Beware of lingering back pain

Some back pains are like common colds. They tend to go away on their own. Some are like relatives. They don’t go away at all.

Be watchful of neck or back pain that lingers beyond two or three days because there is a ‘missing link’ in spinal health care that is usually not taken into account. It is the concept upon which the entire chiropractic profession is based upon.

The ‘missing link’ is the detection and treatment of specific movement problems or ‘catches’ that develop between the vertebrae of an injured back. I’m referring to “misaligned” or “jammed” vertebrae. (Stay with me here).

A variety of problems (sprains and strains especially) can cause vertebrae to “jam” or “lock up.” If left undiagnosed, a jammed vertebra can limit the body’s ability to recover adequately. This can lead to pinched nerves, sore muscles and/or painful joints. Longterm consequences include accelerating the degeneration of arthritic joints and unhealthy discs.

Is it just me or is this really exciting stuff?

About half of all my new patients have never been to a chiropractor before. This is scary stuff to them so they’re not just here on a whim. They hurt and they think that just maybe chiropractic is the “missing link” in their recovery.

Chiropractic treatment restores the proper motion of the involved spinal vertebrae. “Adjusting” or “manipulating” the appropriate segments of the spine by hand, in a safe and comfortable manner, accomplishes that goal. It’s the science and art of the chiropractic adjustment that sets us apart from other health care providers.

Nonetheless, a proper back evaluation should not exclude any medical possibilities any more than it should the chiropractic possibilities.

We don’t want to take over the world. We just want to “adjust” it a little.

— Dr. Hardwick is a doctor of chiropractic and a North Lake College student. He may be reached at 972-255-6700 or moritz_hardwick@yahoo.com.