What Causes Back Pain?

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Back pain can come on suddenly or be the result of gradual wear and tear. The most common causes of back pain, particularly lower back pain, are muscle or ligament strains, tendon damage, spinal disc injury, subluxation of a vertebrae, or a combination of any of these. As a result of any of these, nerve pain and inflammation develops. That type of pain feels mild, like a dull ache, but it can become severe enough to restrict movement and interfere with daily activities. There are two types of pain, and lower back pain could be either one of them:

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• Acute pain -- Caused by a sudden or active injury, usually caused by heavy-lifting, accidents, or injuries.

• Chronic pain -- Develops slowly over time, and can be caused by anything from wear and tear to disc degeneration.

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What’s the difference between a sprain and a strain?

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The main cause of sprains and strains are overstretched muscles, ligaments, or tendons. A strain is associated with the stretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons, while sprains tear ligaments and tissues. Most of the time, at home treatment begins conservatively, usually involving a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If the condition persists after these simple treatment methods, Dr. Curtis recommends scheduling an evaluation at The Wellness Studio.

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What is a herniated disc?

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Sometimes referred to as a slipped disc, a spinal disc herniation occurs when the outer layers of the disc (the annulus fibrosus)  tear,  allowing the soft, inner (nucleus propulsus) to squeeze or bulge past the tear.  This can be due to degeneration of the disc over time or, sometimes can occur because of trauma. If you believe you have a herniated disc call Dr. Curtis at The Wellness Studio today. 

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How does The Wellness Studio help lower back pain?

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Dr. Curtis is skilled at identifying and treating lower back conditions. He can offer extensive treatment and rehabilitation therapies which provide successful management of lower back pain. He uses spinal manipulations to correct any misalignments, including tortipelvis a condition where you may feel as if one side is higher up than the other, usually showing up in the mirror as one side shifted. Various exercises and stretches will also be demonstrated for home care.