​Back Pain and Chiropractic Care

​Back Pain and Chiropractic Care

Anatomy of the Spine

The spine includes stacked bones called vertebrae, discs, ligaments and supporting muscles. It is divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal regions. The spinal cord lies within the vertebral canal. Nerve roots branch from the spinal cord and pass through openings between vertebrae as part of the pathways carrying messages between the brain and body.

Our spinal system is strong enough to protect the sensitive nerve roots, while at the same time it allows us the flexibility to accomplish all the movements of daily life like walking, twisting, bending and lifting. Between the vertebrae are discs, which are spongy pads of cartilage that act like shock absorbers. Each disc, along with the vertebrae immediately above and below, form what is called the spinal motion unit.

Back Pain

Back pain is common and can have several contributors, including muscles, joints, discs and nerves. A symptom or movement finding does not prove that a spinal subluxation is interfering with blood vessels or internal organs.

A herniated disc occurs when disc material extends beyond its usual boundary. Some people have disc changes without pain. Persistent symptoms need assessment, while new neurological warning signs require urgent care.

Taking Care of Your Spinal Health

There are many ways to help take care of your spinal health including practicing correct lifting/carrying techniques, mindfully paying attention to your posture, sleeping with a pillow under your knees, quitting smoking, making sure your diet is nutritious and getting enough exercise.

Spinal manipulation may offer small improvements in low-back pain and function for some people. It is one option alongside exercise, education and other care. It should not be promised to reposition vertebrae or remove nerve compression; see NCCIH’s evidence summary.

Focus on activities you want to do more comfortably, such as walking, lifting or sleeping. Agree on a review point and reassess if symptoms worsen or meaningful progress is absent.

Everyday Habits for Back Comfort

• Maintain a healthy diet and weight

• If you smoke, ask for support to stop; this benefits general health.

• Use follow-up care when there is a clear clinical goal and review plan.

• Be active, avoid leading a sedentary lifestyle

• Vary posture and find comfortable positions rather than holding one rigid posture.

• Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes; custom orthotics are not necessary for everyone.

• Warm up gradually before demanding activity and use comfortable movements.

• Lift with your knees, with objects close to your body

• Avoid twisting when lifting

• Talk to your chiropractor about creating an ergonomically correct workstation

Go to an emergency department for new difficulty urinating or loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. Back pain after significant trauma needs emergency assessment. Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a cancer history needs prompt medical assessment.

For non-emergency back-pain questions in Waynesville, contact Haywood Spine and Nerve Center at (828) 456-5700, 136 Waynesville Plaza, Suite 1. Ask whether an assessment, appropriate musculoskeletal care or medical referral fits your symptoms. Ask the clinic how to share medical information securely.

Spinal manipulation can cause temporary soreness, stiffness or headache. Rare serious neurological injuries have been reported. Neck manipulation has an association with cervical artery injury and stroke; the exact risk and causality remain uncertain. Discuss your health history, benefits, risks and non-thrust or exercise-based alternatives before deciding.