January is when a lot of people in Everett and Snohomish County hit “reset mode”: new workouts, more desk time after the holidays, more driving in winter weather, and sometimes a little less daily movement. Your low back can feel it—especially if your hips are tight, your core isn’t firing well, or you’ve been sitting more than usual.

The good news: low back pain often responds really well to simple, consistent habits—especially when you combine them with chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy.

Habit 1: Do the “2-minute morning unlock”

Before you rush out the door (or hop on a laptop), give your back a quick reset:

• 5 slow belly breaths (hands on ribs, expand 360°)
• 10 gentle pelvic tilts
• 10 hip hinges (hands on hips, keep spine long)
• 20–30 seconds per side: hip flexor stretch

This routine is short, but it tells your nervous system “we’re safe to move,” and it can reduce that stiff, stuck feeling.

Habit 2: Set a sitting strategy (not a perfect posture)

“Perfect posture” is a trap—what your back really wants is position changes. If you work in Everett, Lynnwood, or commute on I-5, your back is spending time in one shape for too long.

Try this instead:

• Change position every 30–45 minutes (stand, walk, or stretch)
• Keep feet supported (flat on floor or a small footrest)
• Bring your screen up so your eyes aren’t angled downward
• Keep your keyboard close so you’re not reaching forward

Even small changes can reduce low back strain and help your core do its job.

Habit 3: Build a stronger “walking core”

A lot of low back pain is tied to how your core and hips coordinate during everyday movement—walking, stairs, lifting kids, carrying groceries.

A simple core plan (3–4 days/week, 5–8 minutes):

• Dead bug (slow, controlled): 2 sets of 6–8 per side
• Glute bridge: 2 sets of 10
• Side plank (knees down is fine): 2 sets of 15–25 seconds per side
• Hip hinge practice: 1–2 minutes

If your back pain is persistent, a physical therapist can tailor these exercises to your exact movement pattern.

Habit 4: Stretch what’s actually pulling on your low back

Your back often feels tight because something else is tight. The biggest repeat offenders:

• Hip flexors (front of hips)
• Glutes and piriformis
• Hamstrings
• Thoracic spine (mid-back)

A practical nightly stretch set:

• Hip flexor stretch: 30–45 seconds per side
• Figure-4 stretch: 30–45 seconds per side
• Hamstring stretch (gentle): 30 seconds per side
• Open book (mid-back rotation): 6–8 reps per side

Massage therapy can also be a game-changer here—especially if you’ve got trigger points or that “gluey” tight fascia feeling.

Habit 5: Lift like you’re training—because you are

January often comes with new lifting demands: gym routines, reorganizing, hauling gear, or weekend projects. Your back usually gets irritated when you lift with a rounded spine + load + speed.

A safer lifting checklist:

• Get close to the object
• Hinge at hips, don’t fold at the waist
• Exhale as you lift (helps core coordination)
• Avoid twisting while holding weight—turn your feet instead

If you’ve thrown your back out before, it’s worth learning a few personalized lifting strategies in PT.

When to get help (instead of “waiting it out”)
Consider scheduling an evaluation if:

• Pain lasts longer than 10–14 days
• Pain travels into the glute/leg or includes numbness/tingling
• Your back “locks up” repeatedly
• You’re avoiding normal movement because you don’t trust your back

At Everett Spine and Rehab, many patients do best with a combined plan: chiropractic care to improve joint mobility, PT to rebuild movement and strength, and massage therapy to calm tight, protective muscles.

FAQ: Low back pain in January

Is walking good for low back pain?
Often yes—easy walking improves circulation and reduces stiffness. Start with 10–15 minutes.

Should I stretch or strengthen first?
Usually both, but gentle mobility first can help strengthening feel better and safer.

Can massage help low back pain?
Yes—especially when muscle guarding and trigger points are part of the problem.

Ready to start the year with a stronger back?
If you’re in Everett, Marysville, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, or Snohomish, our team can help you move better, feel better, and keep your back from flaring up again.

Causes of Middle Back Pain

A person’s poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over to look at a computer or phone screen for long periods, is often the cause of pain in the mid-back.

Also, if a person has repetitive activities that involve twisting or overextending the spine, muscle spasms in the mid-back area can lead to discomfort and pain.

Gallbladder issues can cause pain between the should blades or right shoulder.

Other possible causes of pain in the middle back include disc herniations, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, or degenerative disc disease. A professional specializing in back pain can determine the exact cause of your middle back pain before proceeding with any treatment plan.

Treatments for Middle Back Pain

Once a specialist identifies the underlying cause of your middle back pain, several treatment plans are available.

The most common treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cold/heat therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, exercise programs, and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be necessary if other treatments do not relieve symptoms.

Chiropractic care or physical therapy can tailor specific exercise and lifestyle changes to relieve middle back pain. Chiropractors and physical therapists can help you develop posture and desk ergonomics when sitting at a workstation or using electronic devices, which can be a tremendous help.

Chiropractors may also use spinal manipulation to relieve a patient’s pain. During a spinal manipulation technique, a chiropractor will use their hands or a device to apply a controlled thrust to the joint or joints in your spine that may be causing the patient’s discomfort.

The theory of spinal manipulation is to properly align the body’s musculoskeletal structure so the body can heal itself. Patients often use chiropractic care along with conventional medical treatment.

Many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling with an exercise treatment plan to relieve a patient’s pain. Using a more holistic approach to healing, a chiropractor will assess many different forms of pain relief for the patient.

Who is More Likely to Get Mid-Back Pain?

A patient at higher risk of suffering from middle-back pain is likely to be older, out-of-shape, overweight, have underlying conditions, and possibly a smoker. Increased coughing associated with smoking can sometimes misalign the middle back area.

Suppose you are experiencing any type of middle back pain. In that case, it is vital to seek advice from a qualified specialist to determine which treatment option would be best for your individual needs.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief from your symptoms and get on with life without the discomfort associated with middle back pain.

Everett Chiropractic Care in Snohomish County, Wa

Wherever your back pain may be, we are happy to help! Contact us here or call for an appointment at Everett Spine and Rehab.

People are looking to get back into the gym, eat healthier, and just feel better. These are all great and worthwhile goals, but the gym or working out can seem unattainable for people with chronic back pain.

Back pain sufferers don’t need to fear the gym or a good workout routine though. It’s actually a good idea to start a new workout routine, especially one that involves weight lifting.

It can be difficult to start anything new, but it’s that much harder when you are unfamiliar with the process altogether. So, what is weight lifting? People can have very different ideas about what weight lifting is and isn’t, what its purpose is, and how to do it. Things can get complicated quickly.

In its simplest form, weight lifting – sometimes called weight training – is a type of strength training meant to strengthen and grow your muscles. It’s like cardio work to help strengthen your heart. A person who lifts weights is exhausting that muscle group to stimulate more muscle growth.

But weight lifting doesn’t have to mean bodybuilding or even gaining a certain amount of muscle mass. Weight lifting is all about taxing your muscles just enough without damaging the surrounding joints, tendons, or ligaments.

Weight lifting doesn’t have to be for strength or muscle gains at all. In fact, weight lifting has been proven to help improve all different areas of the body and mind. A good weight lifting routine or program has been proven to increase bone strength, help manage body weight, improve mental abilities, and manage different chronic issues and illness – including back pain.

Is Weight Lifting Good for People with Back Pain?

One of the most common questions asked about weight training is, is it okay for people with back pain to weight lift? The answer is a resounding yes!

Weight lifting, done correctly and safely, is a huge benefit to people who suffer from short or long term back pain. The number one cause of back pain is a weakness in surrounding and supporting muscle groups, like the abdominals.

The abdominals, or core muscles, are meant to keep the spine well aligned and protect it from injury. If those muscles are weak or underdeveloped, then they aren’t doing their job correctly and that means back pain. One of the best ways to strengthen the core muscles and better protect the spine is to lift weights.

This also means a person can prevent back pain with a good weight lifting program. Even if you don’t currently feel pain in your back, you can head off a lot of potential issues with a strong core and a well protected spine.

Tips for Weight Lifting

Now, starting a weight lifting journey with a bad back does mean there are some precautions to take. Any weight lifting done improperly can have serious and negative consequences for people with back pain, so it’s important to always lift safely.

Here are a few tips to keep weight lifting safe and beneficial:

#1 – Start Small

Weight lifting isn’t a competition. Remember weight lifting is not bodybuilding so you don’t need to pick up the heaviest weights and show everyone how it’s done. Start small by starting with just your bodyweight.

You carry the weight of your body around every day, so it’s a weight you should know how to carry and manipulate through your everyday life. Once you start gaining some strength you can increase the weight with different types of equipment.

#2 – Use Correct Form Every Time

This might be the most important. Whatever move you do, you must do it properly. Improper form– even one time–can cause more damage to your already aching back. Make sure you know how to do each move before lifting too much weight too quickly. Make use of a personal trainer to help you with your form.

#3 – Be Consistent

Weight lifting isn’t something you do once and everything’s fixed permanently. It is something that has to be worked at and worked at consistently. Set a schedule, find a trainer or a workout buddy, and keep working.

#4 – Listen to Your Body

Rest is not a bad thing. In fact, your body will tell you when it needs a rest day. This doesn’t mean you’ll lose all your progress. Your body will thank you. Continuing to push your body when it needs rest can, again, cause big problems.

Weight lifting is a great option for a lot of people, even those with chronic back pain. It helps many different areas of your body and life, so why not? It’s almost a new year, and it’s time to get serious!

Back Pain: See a Chiropractor in Everett

If your back pain is persistent, it is a good idea to get checked out with a chiropractor. Those in Snohomish County can stop by Everett Spine and Rehab for a consultation. It is certainly better to address any back issues before they get worse!

Sadly, most of us give it our all for January, but we have submitted to defeat by February. The year 2023 can be different if at the top of your list is: an appointment with a chiropractor.

What is the Function of a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor provides complementary medicine with the philosophy that your body can heal by keeping your spine and joints in alignment. Chiropractic treatment focuses on the spine and provides a holistic approach to keeping your body in top shape so you can go out and enjoy your life.

Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves are your nervous system’s roots that send information to your entire body, and every bodily function relies on the health of your spine. Chiropractic work is a serious business.

How does a Chiropractor Provide Care?

Chiropractic care uses hands-on manipulation to relieve symptoms or pain in your body.

• A Chiropractor can reduce neck pain with cervical spine manipulation.
• A Chiropractor can reduce lower back pain with spinal manipulation.
• A Chiropractor can ease chronic headache symptoms with cervical and thoracic spine manipulation.
• A Chiropractor can improve posture to help correct the results of sitting too much.
• A Chiropractor can reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis by aligning joints and reducing bone-to-bone contact.

So How Can a Chiropractor Help Me with My 2023 Resolutions?

Routine visits to a chiropractor are just a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle. It is the one step most people don’t consider when making their resolution “To Do” list.

If a person is in pain, it prevents them from doing what they want. It’s a domino effect the body reacts to that can make the enthusiasm of a person’s resolution fade away. The reason is that it just plain hurts too bad.

Visualize how 2023 can be different than any other year. The first step is to visit the chiropractor’s office.

The chiropractor listens to what your intentions are, examines your body, makes some adjustments, and you leave the office feeling 2 inches taller and without pain.

With your body’s circulation and nervous system functioning, you’re feeling good and inspired to eat right and go to the gym. Chiropractic spinal adjustment has also tapered down stress and anxiety.  The freedom of exercising helps your body relax and fall into a deep and restful sleep at night.

After a week, you may have overdone, and your body may be out of alignment again.  After a routine visit to your chiropractor, you can start the week out with enthusiasm again because your pain has subsided, and you’ve received some workout tips from your chiropractor.

If you continue on this path with the weekly support of your chiropractor, you could be looking at substantial weight loss and feeling strong within a short period. You might be so successful that you can book a flight to a beach and model the new swimsuit you purchased.

There is one more loose end to your 2023 resolutions, and that may be to quit smoking. Your chiropractor may be able to help you stop that habit too.

Some chiropractors are very enthusiastic about participating in training for intervention protocol to help their patients quit smoking. The study for tobacco treatment in a chiropractic setting was very successful.

Everett Spine & Rehab: Chiropractic Care

Could 2023 be your year to follow through and achieve your resolutions? That’s up to you, but making that appointment with your chiropractor could be the first step toward your success. If you’re in the Snohomish County area, we are happy to see you at Everett Spine & Rehab. Not only do we help you with your spine and back needs (low back pain, sciatica, adjustments, etc.) but we also offer physical therapy and massage therapy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about half of adults will experience at least one headache every year.

Whether you have headaches or migraines, both conditions negatively affect your life. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment may help.

What is Chiropractic Care?

As licensed healthcare professions, chiropractors rely on natural medicine, helping the body to heal itself.

When you go to a chiropractor, the treatment you receive usually involves manual manipulation. Manipulation of the spine is most common, but chiropractors can work on other joints as well.

To treat the body, chiropractors stretch the body and apply pressure to the areas that need treatment. They often couple pressure with a quick thrust of the hand to cause a joint to “pop” into place.

Such manipulations may help reduce pain and improve mobility of the joints.

What’s The Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?

Migraines and headaches sometimes need different treatment, as they are different conditions. Headaches are more common and are easier to treat than migraines.

If you suffer from migraines, don’t let anyone tell you it’s “just a bad headache”. A migraine is a neurological disease that can often be debilitating.

Those suffering from migraines will have moderate-to-severe head pain. Pain often comes with throbbing, pulsating, or pounding in the head and gets worse with movement.

Those with migraines may also experience nasal congestion or a runny nose. They may experience more sensitivity to light, smells, and noise. They may also experience nausea and vomiting.

Headaches‌ have a variety of causes and symptoms. While migraines are often chronic, headaches are usually short-lived and go away with treatment.

Often, they will go away within a few hours just by taking a simple pain reliever. Headaches aren’t usually a cause for concern, but if you experience them frequently, see a doctor.

There are a variety of different headaches, and knowing which one you’re experiencing will help you treat it. There are over 150 kinds of headaches, but here are some of the most common:

1. Tension Headache — dull, constant pain on both sides of the head. May include tenderness of the face, neck, or shoulders, pressure behind the eyes, and sensitivity to light and sound.
2. Suboccipital Headache — the occipital nerves sit at the back of the head, and they can suffer from inflammation or injury. Common causes include pinched nerves, muscle tightness, or injury.
3. Head-Injury Headaches — common causes include sports injury and car accidents. Seek treatment if you also experience unconsciousness, seizures, memory loss, confusion, vision or hearing problems, or confusion.
4. Sinus Headache — the cause is a viral or bacterial sinus infection that produces thick, off-color nasal discharge. Symptoms include weaker smell, facial pain and swelling, and fever.
5. Hypnic Headache — they wake people in the middle of the night with mild-to-moderate pain on both sides of the head. This type of headache is most common in people over 50.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Headaches & Migraines?

Chiropractors relieve pain in the spine and neck by applying pressure to the body. Chiropractic treatment is often effective for headaches and migraines.

The type of headache you suffer from will determine if chiropractic treatment may be effective. Pain must originate from the neck, or the head and shoulder muscles, such as with tension headaches.

Multiple studies found that chiropractic treatment helped with acute and chronic neck pain, headaches, and migraines.

If you visit a chiropractor for headaches or migraines, they will probably perform spinal manipulation or adjustments. They may also give you nutritional advice that may reduce occurrences of your headaches. They are also likely to give you advice and strength-training exercises to improve your posture to reduce pain.

Chiropractic and Headaches Help in Everett

Headaches and migraines are painful and often debilitating. Constantly taking medication for your pain is frustrating and can be bad for your health. Chiropractors offer a natural solution for helping to relieve your pain. If you suffer from migraines, or headaches stemming from the head or neck area, a chiropractor may be able to help.

Reach out to us or stop by our Everett office. We welcome walk-ins but you can also call to book an appointment: 425-347-8614.

Back pain is one of the most common sources of pain reported to doctors. About 65 million Americans have reported back pain throughout their lives. 16 million of those people, about 8% of the American population, suffer from chronic back pain.

The good news is that you don’t have to live in constant pain. Chiropractic care and massage therapy are natural options to soothe your pain.

What Is The Spine?

The spine and back are complex structures, so there are many ways that you can injure them.

The spine is divided into four sections:

• Cervical spine: the upper part of the spine, making up the neck

• Thoracic spine:  the middle part of the spine, making up your upper back

• Lumbar spine: the lower part of your spine, making up your lower back 

• Sacrum: vertebrae connecting your spine to your pelvis
• Coccyx: the lowest part of your spine, often referred to as the ‘tailbone’

Your back also consists of several structures that help your back function:

• Vertebrae: circular, hollow bones that protect the spinal cord

• Spinal cord: a bundle of nerves that runs through the vertebrae down the length of your back

• Intervertebral discs: pads that sit between the vertebrae to act as a cushion

• Ligaments: tough, but flexible tissue that keeps the vertebrae stable

• Tendons: cords of tissues that connect bone and muscle

• Muscles: bundles of fibers that support your spine and body, allowing you to move

Who Gets Back Pain?

Anyone can experience back pain, but it’s more common among certain populations.

Those who do not exercise experience more back pain. They don’t have the back and abdominal muscles to support the spine. An unhealthy diet and weight gain can contribute to this.

We spend much of our lives at work, so our job can play a role in our back health. Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling can increase the risk of back injury. Those with desk jobs can experience back pain from poor posture.

As we age, the health of our back decreases, especially in those over the age of 45.

Back pain can also be hereditary and is linked to certain disorders and diseases.

What Kind Of Back Pain Do You Have?

There are three main types of back pain: acute, subacute, and chronic.

Acute back pain occurs quickly, often due to an injury. It is not permanent and often goes away after a few days or weeks.

Subacute back pain lasts longer, usually between four to twelve weeks. This type of pain may occur suddenly, or it may emerge over time.

Chronic back pain may also come on suddenly or may emerge over time. But, chronic pain lasts for more than 12 weeks, often affecting a person for the rest of their lifetime.

Common Causes Of Back Pain

In many cases, massage therapy and chiropractic care can help relieve back pain. But, it’s not for everyone. Consult your physician before trying any new therapy. Here are some of the most common causes of back pain:

1. Pulled Muscles Or Tendons

This injury occurs when we move our back in a way we shouldn’t. It can happen by lifting something incorrectly, twisting into an awkward position, or even laying in the wrong position.

2. Inflammation

Inflammation is swelling caused by injury or disease. It’s a normal response that your body uses to protect itself, but it can cause pain.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis is chronic inflammation. It occurs in the joints throughout your body, including the back.

4. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to weak, brittle bones due to a decrease in bone mass. This most commonly occurs in the wrists and spine. People with this disease are more susceptible to fractures.

5. Herniated Or Ruptured Discs

Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebrae of the spine to act as a cushion. They can become injured and separate from the vertebrate which can be excruciating.

6. Poor Posture & Excess Weight

Your spine has to bear a lot of weight. When you don’t have the correct posture or are overweight, you’re putting a lot of strain and stress on your back. Your muscles have to work harder to keep your back upright which can cause pain.

7. Fibromyalgia

Doctors don’t understand this condition well. But, they know that it can cause pain throughout the body, including the neck.

8. Scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine. It can cause pain and difficulty with movement. It can lead to under or overdeveloped muscles and pain.

9. Pregnancy

Back pain is very common among pregnant women as the extra weight adds pressure to the back and spine.

What Is Chiropractic Care & Can It Help?

Chiropractic care emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment is performed by a licensed health professional. It consists of manual therapy like spinal manipulation.

Chiropractors use their hands to apply a quick, thrusting pressure to specific joints. These manipulations reduce pain and improve function and mobility. 

Chiropractic care is most effective for those with subacute back pain. It can also help with neck pain and flare-ups of chronic pain.

What Is Massage Therapy & Can It Help?

Licensed massage therapists use their hands to manipulate the soft tissues in the body. It can help to manage health conditions by reducing pain and improving mobility.

There are many kinds of massage, ranging from gentle Swedish massage to rougher deep-tissue massage. So, massage therapy can be helpful to nearly anyone with any condition. But, if you have any concerns about your condition, seek advice from your doctor before booking a massage.

Other types of massage include:

• Acupressure (shiatsu)
• Neuromuscular massage therapy
• Myofascial release
• Sports massage

Back Pain? See Everett Spine & Rehab

Nearly everyone will suffer from back pain at some point in their life. The good news is that you can experience relief. Depending on your condition, chiropractic care or massage therapy may be able to help. Consult with your physician before seeking out any new treatment. See us in our Everett office if you have questions about neck or back pain. We’re located at 927 128th St SW Ste B, Everett, WA 98204. 

A general doctor can diagnose a tear or a break and a surgeon can mend those breaks and tears. But there are a lot of issues between those extremes. Joint and ligament pain or discomfort is a real issue for many, and a chiropractor might just be the best bet for treatment and long-term maintenance.

What does a chiropractor do?

Chiropractic care can be a little unclear, especially for those who haven’t been through treatment before. Chiropractors have both a limited and wide-reaching scope of their specialty.

Chiropractors focus on a patient’s neuromusculoskeletal health – including bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Back and neck pain is some of the most common complaints brought to chiropractors. This kind of pain often comes from the misalignment of bones and/or tendons and ligaments. Realigning these elements through spinal adjustment can improve the overall function of a body and improve the body’s ability to self-heal.

Additionally, treatment through a chiropractor can also include elements of nutrition and fitness. The kind of treatment and length of treatment depends greatly on the patient. The scope of treatment often includes a health and functional review, an examination, a treatment plan, and monitoring progress.

How do chiropractors help?

The biggest reason people see, and continue seeing, a chiropractor is for pain management. An adjustment from the chiropractor can do much more than lessening that low back pain. Chiropractors are pros when it comes to treating and limiting pain without traditional medications

The truth is, however, that chiropractic treatment has other a chiropractor. The power of a good chiropractor can impact many parts of your life for years to come.

Top Benefits for Seeing a Chiropractor

Chiropractors may treat many root causes of chronic and episodic pain. Based on a number of different studies, chiropractors are one of the leaders in treating both back and neck pain. In fact, people who consistently see a chiropractor report less pain after just six weeks in research published in 2018.

Chronic pain in other parts of the body is just as responsive to chiropractic treatment. Chronic pain is often caused by elements of inflammation and tense muscles. Chiropractors may be able to target these issues to help reduce pain.

Many high-performance athletes use and swear by chiropractors. Regular adjustments can mean better alignment and a higher level of performance. Not everyone is a world-class athlete, but we can all stand to move a little better. Treatment with a chiropractor may also help increase energy levels.

Chiropractors are known for their ability to relieve pain and improve quality of life. People flock to the closest office when back or neck pain rears its head. Even if you aren’t feeling those tell-tell signs of pain or discomfort, it can still be time to visit the local chiropractor.

An Everett Chiropractor Near You

Those who are living in Snohomish County and surrounding areas can feel at ease knowing skilled professionals are available to assist you with pain management, whether that is through chiropractic care or physical therapy at Everett Spine and Rehab. Please call us to schedule your appointment: (425)347-8614.

For you to recover as quickly as possible, it is helpful to follow this advice:

1. Follow the Instructions of Your Surgeon and Other Specialists

The medical specialists partner with you to expedite your recovery and help you return to your regular daily routine. Be proactive and be sure to understand all the instructions for your well-being in the hospital and your return home.

Communicate your daily routines to the surgeon, nurses, and physical therapists while still in the hospital. Ensure you have all your post-surgery instructions in writing and make personal notes about your recovery for future reference.

2. Get Moving

Your rest is important, but starting physical therapy as soon as possible is advantageous. Many doctors order physical therapy within 24 hours of your surgery.

Hospital staff may help you with range-of-motion exercises that will help strengthen your arms and legs. They will also get you up walking, which is good therapy for upper and lower spinal surgeries.

3. Be Patient

Back surgery is a severe bodily event and an event you should not take lightly. It will take time to heal, and rushing your daily activities may cause a longer recovery.

Understand that you may need to do things differently than you have before–at least for a while. Discuss activity plans for getting out of bed, sitting in a chair, getting dressed, lifting and carrying, driving, and going back to work with your physical therapists, and in some cases, your chiropractor. With an appropriate plan, you can make realistic and safe goals.

4. Manage Pain Effectively

Your physician may have prescribed pain medication while you were in the hospital, but exploring other options as soon as possible will be beneficial to your health.

Changes to your post-surgical movement may also cause pain. Case studies have explored the benefits of Chiropractic care after back surgery that has given patients some pain relief. Non-operative and nonpharmacologic options for your pain management are worth exploring.

Before, during, and after your back surgery, assembling a team of experts to support you during the process is most advantageous for your swift recovery. We encourage you to come visit Everett Spine & Rehab to learn more. We can perform an evaluation and find a treatment plan that would work for you. Call us now at 425-347-8614 to schedule your appointment.

If you are proactive and communicate your needs and follow the instruction of your assembled experts, you will be back to your daily activities as quickly as possible.

Almost every person suffers from some form of back pain in their life. Problems can occur with lifting heavy objects, prolonged sitting, accidents, and sedentary lifestyles.

Traction therapy is quite simple. Doctors have used spinal traction therapy for centuries. The purpose is to reverse the force of gravity on the vertebrae and allow relief from the gravitational pressure of everyday walking and sitting. This therapy allows nutrients and oxygen to flow to an otherwise undernourished inner spinal canal.

What is Spinal Traction?

Spinal traction is decompression therapy performed manually or mechanically. The most common uses are to treat pinched nerves, herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and many other spinal conditions.

There may be some spinal conditions that are not appropriate for traction therapy. Those conditions may include fractures, tumors, osteoporosis, aneurysms, and metal implants.

In manual spinal traction, chiropractors use their hands to apply force on the joints and muscles in a pulling type action. This process widens the spaces of the vertebrae.

In some cases, chiropractors may use mechanical traction. Patients will lie on a table that stretches the spine, and chiropractors will attach ropes and slings attached to pulleys to the body. The table then mechanically relieves pressure.

There may be other types of treatments applied before or after spinal traction. These treatments may include electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and heat or cold therapies.

Some patients experience some joint soreness or muscle spasms after traction therapy. Patients can discuss any possible side effects with their attending doctor.

Chiropractors use spinal traction as a tool in a total-management physical therapy plan. Chiropractors’ use of traction is generally just a part of a holistic plan in patient care.

Traction therapy has been most successful when coupled with an exercise program designed specifically for the patient. Pain is often decreased when doctors advise patients to build core strength. When patients strengthen their spinal supportive muscles, their traction therapy treatments are enhanced.

Exercise programs include step-boxes, mats, and gym ball exercises. The main exercise prescribed by the doctors is walking because it is safe and does not involve forceful and twisting action.

Since spinal traction stretches the muscles and bones in the back, many patients have experienced significant improvement in movement. This relief of the gravitational pull has provided the patient’s bodies to realign and decompress joints.

Some patients only need one or two tractions therapy sessions. However, there are some patients who can benefit from this type of therapy throughout their lives.

As part of a total wellness plan for patient care, many people find their pain reduced and the body more capable of healing itself without surgery or medications.

Look to an Everett, Wa Chiropractor from Everett Spine & Rehab

We’re here to help you–whether you’re recovering from an injury or just want to feel better overall–our combination of physical therapy, chiropractic care and massage therapy makes us your one-stop shop for pain rehabilitation. Call us at 425-347-8614 or contact us now for an appointment at our Everett office.

Chiropractors

The Chiropractic practice is a regulated health care profession. Chiropractors have graduated from accredited chiropractic colleges and are honored with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. After their college graduation, chiropractors must pass a difficult national board exam before applying for their state license. Chiropractors define their practice as a patient-centered approach, focusing on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Still, their goal is to evaluate the disorders’ effects on their patient’s general health. This goal helps people of any age live more active lives.

Chiropractors practice spinal and joint manipulation to restore mobility and tissue injuries. Tissue injuries result from lifting heavy objects improperly, poor spinal posture for an extended time, or trauma from automobile accidents. Injured tissues have physical and chemical changes that cause inflammation, pain, and limited function. By adjusting the affected joints and surrounding tissue, pain and muscle tightness are relieved, which allows the tissue to heal.

Orthopedists

An orthopedist has completed medical school and has a certification and license as a medical doctor, including five to six years of orthopedic residency at a hospital.

Orthopedists treat broken bones, osteoporosis, arthritic joints, and other musculoskeletal system ailments. These doctors also treat conditions that affect bones, muscles, and cartilage.

A patient in significant pain, experiencing swelling, or has a skeletal deformity may seek the care of an orthopedist. Treatments often focus on surgery and therapies after surgery, and non-surgical treatments may include medications and exercises.

Research

Beginning in the 1990s, evidence from clinical research has supported chiropractic treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions. The studies concentrated on low back pain, and the conclusions were clear that chiropractic manipulation was an effective low back pain care option in several national and international guidelines.

Cooperation between medical and chiropractic professions has increased over recent years. Nearly all chiropractors report that they have referred patients to other health care providers and have also received referrals from medical physicians.

The cooperation between the two fields has also benefited the patients by the medical profession paying more attention to nutritional and dietary counseling as the chiropractic profession does. Chiropractors and orthopedists have both broadened their treatment options like heat, ice, ultrasound, taping, and bracing.

In Conclusion:

Chiropractors and orthopedists are both recognized professionals in their field. Deciding which specialist to go to depends on the patient’s comfort zone. If broken bones or torn muscles need repair, an orthopedist is probably the best choice.

If the patient feels they could benefit from a more natural treatment, a visit to the chiropractor may be a great place to begin the healing process. If you are in the Everett or Snohomish County area of Washington, we’re here to help! We service Lynnwood, Bothell, Marysville, Mill Creek, Everett, Lake Stevens and more.

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