If you’re like many people, you want to find natural pain relief. After all, medicine is only a short-term solution – a band-aid if you will. It only masks the symptoms but doesn’t solve the underlying problem.
Plus, with the opioid crisis in Bucks County and beyond, so you’ve probably heard about the addictive quality of the heavy-duty pain killers. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can damage your stomach lining if used all the time.
Fortunately, there are other ways to relieve back pain without medicine. The best natural pain relievers for back pain include natural solutions like massage therapy, yoga therapy or gentle stretching, and chiropractic care to help you feel your best.
Common Causes of Back Pain
16 million Americans suffer from chronic back pain leading to lost workdays and missing out on the better parts of life.
People can experience persistent back pain for a variety of reasons. Some of these include chronic back conditions like:
Scoliosis
excessive weight gain
having a heavy chest for one’s body size
improper lifting
posture
accidents
One hallmark of a healthy spine is mobility. It supports your entire body by keeping you upright and helps with your range of motion. The 33 bones in the spine connect with every part of your body thanks to the nerves, ligaments, and tendons. Whether you’ve suffered injuries or a chronic dis-ease, you can relieve back pain without medicine by tending to your spine’s mobility.
How to Relieve Back Pain Without Medicine
Regular stretching, moderate exercise like walking, and chiropractic care can help maintain your spine’s health. Chiropractic care assesses the underlying cause of your back pain and helps your body heal naturally because it re-aligns the spine.
Imagine if you have a pinched nerve, the reason for a pinched nerve is due to a muscle, tendon, or other body parts that shifted and is now pressing on your nerve. Body parts shift all the time because of the way we sit, stand, and sleep. A chiropractic adjustment helps your body re-align so you feel less pain and have greater mobility.
It’s also an affordable way to relieve your back pain without medication. Here at McQuaite Chiropractic, we take most insurance.
Chiropractic care is one of the best ways to relieve back pain and help correct back issues, all without any medicine. All you have to do is show up and have a conversation with your practitioner. They’ll ask you about your medical history and work out a treatment plan based on your symptoms or diagnosis. You will enjoy the best results with some lifestyle changes tailored to your situation. For example, some people benefit from investing in an ergonomic desk area so your posture is better supported for computer work.
As professional health caregivers, we use non-invasive adjustment and realignment techniques on the body to improve its function and mobility. Many people feel immediate relief.
Are you ready to relieve back pain without medicine? Visit us at McQuaite Chiropractic in Doylestown, Pa. 267-247-7000.
Do you find yourself wincing in pain after a long workday? Hunching over the computer will do that to you.
What about playing golf or tennis? Practicing yoga? Is your favorite recreational activity straining your muscles?
Finding upper back pain relief may be at the top of your list for your quality of life. After all, chronic pain can slow you down in all kinds of ways.
In fact, upper back pain affects every age is the leading contributor to disability worldwide.
If your pain is affecting your quality of life, i.e., is severe and unrelenting, it may be time to seek upper back pain relief through a chiropractor.
Let’s break down what upper back pain is and how chiropractic care can give you relief, naturally.
What Is Upper Back Pain?
You may feel upper back pain anywhere between the base of your neck to the bottom of your ribcage.
It can originate in several areas in the thoracic spine such as the 12 bones attached to the ribcage, the discs separating each vertebra, and the muscles surrounding the joints.
It’s different for everyone. Whether dull and achy or sharp and burning. Everyone’s upper back pain is unique to their body and circumstances. Your chiropractor will work with you to create a personalized treatment.
Here are some typical causes of upper back pain.
Common Upper Back Pain Causes
Poor posture — “Stand up straight” is more than a parental admonishment. It turns out slumping when you sit or stand puts stress on your vertebrae because it’s unnatural. Your spine is designed a certain way and when you adopt habits like slumping over a computer for hours every day, your head juts out funny and puts unneeded stress on your neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles.
Injury — Slip and falls, car accidents and other injuries can lead to fractures, nerve damage, and other pain.
Overuse — Such repetitive motions are usually work-related. Typing, dog grooming, massage, and other jobs can lead to chronic pain.
35 million Americans seek chiropractic care every year because it’s simple and effective!
In fact, research shows combining chiropractic care with traditional medicine alleviates pain faster than medical care alone.
Ready to add your name to the list?
Natural Pain Relief
A chiropractor will look at your musculoskeletal system as a whole, treating the cause of your upper back pain at the source.
By focusing on the body’s natural ability to heal itself, chiropractors use their hands to apply force to joints in the spine, moving them for better alignment and alleviating pain.
This is a great alternative for those who are looking to abstain from addicting pain medications and costly surgical procedures.
How to Treat Upper Back Pain
Chiropractic care doesn’t hurt. It is safe, non-invasive, and with regular sessions, your muscles will adjust.
Dr. McQuaite in Doylestown, Pa. uses an x-ray to assess your upper back pain. He discusses your medical history with you and creates a treatment plan that takes into account any underlying conditions or past injuries that may impact your recovery.
Standard techniques for upper back pain relief are:
Spinal adjustments — chiropractors use their hands to apply force to joints in the upper back to correct misalignment, release stress, and improve range of motion.
Soft tissue therapy — a massage that promotes blood circulation and relaxes the muscles in the upper back to reduce inflammation and pain. Massage combined with chiropractic care is an excellent one/two punch.
Strength training — is important because it builds strength and improves flexibility. This can help prevent upper back pain.
Upper Back Pain Doesn’t Have To Be Permanent
Regular chiropractic adjustments will alleviate your upper back pain and improve your quality of life for years to come.
If you’re in the Doylestown area, schedule an appointment with Bucks County’s best chiropractor to receive exceptional chiropractic care and relieve your pain, naturally.
Just like Newton’s apple, fell to gravity, so can your body. Ok, we all know things start to sag as we get older, even your spine. 33 bones make up your spine. Add in the discs, tendons, nerves, and gravity compressing everything together and it’s no wonder it can take a while to find the source of your back pain.
Perhaps you have sciatica or degenerative disc disease. Sometimes the medical establishment recommends surgery for such back pain. Yet, surgery is not a magic bullet, it has a long recovery time, and it might not work.
Wouldn’t you prefer surgery-free relief? Spinal decompression can offer you back pain relief without the surgery.
Just as it sounds, nonsurgical spinal decompression is an alternative to surgery. It uses a special table to elongate your spine. Since compression can be the source of your back pain, this is a way to reverse time and gravity. This table relieves pressure on herniated discs and other spine problems so you feel relief.
Imagine lying on the decompression table and having it resist your muscles and slowly help stretch them. It relieves the pressure on your discs and so you feel relief. After a few sessions, you may find your back pain gone.
Of course, each treatment plan is customized to your medical history. As a chiropractor, Dr. Jeff will run an x-ray to better understand your spine and what’s going on in your body. From there, he can make recommendations.
What to Expect:
Fully clothed, you lie on a computer-controlled table. The doctor straps you in and operates the computer according to your needs. You may get hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation (this causes the muscles to contract), or ultrasound (sound therapy that generates heat).
You can also try a few simple exercises for back pain relief now and in between your decompression sessions.
Three Exercises for Back Pain Relief
Use an exercise ball – lie back on it and roll around gently. This helps open your shoulders and upper back which often are hunched over after hours at the computer. If you have mild back pain, this may be enough for you.
Do “wall dog” – if you ever played sports, this will probably look familiar. Put your hands on the wall, step back about 3 feet and bend over until you’re parallel to the wall. Keep your back flat as you stretch out your shoulders and back.
Walk – Walking on a regular basis can help strengthen your back and relieve some back pain.
Spinal Decompression Can Help You If:
You’ve had failed back surgery
You want to avoid surgery but are told you need it
Have tried other options (massage therapy, acupuncture, traditional chiropractic care) without the results you want
However, if you have fused discs, have osteoporosis, or a recent spinal fracture, spinal decompression is not for you.
If you’d like to learn more about surgery-free spinal decompression in Doylestown PA and if it can help you find that needed back pain relief, call us today at 267-247-7000. You deserve to feel your best!
Does the idea of having a chiropractor “crack” your back make you nervous? Many people say, “Yes.” They miss out on the potential pain relief because the “popping” sound can be nerve-wracking.
True story, the first time Dr. Jeff adjusted my neck, I screamed in surprise. Yep!
It turns out, there is a “non-cracking” and “no pop” version of chiropractic care. Whether you’re nervous or were in an accident and too sore for traditional chiropractic treatment, you can still reap the benefits of natural pain relief from chiropractic care.
For instance, Dr. Jeff Mcquaite in Doylestown offers a non-cracking chiropractor adjustment. To clarify, this technique offers pain relief without the crack. However, it’s worth mentioning that the “cracking” sound is nothing to worry about. It’s really just trapped gas escaping as your joints are realigned.
However, modern chiropractic care uses many options to help you feel your best. These two tools are simply part of this evolving practice.
Two Tools for a Non-Cracking Chiropractor Adjustment Technique
As you probably know, traditional chiropractic care uses bodyweight to realign your joints. After your initial consultation and x-ray, your chiropractic directs you to lay in a certain position on the table. Traditionally, they use their body weight to make quick adjustments that realign your joints. However, your chiropractor may choose to incorporate gentler methods.
These adjustments can use two tools that have funny names. The arthrostim and the vibracussor are hard to spell but they’re excellent tools for a non-cracking chiropractic adjustment.
As you can see, both tools are small and portable but they have different uses.
The Artrostim is an advanced chiropractic adjustment instrument. You can see, it looks a bit like a drill and it works by delivering several “taps” along your body to reduce muscle and joint tension in the neck and back.
These “taps” work in a similar way as traditional chiropractic treatment. However, the “taps” are gentle, yet frequent. The Artrostim applies 10-14 micro thrusts a second to your spine. It stimulates your body’s healing and eases your joints back in proper alignment. Best of all, it’s gentle.
The Arthrostim tool offers an effective “non-cracking” adjustment. You can see it here”in action.”
Your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan based on your medical history and current physical concerns.
Yet, the Arthrostim can especially benefit people with:
-People with acute or chronic pain -Particularly sensitive individuals -Individuals who dislike being ‘twisted’ -Those with disc or related spinal conditions -Individuals with arthritic conditions -Individuals with osteoporosis -Elderly individuals -Even individuals who are larger and stronger (and may be difficult to adjust with a single thrust) can benefit from the use of the arthrostim.
The Vibracussor is helpful for breaking up scar tissue and loosening ligaments. Doing so improves circulation and speeds up healing. The tool works by delivering impulses deep into the body’s tissues. Yet, it goes deeper than a traditional massage. By going deeper, it breaks up fascial restrictions (scar tissue) and loosens ligaments. The entire process relaxes the muscles and fascia surrounding the vertebrae. As a result, you can feel pain relief.
Are You Ready to Try a “No-Crack” Adjustment?
In summary, both of these non-cracking chiropractor adjustment techniques are effective. However, they may be more suitable for certain people and conditions. Here at McQuaite Chiropractic, Dr. Mcquaite creates an individualized treatment plan to help you feel your best.
If you have questions or would like to book an appointment, please contact the office. Come in for a consultation! We’ll be happy to explain how these gentle non-cracking and no popping treatments work and if they may be right for you.
If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a chiropractic adjustment and cracking your back, you’re not alone. After all, many people feel better after getting a friend to help “crack their back.”
So how does it differ from a chiropractic adjustment?
Of course, you know they’re not the same thing. One is done by a licensed chiropractor with years of medical training while the other isn’t. Sure, they can both feel good, but one offers proven health benefits and the other doesn’t.
I’ll explain more in a minute, but first, let’s address the “cracking” sound that sometimes happens when you crack your back.
What’s with the Back Cracking Sound?
People get a little excited about the “cracking” sound that can happen during a chiropractic adjustment. Some love it while others are afraid.
In reality, it’s not what you think at all. That popping sound is the sound of gas escaping your joint when it’s adjusted. That’s all.
It’s not your bones.
It’s your joints. Actually, that’s not quite it either. It’s the gas between your joints.
Here’s what I mean, as you know your joints are moveable. Your shoulders, knees, vertebrae, and so on are meant to have flexibility and they work kind of like a ball and socket. However, it’s typical for them to shift out of place. It’s nothing you’d notice by looking at you, but even a fraction of a millimeter off can cause you pain.
As a chiropractor, we want to keep your joints functioning well because that helps you maintain a good range of motion and stay mobile.
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific approach to a specific joint to restore mobility to that joint and help you feel better.
Sometimes it results in that “cracking” sound when the gas escapes.
The Difference Between an Adjustment and Cracking Your Back
When your joints are well functioning, your body has good mobility. You have a good range of motion in your neck and shoulders, meaning you can move them without feeling restricted.
The role of the chiropractor is to keep your joints and vertebrae mobile and in good working order. Imagine that you have a stiff back. You bend, stretch, and hear that “popping” sound. Aah… you think. It feels better.
It can feel better. For a little while. When you hear the cracking sound, it does release endorphins.
But a little while later you feel stiff again, in fact, it gets tougher and tougher for you to find long-lasting relief.
See, the body is a funny thing. Those stiff vertebrae haven’t loosened. Instead, the vertebrae above and below the stiff vertebrae are usually overcompensating for the stiffness in the middle. They become more mobile and are easier to “crack” while the stiff ones stay put.
Long term? You’re not doing anything for the stiff vertebrae and they can gradually worsen. However, the trained eye of a chiropractor (combined with an x-ray), can assess your vertebrae and find the problem. Then, a series of chiropractic adjustments will loosen the stiff vertebrae and give you greater mobility.
Over time, you’ll maintain that mobility easier. Is it time to make a chiropractor appointment?
“Stand up straight!” It’s the refrain of parents everywhere. Whether slumped over their phones to heavy backpacks, today’s kids are at risk of all types of back and neck pain.
Backpack safety is something to consider. Dr. Jeff McQuaite of McQuaite Chiropractic-Doylestown has long been a champion of lighter backpacks for student’s safety.
The reason why is heavy backpacks can cause long-term back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Several studies link weighty backpacks with persistent back, neck, and shoulder problems in students from elementary school to college. Research suggests that children with back pain often develop chronic symptoms lasting into adulthood, making it all the more important to tackle back and neck pain early in life.
According to Lisa A. Haney, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Pennsylvania Hospital, “More than 40 million U.S. students carry backpacks, and most of them are unaware that overloading them or carrying them incorrectly can set them up for a lifetime of problems,” says Ms. Haney. “It’s up to parents, teachers, and schools to help spread the word about backpack safety and help our kids lighten their loads.”
Such an overloaded backpack sends upwards of 8000 children to hospital emergency rooms many years.
A 2004 study from the University of California showed that 64% of students between ages 11-15 reported back pain from their backpacks, with 21% reporting the pain lasted more than 6 months. Two studies from Boston University showed that 84% of students reported pain and discomfort from backpack usage. Another study published in Work Magazine revealed that 31% of the students reported having difficulty participating in activities as a result of pain. Nearly 25% of students reported having difficulty carrying their books during school because of pain, and 19% reported having difficulty playing sports. To carry your essentials, you should look into thebest backpacks for school to help make your choice easier.
It’s Not Just Backaches
Dr. McQuaite notes “Each year, I grow more concerned as I see more and more children with problems associated with backpacks. Complaints include back pain, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and numbness in the arms and hands. Studies show a direct connection to these problems with overloaded and ill-fitted backpacks. The body is trying to compensate for the change caused by the backpack’s added weight. The spine in particular can be affected as it bends and twists to reposition this added backpack weight. When this happens pain usually results.”
There are other problems associated with backpack overload too. Called “Cervicobrachial syndrome and or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome”, a heavily loaded backpack causes the shoulder straps to compress delicate nerves, arteries, and veins passing underneath. This can lead to numbness and tingling in the arms.
Dr. McQuaite says “A lot of these problems can be addressed by using proper body mechanics. While they may not be “cool”, it will help prevent the possibility of long term damage.”
In an effort to cut down on the number of these injuries, Dr. McQuaite offers parents the following backpack safety advice
10 Backpack Safety Tips
Never let a child carry more than 10-15% of his or her body weight in the backpack.
Load the heaviest items closest to the child’s back and arrange books and materials to prevent them from sliding.
Always wear both shoulder straps. Wearing only one strap can cause a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort.
Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps. Too much pressure on the shoulders and necks can cause pain and tingling.
Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly to the child’s back. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back. The backpack should never be more than four inches below the child’s waistline.
Use the waist belt, if the backpack has one, to help distribute the pack’s weight more evenly.
Check what your child carries to school and brings home to make sure the items are necessary to the day’s activities.
If the backpack is too heavy, consider using a book bag on wheels if your child’s school allows it.
Choose the right size pack for your child’s back as well as one with enough room for necessary school items.
If a student is experiencing back pain or neck soreness, consult your physician or chiropractor.
The Benefits of Ergonomics
If your child isn’t carrying a backpack but is taking classes online, you want to make sure they maintain good posture during computer time. Setting up anergonomic workstation for your child will help them remain pain-free. Otherwise, they’re at risk for similar injuries such as back, shoulder, and neck pain. Ergonomics is simply about the ability to maintain good posture with a computer screen, keyboard, and chair at the right height. It extends to backpacks and “text neck.”
Dr. McQuaite also points out that parents shouldn’t put a child’s name on the outside of a backpack, for safety reasons: When the child is walking home from school, you don’t want a predator to be able to call him or her by name.
He also recommends that parents put their child’s contact information somewhere in the bag, just in case anything happens to them.
Backpack Safety is critical for the long-term health of your child. Help your student have a terrific year and skip the backpack pain.
