Back pain and hip pain and spine issues merge for many chiropractic patients, prompting a visit to Apple Country Chiropractic. We’re prepared to
help! Growing older presents some unique challenges for back, hip, and spine
pain sufferers but also some unique benefits
today due to novel approaches to maintaining
stability and dealing with and reducing pain. Your
Williamson chiropractor keeps abreast of these new
approaches and is ready to help you!
SIMPLE TESTS FOR OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR SPINES
Older folks know that with age comes ‘wisdom’…and
its own set of unique oddities. Different
aches and pains arise one morning or mid-afternoon or
evening, requiring attention. For those Williamson back
pain sufferers who are a bit older, hip range of motion and
strength may predict how 12 months down the road a
chronic low back pain patient may be performing. Researchers put this to the test! Decreased hip strength and
range of motion forecast a decline in
function a year later. Hip osteoarthritis did not affect these outcomes. (1)
Your chiropractor will perform a thorough examination and knows some easy-to-do tests of hip
strength and range of motion – gait speed, 6-minute walk test, subjective
questionnaires, even imaging as necessary - to rule
out osteoarthritis.
3D IMAGING BENEFITS
Imaging has come a long way! Today, 3D MRI images of the spine are now clinically possible.
Their benefit is higher spatial resolution, reformation in any
plane so the MRI process is faster, and interpretation is more accurate.
Neat! Another benefit, especially for back
pain sufferers who have had previous
back surgery with metal implants, etc., and now have continued pain is that 3D imaging makes available seeing
around the metal. (2) Such views can help doctors
see problems at adjacent spine levels.
A SPECIFIC SPINE ISSUE: PISA SYNDROME
Pain issues in one area of the spine can surely
affect other areas and even trigger more pain. A
postural disorder some older back pain sufferers may have is
called Pisa Syndrome which is caused by lateral flexion of
the spine greater than 10 degrees which predisposes such folks
to falls, a lesser quality of life, and increased
risk of mortality in neurological diseases. Postural stability exercises are essential
for such patients, important enough that they should do these forever
to reduce fall risk. (3) Apple Country Chiropractic is all about
stability!
CONTACT Apple Country Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Gary Stefanick on The
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he discusses
his use of Cox® Technic Flexion Distraction to ease back pain after back
surgery. Back pain specialists like your Williamson chiropractor are able
to examine, diagnose, and manage post-surgical continued pain.
Make your Williamson
chiropractic appointment soon. Williamson chiropractic
patients find camaraderie with each other when it comes to back pain, hip pain, and
spine stability as well as help from their chiropractic care. See you soon!