Back Pain

Back Pain Q&A

What causes back pain?

The back is composed of muscles, bones, ligaments and many other structures subjected to considerable daily pressures, so it's no wonder back pain is one of the most common reasons for seeing a doctor today. Common causes of back pain include:

• improper lifting technique
• poor posture
• disc herniation
• spine-related diseases like spondylolisthesis or spondylosis
• arthritis
• repetitive use injury
• sports-related injuries
• slip and fall accidents or other trauma
• obesity
• chronic stress

How can Dr. Lichy help me manage my back pain?

The goal of chiropractic treatment for low back pain is to reduce the painful symptoms while improving range of motion, strength and flexibility in the spine. Dr. Lichy will begin by taking a complete medical history to determine if you have risk factors for specific diseases or lifestyle factors that could be contributing to your pain. He'll also perform a thorough evaluation of your back using exercises, stretches and other techniques to determine where the pain is occurring and what movements trigger the pain. In some cases, additional testing or diagnostic imaging may be needed to identify or confirm the cause. Once the cause is determined, chiropractic treatment may involve adjustments of the back to release impingements and improve circulation and range of motion, physical therapy, spinal decompression, massage and at-home exercise routines.

What is spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is a noninvasive technique used to treat disc problems like herniated or bulging discs. The technique uses consistent pressure followed by periods of relaxation to gently stretch the spine, creating a vacuum effect that helps injured discs move back into their proper positions to relieve impingement on nerves and the subsequent irritation and inflammation that can occur. Treatment is performed while lying on your back on a special table, and decompression is carefully monitored for optimal results.

What are Patients Saying About Dr. Lichy's Treatment?

"Dr. Lichy and staff were very easy to talk to and even offered great advice when deciding on the right mattress for me to help correct ongoing back pain."