Taking Care of Your Back: A Guide to Movement and Chiropractic Care After an Injury

Whether it be doing a gym workout, picking up your children or something as simple as bending forward to tie your shoe laces, when it comes to an acute back or neck injury, the pain can be debilitating and leave us hesitant to engage in any form of physical activity. However, research has shown that gentle movement can actually help alleviate pain and promote healing. But how much should we move when in pain? Let's take a closer look.

Promoting Blood Flow and Reducing Inflammation

One of the primary benefits of staying active after an acute back or neck injury is the promotion of blood and lymphatic flow to and from the affected area. When we move, our muscles contract and relax, facilitating the circulation of oxygen, nutrients and immune cells needed to heal the injured tissues. Increased blood flow helps to reduce inflammation, which is a common symptom accompanying back injuries. Stagnant inflammation can impede the healing process and prolong recovery time, leading to chronic pain and stiffness. By engaging in low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or gentle stretching, individuals can encourage blood and lymphatic flow to the injured area, thereby alleviating inflammation and facilitating the repair of damaged tissues. It is crucial to start slowly and gradually increase activity levels under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid exacerbating the injury.

Muscle Atrophy and Restoring Functionality

When faced with a back or neck injury, it is natural to want to avoid any movement or strain on the affected area. You may fear that movement will exacerbate or further injure the area, however prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy, accompanied by a loss of muscle mass and strength. The surrounding muscles can become weak and stiff, further exacerbating the pain and limiting functionality. By engaging in appropriate exercises and rehab care individuals can target specific muscle groups, preventing muscle atrophy and promoting their recovery. Strengthening the core and back muscles, through exercises such as gentle yoga or pilates, can help restore stability, improve posture, and reduce the risk of future injuries. It is crucial to strike a balance between staying active and providing adequate rest to allow the injured tissues to heal effectively.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can be a valuable adjunct to the healing process after a back injury. Through the use of manual adjustive techniques, we are able to provide intersegmental motion to your spine to alleviate pain, and promote a positive healing cycle to the injured segment. Not to mention that it is often due to poor motion of your spine, that these injuries occur. Therefore, chiropractic care has a big role to play in prevention of such injuries. Your chiropractor can also provide you with advise on what movements would be ideal for your situation. At Ormiston Family Chiropractic we provide rehab care for such injuries to help mobalise and strengthen the injured area, to prevent you ending up back in the same agonising situation.

Enhancing Mental Well-being and Promoting a Positive Outlook

Dealing with an injury can take a toll not only on the physical body but also on mental well-being. Pain, limited mobility, and a sense of helplessness can contribute to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression. Engaging in regular physical activity can be an effective strategy to combat these negative emotions. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, also known as "feel-good" hormones, which can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve mood. Furthermore, staying active provides a sense of empowerment and control over one's recovery journey, fostering a positive outlook and boosting overall mental well-being. 

In summary

If there is one thing to take away from this topic of conversation, it would be to MOVE. Maintaining a level of movement and activity after an acute back or neck injury can be highly beneficial for recovery. Chiropractic care can help to promote healing and your chiropractor can provide guidance on adequate movement practices.  Remember, a balanced approach that includes both rest and activity can pave the way for a faster and more successful recovery from an acute back or neck injury.