The morning after a snowstorm brings more than just icy sidewalks. It brings an influx of patients dealing with acute low back pain. These injuries can happen suddenly—one wrong twist while lifting a shovel, one slip on black ice, one awkward bend to clear the windshield.
The Key Difference Between Strains and Sprains
Most people use the terms interchangeably, but strains and sprains affect different tissues. A strain involves injury to muscles or tendons (the tissues connecting muscles to bones), typically caused by overstretching or overuse. Picture a rubber band stretched too far.
A sprain damages ligaments (the tissues connecting bone to bone), usually from sudden twisting, lifting, or trauma. Think of it as the structural supports giving way. Both conditions create similar symptoms: muscle tightness, spasms, reduced range of motion, and pain that intensifies with movement.
Common Winter Causes of Back Injuries
The causes of back injuries read like a winter activity checklist:
- Lifting heavy objects improperly
- Sudden twisting or bending
- Prolonged sitting in poor posture
- Sports injuries
- Slips and falls
- Minor accidents
Weak core and spinal stabilizing muscles increase vulnerability. When these foundational muscles lack strength, the back compensates during physical activities, leading to injury.
How Chiropractic Care Treats Back Injuries
Chiropractic care offers effective treatment for these conditions. Gentle spinal adjustments form the cornerstone of recovery. “What the adjustment does is it improves joint mobility, it reduces stiffness and guarding,” explains Dr. Erik Camac from First State Health & Wellness. “It decreases pressure on the irritated tissues and it supports proper movement patterns.”
Beyond adjustments, soft tissue therapy addresses the muscular component. Myofascial release stretches tight muscles. Trigger point therapy applies focused pressure to contracted areas, encouraging them to release. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization uses specialized tools to break up fascial adhesions that bind muscles together.
Rehabilitation and Prevention Strategies
Therapeutic exercises accelerate healing. Core stabilization exercises rebuild the foundational strength that prevents future injuries. Gentle stretching maintains flexibility during recovery. Strengthening the hips and glutes supports the lower back by distributing workload more evenly.
Adjunct therapies complement hands-on treatment. Ice therapy works best in the first 24 to 72 hours, followed by alternating ice and heat applications. Electrical stimulation uses cross-current pads to relax muscles and promote tissue healing.
Treatment is always tailored to individual needs. Athletes require different approaches than office workers or retirees.
Get Relief From Your Back Pain
When winter back pain strikes, prompt chiropractic care gets you moving again without the risks associated with long-term medication use. Contact First State Health & Wellness to schedule your appointment and get on the path to feeling better.