How a Chiropractor in Leeds or anywhere can help alleviate your pain

How your Back works and why it hurts

Your back has one of the most important jobs for your body. It enables you to bend, stretch and twist, supports your torso and your head, and provides protection for your spinal cord. So your back can perform all those jobs, it is made of a complex maze of muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones. Each of these are susceptible to injury and pain.

If your vertebrae are out of alignment because of muscle tension, weak muscles, injury or muscle spasms, you will experience pain.

Vertebrae

Your vertebrae is comprised of 33 bones. They contain canals for intricate joints, and nerves and are attached to ligaments and muscles.

They all have different functions because they are not all the same:

The Vertebrae are divided into three segments:

1. Thoracic vertebrae connect with your ribs and

provide some flexibility.

2. Cervical vertebrae in your neck are smaller and

more delicate, so you can move your head freely, in

a number of directions.

3. The Lumbar vertebrae, located where your lower back curves, do heavy lifting, providing support for the body and important mobility. Because they carry the bulk of the weight and have a major role in bending at the waist, they're most prone to pain and injury.

4. The sacrum and coccyx are actually fused vertebrae. The sacrum is the larger, shield-shaped bone that supports the lumber vertebrae and protects the pelvic area. And your coccyx, a reminder of our very early ancestors, is actually a tail.

The Spinal Cord and Nerves

The spinal cord is made of nerve fibers and has the critical job of sending messages to and from the brain and the rest of your body. Sometimes these nerve fibers become irritated and you may feel symptoms like headache, tingling, numbness, and pain. Your chiropractor has different techniques for relieving these symptoms.

Ways to Avoid Back Pain

1. Watch your weight because this places additional strain on your back.

2. Warm up before doing physical exercise or work.

3. Maintain good posture when standing or sitting.

4. When lifting, bend at your knees when possible, and hold the object close to your body and lift from your legs.

5. If your work requires that you spend long periods of time in a chair, talk with your chiropractor about the best ergonomic options.