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How Can You Determine If Back Pain Is From a Disc vs. Muscle?

Back pain got you down? For people living with back pain, it’s a nagging feeling that just won’t leave your body alone. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing sensation, back pain can throw a wrench into your daily life. But hold up a second! Not all back pain is created equal. Before you start Googling “miracle cures” (we’ve all been there), let’s figure out the source of your discomfort. Is your back pain from a muscle strain or a disc issue? Knowing the difference is key to finding the right relief.

How to Tell Muscle Pain From Disc Pain

Back pain can manifest in different ways, depending on the source. Here’s how to tell whether it’s muscle pain or disc pain:

• Muscle Pain. Think of this as your back’s way of saying, “Hey, I’ve been working a little too hard.” Muscle pain tends to feel sore, achy, and sometimes even a bit tight. It’s often localized to a specific area and might get worse when you move in certain ways. Think of that stiffness you feel after a weekend of yard work or an intense workout.
• Disc Pain.Now, this is a different beast altogether. Disc pain tends to be sharper, more intense, and can radiate down your leg. It might feel like an electric shock, burning sensation, or even numbness and tingling. This is because a damaged disc can put pressure on the nerves that run through your spine. It’s not just uncomfortable; it can be downright debilitating.

Beyond the Pain: Other Clues to Consider

Pain isn’t the only clue. Here are some other telltale signs that can help you figure out what’s going on:

• Movement Matters.Muscle pain often worsens with movement, while disc pain might feel better when you’re moving around or changing positions.
• The “Pins and Needles” Feeling.If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, it could be a sign of nerve compression from a disc problem.
• History of Injury.If you’ve recently lifted something heavy, twisted awkwardly, or engaged in strenuous activity, muscle strain is more likely. But if you have a history of back problems or have experienced a sudden onset of severe pain, it could be a disc issue.

Find Your Path to Relief at Impact Medical Group

The team of experienced doctors and specialists at Impact Medical Group of Sarasota understand the intricacies of back pain. We’ll listen to your symptoms, conduct a thorough examination, and use diagnostic tools to get a clear picture of what’s going on.

Once we’ve pinpointed the source of your pain, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Whether it’s physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain medication, or other interventions, we’ll work with you to find the most effective path to relief. Get control of your pain! Schedule a free consultation today at (941) 222-1157 and let us help you get back on track.

7 Reasons to See a Chiropractor Other Than Back Pain

Think chiropractors are just for back pain? Think again! While they’re certainly experts at spinal adjustments, their skills extend far beyond just cracking your back. Chiropractic care is part of a holistic approach to wellness, addressing a surprising range of health concerns that might not even be on your radar.

So, if you’re feeling a little under the weather, struggling with headaches, or just want to boost your overall health, it might be time to pay your local chiropractor a visit. Here are some compelling reasons to schedule a chiropractic appointment:

1. Helping Headaches. If you’re popping pain relievers like candy to quell those nagging headaches, chiropractic care might be a drug-free alternative. Misalignments in the neck and upper spine can trigger headaches, and gentle adjustments can often provide relief.
2. Relieving Joint Pain. Achy knees, creaky ankles, or stiff shoulders? Chiropractors are joint whisperers, using manual therapies to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Whether it’s arthritis, an old injury, or general wear and tear, chiropractic care can help your joints move more freely.
3. Boosting Your Immunity. Feeling run down all the time? Believe it or not, chiropractic adjustments can give your immune system a little boost. By improving spinal alignment and nerve function, chiropractic care can help your body fight off infections and stay healthy.
4. Supporting Pregnancy. Pregnancy can put a lot of stress on your body, especially your back and pelvis. Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain, improve posture, and even help prepare your body for labor and delivery.
5. Boosting Athletic Performance. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious athlete, chiropractic care can help you reach peak performance. Adjustments can improve range of motion, reduce muscle soreness, and enhance overall athletic performance. Plus, chiropractors can provide guidance on injury prevention and proper warm-up and cool-down techniques.
6. Reducing Stress. Stress can wreak havoc on your body, leading to muscle tension, headaches, and even digestive problems. Chiropractic adjustments can help relax your muscles, reduce tension, and promote a sense of calm and well-being. Who doesn’t need a little more Zen in their life?
7. Boosting Overall Wellness. Chiropractic care isn’t all about fixing what’s broken—it involves optimizing your body’s natural healing abilities. By addressing misalignments and improving nervous system function, chiropractic care can help you feel better, move better, and live better. It’s a proactive approach to health that can pay off in spades.

Beyond Back Pain: Discover the Surprising Brain Benefits of Chiropractic Care

The chiropractors at Impact Medical Group don’t just treat symptoms; they address the root causes of your discomfort. We take a holistic approach to care, combining gentle adjustments with other therapies like massage, stretching, and exercise to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.

Ready to discover the full potential of chiropractic care? Schedule your free medical evaluation today at (813) 522-8885 and let our experienced chiropractors help you unlock a healthier, happier you!

Can Accident-Related Neck Pain Travel To My Lower Back? Yes, Here’s How They’re Connected

Neck injuries are very common after an accident because there’s nothing to keep your head held in place during a crash, but what may seem like only neck pain at first can easily turn into something much worse without the right treatment. Learn more about how accident-related neck pain can travel to your lower back before consulting your local chiropractors at Impact Medical Plant City for effective treatment options near you!

Your Neck’s Anatomy and Its Relation to Your Spine

Unless you’re in the medical field, it can be easy to forget that your neck is directly connected to your back. That’s why the pain in your neck may feel like a solidated injury at first before slowly progressing to your lower back if you don’t see a professional. Both of these parts (and more) are all part of your spine or vertebrae.

To be more precise, your vertebrae begin from the cervical spine where your neck is located, and end at the lumbar spine which includes your lower back. Your entire spinal cord acts as one, granting you support and flexibility while also sharing pain and other symptoms.

Why Neck Pain Seems to Shoot Down Your Spine

The way neck pain reaches the lumbar is through your nervous system protected within the spine. The nerves inside transmit pain receptors from one end to another which causes the sensation of shooting pain that you feel from your neck to your lower back. Alternatively, any pain originating from the back can travel up the spine to your neck and head.

Referred pain (or referring pain) is the pain you feel in areas that are located a distance away from the original source of the injury by using the pathways in your nervous system.

Common Types of Accident Injuries That Cause This Sensation

Remember how we mentioned at the beginning of this article that the head has no way to stabilize itself in the event of a crash? This fact is the reason why whiplash injuries are common during an accident, and often the source for neck pain. Whiplash involves your head being rocked from side to side, putting immense strain on your neck. Of course, there are many more injuries that auto accident doctors check for that can cause neck pain ranging from mild discomfort to extremely severe cases.

Other factors that can induce neck pain include:

• Strained muscles
• Compressed nerves
• Poor posture
• Severe trauma
• Degenerative disc disease

How Can I Deal With Radiating Neck Pain?

For neck pain that affects the rest of the spine, we typically recommend chiropractic care and physical therapy with suggestions for surgery only when absolutely necessary. We like to start with chiropractors who provide natural neck pain treatment if it can be helped, especially when the pain is caught early enough before it can escalate and hinder your daily activities. Although neck pain should be treated with urgency, there’s also no instance when it’s too late for physical therapy.

Let Impact Medical Alleviate Your Neck and Back Pain

If you’re experiencing neck pain that’s traveling to your lower back, Impact Medical Plant City offers everything you need for effective treatment and pain relief including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and surgery options. Call our friendly staff today at 813-214-8330 to schedule your next appointment!

My Elderly Parent Was In An Accident, How Can I Support Them?

No one wants to receive that dreaded call from their loved one saying they’ve been in an accident. It’s always a relief to know that they’re alive, but you still worry for their health and recovery. What can you do if you end up in this situation with your elderly parent? Take a moment to review the different ways you can support them in their time of need. Call Impact Medical Tarpon Springs to refer them to a local chiropractor if they require auto accident treatment.

The Challenges That Seniors Face After An Accident

The elderly already have a difficult time with tasks that felt easier when they were younger, and the presence of accident injury symptoms only makes things more challenging for them. Accident injuries can impact their movements, limiting their range of motion when reaching for things, lifting items, and simply turning around or sitting up. Trauma can also affect their mental health, instigating emotional outbursts and debilitating depression. When things are starting to look bleak for the senior car crash victim, you can serve as their guiding light.

A Bit of Support Goes a Long Way

Sometimes, simply making yourself available to see your elderly parent is enough to lift their spirits after surviving a traumatic car accident. The serotonin they receive from your visit can boost their mental health, and having face-to-face human interaction can grant them the encouragement they need to give it their all on the journey to recovery. Showing up in person to offer emotional support can help your parent feel relaxed and comfortable with a familiar face to carry them through a big change in their life.

Learn more > 7 Tips For Managing Anxiety and PTSD After a Crash

Join Them In Their Daily Recovery Activities

Showing up is important, but joining your elderly parent in their daily exercises and stretches can motivate them to keep up with their recovery plan. While they perform low-impact exercises and light stretches, you will also benefit from adding healthy physical activities to your daily routine. In this busy day and age, doing so much as a 20-minute yoga session is hard to manage. A great way for your parent to get involved in these crucial activities is through physical therapy. PT benefits everyone at any age, including seniors who feel they aren’t as strong or as flexible as they used to be.

Make Sure They’re Getting the Care They Need

Keeping up with daily exercises and regular appointments can be exhausting even for the average person, let alone a senior who’s dealing with accident injuries. You can ensure your parent’s recovery by offering to drive them to and from their PT or chiropractor appointments, seeing that they’re getting the care that they need firsthand. With the setbacks that occur from quitting PT early, it’s crucial to make sure that not a single appointment gets overlooked. You can sit in on these appointments so they don’t feel alone, and even help them answer questions that their doctor may ask.

Be Understanding During Mood Swings

One of the hardest parts of assisting elderly parents after an accident is the arguments that may occur along the way. Your parent may seem irritable at times, and even snap in anger and frustration. It may be easy to let your initial feelings excuse you from your responsibilities, but it’s crucial to remember that certain accident injuries, including emotional trauma, can cause mood swings that are difficult to control, especially in older patients. Do your best to understand that these occurrences may be a side effect and continue supporting them the best way you can.

Bring Your Parent Under the Care of Impact Medical

Does your elderly parent need therapy after an auto accident? You can bring them to Impact Medical Tarpon Springs for physical therapy, chiropractic care, injury trauma counseling, and more. Call us today at 727-756-9585 to schedule an appointment!