More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Spinal Dysfunction
The leading cause for disability in adults is back pain. It is one of the most common work related injuries. At least eighty percent of all Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.
Spinal dysfunction can be acute or chronic. Acute conditions come on quickly and are often the result of a specific injury or a sudden undesired motion. A thermography scan can show trigger points on the back and be used as a diagnostic tool for chiropractors or acupuncturists to help manage your spinal health and pain. More importantly, it can help your health care provider give you treatment options that will make you feel better faster.
Some individuals tend to treat back pain without addressing the underlying problem. This situation is complicated for the fact that the site of pain is rarely the same as the location of the dysfunction. For example, an individual may complain of lower back pain and think it is coming from the lower spine when it could actually be because of a kidney infection.
If a person is living with spinal dysfunction for a long period of time there may be complications of spinal degeneration, thinning of the discs, bone spur formation or the development of arthritic conditions. To avoid dysfunction and back pain it is important to maintain proper posture, use appropriate lifting techniques and stay in good physical condition. Masking or taking the pain away does not mean that the true problem is being addressed.
The most important element in dealing with back or neck pain is having a proper diagnosis and treatment of the cause that refers pain to the back. Spinal dysfunction can exist without creating pain or symptoms.
When spinal dysfunction does create symptoms, it can cause a sharp pain over a localized area or a dull, achy pain over a larger area. The pain can radiate into the arms or legs or around the rib cage. There can be a loss of muscle strength, numbness or tingling sensations, and headache. In addition, a patient may have one or more symptoms related to internal organs, including shortness of breath, ringing in the ears, heartburn, heart palpitations, or GI discomfort.
An individual can get relief by visiting their healthcare provider to make a plan to get their spine in the best possible shape. Take charge of your health, don't wait until you are in chronic pain. Early diagnosis of health conditions will give you treatment options.
