Neck and
Back Pain
Neck and back pain are common, so common in fact that the majority of adults will suffer with some degree of it, at multiple times in their lives. The pain experienced can be debilitating and depressing, especially when the cause is not understood and the pain becomes chronic or reoccurring. It also has a wider impact, where in the UK, it costs billions of pounds, both in use of NHS resources and loss of productivity in businesses, mainly due to employee absenteeism.
At Staplehurst Chiropractic we are passionate that this should not be the case. Yes, there are many types and causes of back pain, but the most prevalent is ‘mechanical’ which means it is not due to a serious underlying condition, instead related to reasons within your control. Back pain is what chiropractors are well known for treating and are presented with most often in clinic. Our chiropractors are highly trained to identify the cause of your back pain. After taking a thorough medical history and examination, they will be able to diagnosis and form a treatment plan for you. Our aim is to help as many people as we can through hands on care and by educating; so that lives are not disrupted and people can feel energised being able to move their bodies with ease and confidence. As a long established clinic, we pride ourselves in having an excellent and trusted reputation serving not only the community of Staplehurst, but also many neighbouring towns and villages such as Maidstone, Marden, Cranbrook, Sutton Valence, Benenden, Hawkhurst, Goudhurst and further afield.
Mechanical Neck and Back Pain
The function of the spine is the body’s central support system, as well as the main protection of the spinal cord. It is made up of 24 vertebrae, which are cushioned by intervertebral discs and articulate together via joints (known as facet joints). The sacrum and pelvis are the terminal structures of the spine and like the rest of the spine, they are held together via ligaments and supported by tendons and muscles. Mechanical back pain is where there are dysfunctional imbalances and stresses on these particular systems. This creates weakness, stiffness, reduced mobility, pain and or inflammation. Causes of mechanical back pain are often due to simple lifestyle related factors, such as sedentary postures, repetitive use of joints, pregnancy, trauma or injuries.
Acute neck/back pain is the term given to pain that has come on quickly and has been around for less than 6 weeks. This is the best time to get chiropractic treatment as although the pain may be harsh, it is often isolated and the root cause can be addressed directly. As with all problems, the longer issues within the body’s structure go on, the harder they are to resolve. The body has a ‘clever’ way of compensating and adapting; initially this may feel like things have gotten better but soon enough the problem may reoccur either more dramatically or you may feel symptoms elsewhere too. For example, knee pain can often relate to lower back dysfunction; headaches may begin due to prolonged neck stiffness; nerve pain down arms or legs (e.g. sciatica) are a sure sign of spinal issues and even shoulder and elbow pain can stem from imbalances relating to the spine. Chronic pain refers to pain that has been around for longer than 6 months and is often when clients will come to us to seek help. From this stage, chiropractic is still very beneficial and important in addressing the issues leading to this level of pain. Depending on examination findings, your chiropractor may suggest further investigation, but most likely a combination of treatment and guided rehabilitation work will be what is necessary
