do spinal adjustments
give immediate improvements in pain, flexibility, and muscle relaxation, they
also REDUCE INFLAMMATION without the use of any pharmaceuticals!
So, let’s review what manipulation does for your low back pain: 1) Pain
reduction; 2) Improved flexibility – now you can put on your socks with less
pain and strain; 3) Improved functions and activities of daily living like
sitting more comfortably, getting in or out of your car, bending over to feed
the cat, etc.; 4) Improved sleep quality; and 5) Faster healing time by actually
reducing the inflammatory markers in the blood! If you have LBP, PLEASE don’t
delay – make that appointment TODAY!
We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision
and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs. 
If you, a friend, or family member requires care for back pain, we would be
honored to render our services.  Visit http://www.olsonchiropracticcenter.com for more information.