Williamson Back Pain, Spine Issues, and Hip Pain: Simple Tests & 3D Imaging
Back pain and hip pain and spine issues merge for many chiropractic patients, bringing them into Apple Country Chiropractic. We are here to help! Growing older has some unique challenges for those who suffer with back, hip and spine pain but also some unique positive effects today thanks to new ways to maintaining stability and coping with and reducing pain. Your Williamson chiropractor keeps abreast of these new approaches and is prepared to help you!
SIMPLE TESTS FOR OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR SPINES
Older folks know that with age comes ‘wisdom’…and its own set of distinctive peculiarities. Different aches and pains rear their heads one morning or mid-afternoon or evening, requiring attention. For those Williamson back pain sufferers who are a little older, hip range of motion and strength may predict how 12 months later a chronic low back pain patient may be performing. Researchers put this to the test! Reduced 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 has 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 precise. 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 allows viewing 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 certainly impact other areas and even prompt 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 lower quality of life, and greater risk of mortality in neurological diseases. Postural stability exercises are important for such patients, essential enough that they should do these always 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 equipped to examine, diagnose, and manage post-surgical continued pain.
Make your Williamson chiropractic appointment now. Williamson chiropractic patients find kinship with each other when back pain, hip pain, and spine stability are involved as well as relief from their chiropractic care. See you soon!
