“OH, MY ACHING BACK!” -

By: Dr. Steven Riess

Dysfunction in the lumbar joints (low back) and the sacrolilaic joints (located in the pelvis) are a major cause of low back pain and sciatica (leg pain). In the past medical doctors and chiropractors have been at odds but recently see eye to eye on the best option for back pain. Recently JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, now recommends chiropractic as a first means of treating low back pain!  This recommendation comes on the heels of a recent study out of the medical journal Spine where sufferers of lower back pain all received standard medical care (SMC) and half of the participants received additional chiropractic care. The researchers found that in the SMC plus chiropractic care, 73% reported that their pain was completely gone or much better after treatment compared to 17% of the SMC group. This only reinforces and supports what the American Chiropractic Association teaches patients as well. Chiropractic should be the first line of defense against musculoskeletal pain!

The lower back is comprised of bones, nerves, and soft tissue such as muscles, ligaments and tendons. If there is any distortion or misalignment in the structural system it will cause nerve stress. Chiropractors call this a subluxation. Depending on how the nerve is irritated and where the nerve is irritated it could easily lead to back, neck or leg pains and/or muscle spasms. If nerve stress is in the mid back, it may lead to mid –back pain and breathing problems. If nerve stress is in the neck it may commonly cause neck pain, headaches, numbness and/or tingling down your arm.

Chiropractors are neuro-musculoskeletal experts! They will locate areas of nerve stress and perform a gentle and specific adjustment to remove nerve stress, restore the body’s balance, get to the cause of the symptoms, and allow your body to start healing naturally!

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Dr. Steven Riess is dedicated to providing natural pain relief treatments and education about how to stay out of pain.  His practice is located in Plainview, NY where he provides a full array of services to help you achieve optimal health.  For more information or to get acquainted with Dr. Riess, visit:www.drstevenriess.com