Gravity plays a role as it causes the lower back to carry most of a person’s weight. There is always some level of pain or discomfort after lifting a heavy object or sitting still for an extended period of time. However, when this pain becomes chronic, it is time to do something about it.
In some cases, the pain continues from the lower back down the sciatic nerve into the buttocks and then on into one of the legs. This pain can become extreme, limiting a person’s ability to perform simple daily tasks such as dressing and taking a shower.
In our alternative but effective approach to relieving lower back pain, we focus on the top bone of the spine that lies in the upper neck. As all of our patients discover, the link between the lower back and neck is very strong.
Due to the mobility of the upper neck and the shape of the atlas or C1 vertebra, this bone is susceptible to misalignment resulting in muscle spasms, posture changes and pain. If the muscles on one side of the body tighten up, this leads to one hip becoming elevated causing the leg on that side to be shorter than the other side. This, in turn, creates an imbalance in the spine that stresses the sciatic nerve and the lower back in general.
Once a misalignment occurs, a person must focus about how to properly sit or stand straight. Most of us do not focus on our posture and the body will default into whatever position the neck bones dictate.
A misalignment changes more than just the bones in the neck. Additional tension is created throughout the entire back. Since the head can weigh as much as 14 pounds, if it is off center by just 2 or 3 inches, significantly more weight begins to stress the lower back. Therefore, a misalignment in the upper neck causes many problems in the lower back.
At our Agoura Hills, California office we help our patients to cope with back pain successfully. We use a gentle method that allows the bones to move into place more naturally rather than twisting or cracking the spine. This method has been shown to have a success rate of up to 95%! At one practice, 77% of those with lower back pain experienced significant improvement, and 18% saw their back pain go away entirely. We strive to provide similar results for our clients.
We consider the atlas bone to be the key to the health of the entire back. By readjusting this bone using a gentle, specific technique that is tailored to each individual person, we are able to help those suffering from pain to find lasting relief that really works.
To find out if upper cervical chiropractic care is the best approach to your low back pain relief, give us a call to chat!
