Although chiropractic treats much much more than just low back pain, it is one of the most common reason to visit the chiropractor.

• Low back pain affects 80% of the population at some point in their lives and is the second most common reason to visit the doctor. (With number 1 being upper-respiratory infections.) Symptoms are anywhere from dull, achy pain, to sharp stabbing or shooting pain to pain so debilitating movement is almost impossible.
• It is the third most expensive health disorder.
• Chiropractic is sought first, 4 out of 10 times for low back pain.
• Chiropractors treat 27 million Americans annually. With 1 million adjustments every business day.

Stretches

Passive stretches help with movement in the affected muscle or joint and should be held for 15 to 30 seconds, allowing the muscles to gradually relax and lengthen. Stretches should never cause pain nor should you feel tingling. You can do these stretches as often as you would like.

Hamstring Stretch: Lie on your back with both legs straight. Bend one leg at the knee and extend one leg straight up in the air. Loop a towel over the arch of the lifted foot, and gently pull on the towel as you push against it with your foot; you should feel a stretch in the back of the thigh. Hold for 30 seconds. Relax. Repeat 3 times per leg.

Piriformis Stretch: The piriformis muscle runs through the buttock and can contribute to back and leg pain. To stretch this muscle, lie on the back and cross one leg over the other; gently pull the knee toward the chest until a stretch is felt in the buttock area. Hold for 30 seconds. Relax. Repeat 3 times.

Back Stretch: Lie on your stomach. Use your arms to push your upper body off the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. Let your back relax and sag. Repeat.

Childs Pose: Kneel on all fours. Make sure knees are positioned under your hips (wide based). Don’t move your hands and slowly move your butt toward your legs until you are resting your thighs on your calves. Keep your head down, looking at the floor.

Back Flexion Stretch: While laying on the ground, bring your knees to your chest and bring your chin to your knees. You should feel a stretch through your mid and low back.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic helps both muscle and bones. Ask your chiropractor which stretches or exercises they feel is best to suit your condition. Depending on how long you have had the condition will determine how long it will take to recover.

Remember chiropractic isn’t a one visit fix. NOTHING is. If the medical doctor gives you a muscle relaxer or pain pill, don’t you take one (or multiple) every day? Chiropractic helps fix the problem, not put a bandaid over the problem.

Our goal is to get a good stretch, don’t push yourself too hard too fast. A slow start is often better. As you start feeling better with chiropractic treatment, the longer and more reps you will be able to do safely and effectively.

~Dr. Lacey~
Carder Chiropractic Clinic, INC.
El Reno, OK 73036