Friday, February 24, 2017

Low Back Pain? ... It's commonly a Sacroiliac Syndrome

What is it?

        The sacroiliac joints are located on either side of the tailbone (sacrum) where it meets the pelvic bones.  Most people refer to the sacroiliac joint as their "hip."  A problem with the sacroiliac joint is referred to as a "sacroiliac syndrome."  This syndrome often comes as a result of pelvic joint and ligament sprain as a result of sudden injury or movement.  Sacroiliac Syndrome can also develop without a particular event.  In other words, the pain starts out of nowhere.  Results can be severe ligament and muscle injury and the inability to stand up straight without sharp pain in the lower back.  At times the pain can radiate into the leg(s).

Sacroiliac Syndrome accounts for approximately 25% of all low back problems.

How can I fix the problem? 

        Actually, following a detailed examination to confirm the diagnosis, the treatment is very quick and very effective.  The standard of care for this condition is exercise, stretching, and manipulation to the sacroiliac joints.  On occasion, physical therapy modalities are necessary in the early stages of a new problem.

       Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. You can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com, for more information and if you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Automobile Passengers Injured in Minor Collisions?

        Health care providers of many fields have long known injuries are common in what seems to be minor collisions.  The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation published the article Clinical Response of Human Subjects to Rear-End Automobile Collisions confirming this observation with scientific methods.

What the Research Says...

        In this study, unsuspecting human beings were lap/shoulder belted into a Honda Accord, a curtain was hung directly behind the Accord and the subjects were given ear plugs so that the collision would be a surprise, and then a Volvo station wagon smashed into the Accord from behind at 2 1/2 and 5 miles per hour.  The study showed that many of the crash subjects hurt following the impact and, even for those who did not have pain or symptoms, they had measurable clinical deficits, comparing pre-accident with post-accident examinations.

What Should Accident Victims Do?


        Everyone involved in an automobile accident is not injured.  However, the research indicates that individuals involved in a motor vehicle accident, whether or not they are having pain or symptoms, should be examined by someone familiar with these types of injuries.


        Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917.  You can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com, for more information.  If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with us, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Lower Back Problems: Why is Chiropractic Manipulation so Effective?

        If you have been bothered by your lower back, you are not alone.  Eight out of ten adults will experience a low back problem at some time in their lives.  And most will have more than one episode of acute low back problems.

        Most times, the symptoms are blamed on poor muscle tone in the back, muscle tension or spasm, back sprains, ligament or muscle tears or joint problems.  Sometimes nerves can be irritated by "slipped" discs causing buttock or leg pain.

        In the past, individuals with acute low back problems often subjected themselves to physical therapy, prolonged bed rest, uncomfortable traction, heavy sedation to cover the pain, injections, hospitalization, and even surgery.  These approaches were expensive and sometimes failed to produce favorable results.

        To learn more, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, conducted a study.  After a multidisciplinary panel studied the problem for two years, they learned that spinal manipulation was indeed one of the preferred treatments for acute low back pain.  The Panel also endorsed the short term use of anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise.  Other studies since AHCPR have shown the effectiveness of manipulation for chronic low back problems.

      
        Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917 near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard.  For more information, you can visit our website, thatcherchiropractic.com.  If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with our office, please feel free to contact us by phone at (719) 574-3700.