Back Pain in Older Men

At the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, we’re dedicated to keeping our patients up-to-date with the latest medical developments. Recently, the first study of osteoporosis in older men was completed, and it found that spinal fractures are a common problem.

Osteoporosis has long been known to plague older women. Bones are constantly rebuilding, but in people with osteoporosis, the bones dissolve faster than new material can grow, causing them to weaken. The vertebrae eventually develop tiny fractures and begin to collapse, causing pain to the patient and a stooped posture. Fragile bones can suffer tiny fractures from ordinary movements and the patient often does not think much of them until they are in frequent pain. This study found that, while men do not have osteoporosis at as high a rate as women, the majority of their spinal fractures go undiagnosed, allowing problems to worsen while the patient seeks the wrong treatments.

People with osteoporosis are advised to increase their calcium intake and their exposure to sunlight, but with chiropractic treatments, we can provide them with pain relief, as well. Our imaging tests will determine the cause of patients’ discomfort, and we’re prepared to treat them through non-invasive, non-addictive means.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.

 

Tips for a Healthy Spine

Your spine keeps everything in your body aligned including both your frame and your health. This is why it is important to keep your spine in good shape. Here at Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we want our patients to know how to take good care of their spine at home.

Sleep Posture

Sleeping with the right posture allows your body to heal and rest properly while you sleep. This greatly depends on the type of pillow you have. Side and back sleepers will want a thicker pillow. Stomach sleepers should use a thin pillow or no pillow at all. Extra support may be needed in other areas of the body for each position, so make sure you do your homework and place the pillows accordingly.

A Strong Core

Add a few abdominal exercises to your routine a couple times per week. Having a strong core will help you keep good posture and good balance. This is not only healthy for your spine, but it also reduces the risk of injury.

Heavy Lifting

Lifting large or heavy objects is a very common way to injure your back. Make sure you are lifting with your legs while keeping a straight back. Also, never twist your body while picking up an object.

Sitting Posture

When sitting for a long period of time, make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your legs are bent at a ninety-degree angle. Give yourself good lumbar support and keep your computer monitor at eye-level. Sit up straight and keep your shoulders rolled back.

To learn more about good spine health, be sure to contact Carolina Chiropractic Center for an appointment. Our Florence, SC office can be reached by phone at (843) 665-9192 or through our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com. 

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Probably the most well-known treatment in chiropractic is adjustments. At Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, SC, we perform adjustments, or manipulation as it is sometimes called, for our patients. An inline spine allows the whole body to run at peak functionality.

Adjustments are very minor movements to the spine and joints. The adjustment is quick and moves the spine or joint back into its correct position. When the spine or a joint is out of line, called a subluxation, the surrounding nerves can be pinched or otherwise hindered. These nerves are then not able to carry messages to and from the brain properly. Depending on where in the body the subluxation is, the nerves in that area will cause the body system they are connected with to function at a lesser level.

Your chiropractor will use their hands or a chiropractic instrument to move the spine or joint back into place quickly. There may be a cracking sound when it happens, which is just gas leaving the joint. There is often no discomfort and many patients experience a sense of relief afterwards.

Chiropractic adjustments can improve a number of different body ailments, however if you are experiencing frequent pain, numbness, or tingling to a limb or joint, you should not wait to come in for an evaluation. To schedule an appointment with Carolina Chiropractic Center of Florence, SC, call our office at (843) 665-9192 or visit our website, www.carolinachirocenter.com.