<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Low Back Pain Archives - Intouch Chiropractic</title> <atom:link href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/category/low-back-pain/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link></link> <description>At Intouch Chiropractic, your journey to better health is addressed with advanced diagnostics and world-class treatment protocols.</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:37:43 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4</generator> <image> <url>https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-it-logo-bg-1a-1-32x32.jpg</url> <title>Low Back Pain Archives - Intouch Chiropractic</title> <link></link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Do You Need a Cortisone Shot for Back Pain, or Is There Another Way?</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/do-you-need-a-cortisone-shot-for-back-pain-or-is-there-another-way/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Keenview]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 20:36:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=6439</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A cortisone shot can ease back pain for a while, but it works by calming inflammation, not by correcting whatever caused the pain. If you want to address the source...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/do-you-need-a-cortisone-shot-for-back-pain-or-is-there-another-way/">Do You Need a Cortisone Shot for Back Pain, or Is There Another Way?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A cortisone shot can ease back pain for a while, but it works by calming inflammation, not by correcting whatever caused the pain. If you want to address the source of the problem, chiropractic care is worth considering before you commit to an injection. Here we’ll cover what a cortisone shot can realistically do, how chiropractic care approaches the same pain, and how to decide which path makes sense for you.</p> <h2>What a Cortisone Shot Can and Can’t Do</h2> <p>A cortisone shot for back pain is usually an epidural steroid injection. It combines a corticosteroid, which reduces pain and swelling over time, with a numbing medicine that gives quick relief. Relief can last weeks to months, but it rarely lasts as long as a year.</p> <p>The research on long-term pain relief results is less encouraging. A 2015 study looked at 30 trials of cortisone injections for nerve pain that runs from the low back down the leg. The shots helped with pain right away, but the relief was small and faded quickly. They also didn’t lower people’s chances of needing surgery later on.</p> <p>There are practical limits, too. Side effects become more likely with larger doses and more frequent shots, so doctors generally limit how many you can have in a year. The FDA also warns that injections into the epidural space carry a rare but serious risk of complications, including vision loss, stroke, and paralysis, and it encourages patients to talk through the risks and benefits with their doctor.</p> <p>None of this makes a cortisone shot a bad choice. The shot is built to quiet a symptom and provide immediate pain relief, which is a good outcome, but it still leaves the question of what’s irritating the nerve or joint in the first place.</p> <h2>How Chiropractic Care Looks at the Same Pain</h2> <p>An injection is aimed at inflammation in one spot. A chiropractic exam starts with a different question: why that spot became inflamed in the first place. From a chiropractic point of view, disc pressure, joint irritation, and tight, guarded muscles usually start with how the spine is aligned and how weight moves through it. When the spine is out of balance, some areas end up carrying more strain than they should, and those areas are where pain shows up.</p> <p>At Intouch Chiropractic, care begins with a detailed exam, a posture assessment, and specialized imaging that measures how your spine, specifically the atlas, is positioned. That information shapes your care plan, so treatment is based on where your pain comes from, rather than just where it’s expressing itself.</p> <h2>Why NUCCA Starts at the Top of the Spine</h2> <p>NUCCA stands for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. The technique focuses on the atlas, the small vertebra at the very top of your spine that supports your head.</p> <p>It might seem strange to look at the neck when your lower back hurts. NUCCA is based on the idea that the spine works as one connected structure. When the atlas shifts out of position, the rest of the spine adjusts to keep your head level, and that compensation can lead to <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/nucca-helps-correct-posture/">uneven posture</a> and further strain lower down.</p> <p>NUCCA corrections are also gentle. Unlike <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/nucca-chiropractic-vs-regular-chiropractic/">regular chiropractic adjustments</a>, there’s no twisting, cracking, or popping. If you have avoided chiropractic care because you expected a forceful adjustment, that is not what you’ll find with NUCCA care.</p> <h2>Support for Disc and Nerve Pain</h2> <p>Cortisone shots are often offered for sciatica and disc-related nerve pain, but chiropractic care can help with these problems, too. At Intouch Chiropractic, our care goes beyond adjustments and can include spinal decompression and laser therapy.</p> <p>When sciatic pain comes from a problem with L4-L5 or L5-S1, the two lowest discs in your lower back, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/drx9000-for-sciatica-targeting-the-root-cause-at-l4-l5-and-l5-s1/">spinal decompression on the DRX9000</a> is one treatment option. Decompression works by creating negative pressure inside the disc, and it’s worth considering if you have a <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/how-to-determine-if-youre-a-good-candidate-for-drx9000-spinal-decompression/">disc problem or sciatica that hasn’t responded to other treatments</a>.</p> <p>MLS laser therapy is another option for the irritated soft tissue that often accompanies disc and nerve pain. The laser is FDA-cleared and uses specific wavelengths of light that reach deep into the tissue, with no needles or medication involved. It’s aimed at the same kind of inflammation a cortisone shot is meant to calm, and it can be part of <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/mls-laser-therapy-for-herniated-discs-what-to-expect/">care for herniated discs</a>.</p> <h2>When to Talk With Your Doctor First</h2> <p>Some back pain needs a medical evaluation before any treatments, whether that’s an injection or chiropractic care. If your pain followed an injury, is accompanied by symptoms that are getting worse, or shows any of the <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/when-should-you-see-a-doctor-for-lower-back-pain/">warning signs that it’s time to see a doctor</a>, see a medical doctor first.</p> <h2>Choosing Between a Cortisone Shot and Chiropractic Care</h2> <p>A cortisone shot can ease back pain for weeks or months, but it doesn’t change what’s causing your pain. Chiropractic care looks for the source of the problem, starting with how your spine is aligned. At Intouch Chiropractic, that can include gentle NUCCA corrections at the top of the spine, along with spinal decompression and laser therapy for sciatica and disc-related nerve pain. Knowing what each option can and can’t do makes it easier to talk with your doctor and choose the path that fits your goals.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h4>How long does a cortisone shot for back pain last?</h4> <p>Relief from a cortisone shot usually lasts weeks to months, and it rarely lasts as long as a year. The numbing medicine works right away, while relief from the steroid often begins within two to three days.</p> <h4>Does a cortisone shot fix the cause of back pain?</h4> <p>No, a cortisone shot reduces inflammation but doesn’t change what’s irritating the nerve or joint.</p> <h4>What does a chiropractor do differently than a cortisone shot?</h4> <p>A chiropractor looks for the structural reason an area is irritated and treats the cause of the pain instead of the symptoms alone.</p> <h4>Does NUCCA chiropractic involve cracking or twisting?</h4> <p>No, NUCCA corrections are gentle and don’t involve any twisting, cracking, or popping.</p> <h4>Can spinal decompression help sciatica from a disc problem?</h4> <p>Spinal decompression is one option to consider when sciatica comes from a disc problem at L4-L5 or L5-S1. Decompression on the DRX9000 works by creating negative pressure inside the disc.</p> <h2>Explore Your Options Before You Decide</h2> <p>If you’ve been offered a cortisone shot and want to know whether chiropractic care is a good fit first, schedule a consultation with Intouch Chiropractic at 2425 Camino del Rio S #100, San Diego, CA 92108, or call 619-756-7510.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/do-you-need-a-cortisone-shot-for-back-pain-or-is-there-another-way/">Do You Need a Cortisone Shot for Back Pain, or Is There Another Way?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>How Back Pain Changes as You Get Older</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/how-back-pain-changes-as-you-get-older/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:20:55 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neck Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=6325</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Back pain at 25 and back pain at 55 can be completely different, even if you’d describe both in the same simple way: my back hurts. What’s actually causing that...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/how-back-pain-changes-as-you-get-older/">How Back Pain Changes as You Get Older</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-6326 size-full" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/back-pain-changes-as-you-age.jpg" alt="" width="1536" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/back-pain-changes-as-you-age.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/back-pain-changes-as-you-age-300x200.jpg 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/back-pain-changes-as-you-age-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/back-pain-changes-as-you-age-768x512.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/back-pain-changes-as-you-age-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /></p> <p>Back pain at 25 and back pain at 55 can be completely different, even if you’d describe both in the same simple way: my back hurts. What’s actually causing that pain tends to shift a lot over the decades. Understanding how the progression works can help you recognize what your back is telling you at any given stage, and find the treatment that actually eases it.</p> <h2>Your 30s: When Back Pain Usually Starts</h2> <p>In your 30s, back pain usually shows up around a specific trigger: a bad night’s sleep, an intense workout, a long day of sitting in the car or at a desk. It tends to come on quickly and fade within a few days.</p> <p>What you don’t feel yet is the small amount of wear building underneath those episodes. Each of these incidents leaves a little bit of wear behind, even after the pain itself has faded. In the moment, that’s rarely enough to cause an ongoing problem. But it’s quietly setting up what your back will be working with in the decades ahead.</p> <h2>Your 40s: When Pain Starts Sticking Around Longer</h2> <p>By your 40s, the same kind of trigger that used to resolve in a day or two often takes noticeably longer to fade. An old sports injury, a car accident, or a fall from years ago can start resurfacing in ways it never had before.</p> <p>This is where the wear that built up quietly in your 30s starts to show itself. Your back hasn’t necessarily been injured again in any serious way. It’s that years of smaller stresses have accumulated, so your spine has less extra capacity left to absorb new stress without reacting.</p> <h2>Your 50s: When Stiffness Becomes a Bigger Factor</h2> <p>Morning stiffness tends to become more noticeable in your 50s, along with slower recovery after physical activity. A weekend of yard work or a long travel day might leave you sore for several days instead of just overnight.</p> <p>Changes in the discs and joints of your spine are common by this stage, and they’re a normal part of aging, not necessarily a sign that something has gone seriously wrong. These changes are the natural continuation of the wear that’s been accumulating since your 30s, and they’re a part of why your back takes longer to bounce back than it used to.</p> <h2>Your 60s and Beyond: Managing a Different Kind of Back Pain</h2> <p>In your 60s and beyond, back pain often feels different from the sharper, shorter episodes common in earlier decades. Instead of a trigger and a recovery period, you’re more likely to feel a constant, lower-level discomfort that’s simply present more of the time.</p> <p>By this stage, the wear that built up gradually over the previous decades has become the baseline your spine is working from. Balance and mobility start playing a bigger role too. How you move, how steady you feel on your feet, and how confident you are getting up and down all become part of your spinal health landscape alongside the pain itself.</p> <h2>Why Understanding This Progression Matters</h2> <p>An acute trigger and years of accumulated wear aren’t two separate explanations for back pain. They’re connected. The triggers you feel in your 30s are the first steps in a process that builds quietly in the background, and by your 50s or 60s, the background process has become the main factor driving your pain.</p> <p>This matters because the right treatment for your back pain depends on which part of that process is actually causing your pain. A sports injury in your 30s often responds well to rest and time, since there’s little accumulated wear behind it yet. The same approach is far less likely to resolve the stiffness or constant discomfort you might feel in your 50s or 60s, since by then the underlying cause isn’t a single strain: it’s years of built-up wear that needs to be addressed directly rather than waited out.</p> <h2>How Intouch Chiropractic Can Help</h2> <p>NUCCA chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment at the top of your spine. Addressing alignment issues earlier can influence how much wear accumulates in the years that follow, rather than only responding to each new ache as it shows up.</p> <p>This matters at every stage described above. Correcting alignment in your 30s or 40s may reduce how much wear builds up over time. If you’re already noticing stiffness or slower recovery in your 50s or beyond, proper alignment can still make a meaningful difference in how your spine handles daily movement going forward.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h4>Is back pain just a normal part of aging?</h4> <p>Some degree of change in your spine is a normal part of aging, but that doesn’t mean ongoing pain has to be something you simply accept. Many of the factors that make back pain worse over time, like alignment and how your spine handles daily stress, can still be addressed at any age.</p> <h4>Why does back pain take longer to go away as I get older?</h4> <p>As your spine accumulates years of wear, it has less extra capacity to absorb new stress without reacting. This is part of why an injury or strain that used to resolve in a day or two can take noticeably longer to settle down later in life.</p> <h4>Can I prevent back pain from getting worse as I age?</h4> <p>Addressing alignment and other contributing factors earlier rather than later can influence how your back pain develops over time. It’s rarely too late to make a difference, but starting sooner generally gives your spine more to work with.</p> <h2>Address Back Pain at Any Stage</h2> <p>Wherever you are in this progression, back pain doesn’t have to be something you simply manage and wait out. Call us today at 619-756-7510 or schedule your consultation online. Our office is located at 2425 Camino Del Rio S #100, San Diego, CA 92108.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/how-back-pain-changes-as-you-get-older/">How Back Pain Changes as You Get Older</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>A Spinal Health Guide for Biotech and Lab Workers in San Diego</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/a-spinal-health-guide-for-biotech-and-lab-workers-in-san-diego/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Jeanett Tapia, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:30:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=6314</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Lab work is physically demanding in ways that aren’t always obvious. Long stretches at the bench, precise hand movements, and hours spent looking through a microscope all add up over...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/a-spinal-health-guide-for-biotech-and-lab-workers-in-san-diego/">A Spinal Health Guide for Biotech and Lab Workers in San Diego</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-6315 size-full" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/lab-and-biotech-pipetting-image.jpg" alt="" width="1536" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/lab-and-biotech-pipetting-image.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/lab-and-biotech-pipetting-image-300x200.jpg 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/lab-and-biotech-pipetting-image-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/lab-and-biotech-pipetting-image-768x512.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/lab-and-biotech-pipetting-image-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lab work is physically demanding in ways that aren’t always obvious. Long stretches at the bench, precise hand movements, and hours spent looking through a microscope all add up over the course of a work week. Many biotech professionals spend part of their day at a desk, reviewing results, writing up notes, or catching up on email between experiments, so the strain isn’t limited to just one kind. Here, we’re focusing specifically on the part of the day that happens at the bench, since that’s where a lot of the spinal strain unique to lab work comes from, and for a large share of San Diego’s biotech workforce, that’s a significant part of the workday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bench work comes with its own set of postures and repeated motions, and they put strain on your spine in ways that don’t come up at a regular desk job.</span></p> <h2>The Postures Lab Work Actually Requires</h2> <p>A day at the bench involves a mix of positions that desk work simply doesn’t. Leaning into a biosafety cabinet or fume hood to reach equipment or samples means holding an extended, forward-tilt posture for long stretches. Looking through a microscope means holding your head and neck in a fixed, hunched position, sometimes for hours at a time. Standing at a bench that’s the wrong height for your body, whether too high or too low, forces your shoulders, neck, or lower back to compensate the entire time you’re working. And running samples often means repeating the same small hand and wrist motions sometimes for an entire workday.</p> <p>Each of these on its own might not seem like much. Combined and repeated day after day, they add up to a real amount of strain on the neck, shoulders, and back.</p> <h2>Why Pipetting Is Harder on Your Body Than It Looks</h2> <p>Pipetting looks like a small, simple motion, but it’s easy to underestimate how much strain it puts on your body. Each transfer involves pressing down on a plunger with your thumb, and a single experiment can involve hundreds of repetitions. Over the course of a project, that adds up to thousands of the same small motion, which puts real strain on the thumb, wrist, and forearm over time. This kind of repetitive strain injury is a well-documented risk for lab workers who pipette heavily.</p> <p>The strain doesn’t stop at your hand, either. Holding a pipette usually means keeping your shoulder slightly raised and your arm reaching forward or up, especially at benches that aren’t set up at the right height. Held long enough, that shoulder position causes tension that travels into your neck and upper back.</p> <h2>Microscope Neck and Bench Posture</h2> <p>Looking through a microscope for an extended period requires holding your head in a fixed, forward, downward position, often for far longer than it feels like. That sustained position puts steady pressure on the muscles at the back of your neck. Precision work also requires staying still, so the position tends to be held more rigidly than it would be otherwise, which adds to the strain.</p> <p>Bench height problems compound this. If a bench sits too low, you end up hunching forward to reach your work. If it sits too high, your shoulders are elevated the entire time you’re working. Either way, your body is holding an unnatural position for hours, and you usually don’t feel the strain from the microscope or the bench until later in the day, or sometimes not until the next morning.</p> <h2>Why the Strain Builds Without You Noticing</h2> <p>Lab work tends to be precise, focused work, and that focus is part of why the strain builds without much notice. When you’re concentrating on getting a measurement right or watching a reaction closely, you’re not thinking about your posture. Hours can pass this way before you stand up and realize how much tension has built up in your neck, shoulders, or back.</p> <p>How long you stay still in one position without shifting is a major cause of back and neck pain. Holding an awkward posture for an hour puts strain on your body that shows up later on, when you’re finally moving around normally again.</p> <h2>Practical Adjustments for the Lab</h2> <p>A few adjustments can meaningfully reduce the strain, even within the constraints of lab protocols. Adjusting your chair or the bench itself, when possible, so your shoulders stay relaxed rather than raised can make a real difference during long pipetting sessions. Taking short breaks between sets, rather than pipetting continuously for an entire protocol, gives your hand and wrist a chance to recover before the strain builds up. Alternating which hand you use for pipetting when your protocol allows it spreads the repetitive strain across both sides of your body instead of concentrating it on one.</p> <p>For microscope work, positioning the eyepieces at a height that lets you look straight ahead rather than down reduces the strain on your neck significantly. And when reaching into a biosafety cabinet or fume hood, keeping materials as close to you as possible cuts down on how far you have to reach, which reduces the strain on your shoulders and upper back.</p> <p>Some of these, like adjusting bench or eyepiece height, are one-time setup changes. Others, like taking breaks and alternating hands, are habits you’ll need to keep up day to day. Both fixes matter for reducing strain over a long research day.</p> <h2>How Intouch Chiropractic Can Help</h2> <p>Precision work like pipetting and microscopy relies on a steady hand and consistent focus, both of which get harder when your neck, shoulders, or back are stiff or in pain. Addressing strain isn’t just about comfort, it also supports the kind of steady, controlled movement that good lab work demands.</p> <p>NUCCA chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment at the top of the spine. It uses a gentle, precise correction rather than the twisting or cracking associated with general chiropractic adjustments. For San Diego lab and biotech professionals dealing with repetitive strain from bench work, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/nucca-chiropractic/">better spinal alignment</a> gives your neck and upper back a stronger foundation to handle the repeated posture pressures the job requires.</p> <p>For muscles that are already sore and tight from long stretches at the lab bench, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/laser-therapy/">laser therapy</a> is another option we offer to help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h4>Can pipetting really cause long-term injury?</h4> <p>Repeated pipetting over months or years can contribute to strain in the thumb, wrist, and forearm, along with tension in the shoulder and neck from the posture involved. The risk increases with how many repetitions you’re doing and how long you’ve been doing them, which is why breaks and proper technique matter more than they might seem to.</p> <h4>Is it normal for my neck to hurt after a long day at the microscope?</h4> <p>Some stiffness after an unusually long session is common, especially if you’re not used to that much continuous microscope work. Neck pain that shows up regularly after normal lab days, or that lingers well into the next day, is worth having evaluated.</p> <h4>What’s the best way to prevent strain from lab work?</h4> <p>A combination of habits helps most: adjusting your bench and chair height to reduce awkward postures, taking short breaks during repetitive tasks like pipetting, alternating hands when your protocol allows it, and paying attention to symptoms early rather than waiting for them to become severe.</p> <h2>Protect Your Ability to Do Precise Work</h2> <p>Your hands, neck, and back are central to the work you do every day. If strain from bench work has become a regular part of your routine, we’d like to help you address it before it becomes a bigger problem. Call us today at 619-756-7510 or schedule your consultation online. Our office is located at 2425 Camino Del Rio S #100, San Diego, CA 92108.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/a-spinal-health-guide-for-biotech-and-lab-workers-in-san-diego/">A Spinal Health Guide for Biotech and Lab Workers in San Diego</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Lower Back Pain Treatments: 3 Effective Non-Surgical Options for Relief</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/non-surgical-lower-back-pain-treatments/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Jeanett Tapia, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2025 01:02:28 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Laser Therapy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Shockwave Therapy]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=3269</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/non-surgical-lower-back-pain-treatments/">Lower Back Pain Treatments: 3 Effective Non-Surgical Options for Relief</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div id="fws_6af2dca2319e4" data-column-margin="default" data-midnight="dark" class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row top-level" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; "><div class="row-bg-wrap" data-bg-animation="none" data-bg-animation-delay="" data-bg-overlay="false"><div class="inner-wrap row-bg-layer" ><div class="row-bg viewport-desktop" style=""></div></div></div><div class="row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left"> <div class="vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone flex_gap_desktop_10px " data-padding-pos="all" data-has-bg-color="false" data-bg-color="" data-bg-opacity="1" data-animation="" data-delay="0" > <div class="vc_column-inner" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <p>Lower back pain can disrupt your life, making daily activities difficult and limiting your mobility. At <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic located in San Diego, California</a>, we understand the importance of addressing the root cause of your pain—not just masking symptoms. We regularly see patients at our office who have tried everything and still can’t quite find relief. Maybe they are starting to consider surgery.</p> <p>Surgery may be a last resort for some patients, but there are several non-surgical interventions to explore before then. Here are <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/">three non-surgical lower back pain treatments we offer</a> that can help you find lasting relief.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2125" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/spinal-decompression-back-pain-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Man laying down on the DRX9000 getting lumbar spinal decompression treatment" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/spinal-decompression-back-pain-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/spinal-decompression-back-pain-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/spinal-decompression-back-pain-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/spinal-decompression-back-pain-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />3 Non-Surgical Treatments for Lower Back Pain</h2> <h3>NUCCA Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care</h3> <p><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/nucca-chiropractic/">NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) care is a gentle, precise, and non-invasive chiropractic technique that focuses on realigning the upper cervical spine</a>. While it may seem surprising, the alignment of your head and neck plays a crucial role in the health and function of your entire spine—including your lower back. By correcting misalignments at the top of the spine, NUCCA care helps restore balance, reduces nerve irritation, and promotes natural healing throughout the body. Many patients experience significant improvements in lower back pain and overall well-being after a series of NUCCA adjustments.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“I’ve been going to Intouch Chiropractic for a better part of this last year, and after 10 years of different conventional chiropractor treatments, my migraines went away completely within 2 weeks of NUCCA treatment. I’d been suffering for migraines for 17 years and have tried everything. I’m thankful for more pain free days, it was a great upfront investment but when you’re in chronic pain 4-5 days a week, you’ll pay almost anything to try to get better. I’m glad I chose this office.” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/MXfiemL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NUCCA Intouch Chiropractic Review by Emilia F.</a></em> </p></blockquote> <h3>Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (DRX9000)</h3> <p>For patients with disc injuries, herniated discs, or degenerative disc disease, our <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/spinal-decompression/drx9000/">DRX9000 non-surgical spinal decompression therapy offers a safe, effective alternative to surgery</a>. This state-of-the-art technology gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure within the discs. This process helps retract bulging or herniated disc material, improves nutrient flow, and promotes healing of the affected area. There’s no downtime, and many patients notice relief after just a few sessions.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“I was struggling with lower back weakness and pain until I learned of spinal decompression. I was able to do a 2 week vacation recently with none of my original issues! Both Drs. at Intouch are great!” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/dLYig6w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spinal Decompression Intouch Chiropractic Review by Robin K.</a></em> </p></blockquote> <h3>Shockwave and Cold Laser Therapy</h3> <p>Intouch Chiropractic also offers advanced therapies such as <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/shockwave-therapy/">shockwave</a> and <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/laser-therapy/">cold laser therapy</a>. These non-invasive treatments are designed to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain in the lower back. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow and tissue repair, while cold laser therapy uses low-level light energy to promote cellular regeneration. Both therapies can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments to enhance recovery and support long-term spinal health.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“Since starting the spinal decompression and the laser pain relief, I am back on the tennis and pickleball court. It really has helped me. And the staff is unbelievable. Very helpful and kind. Very happy I found them.” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/GN7tjSA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laser Therapy Intouch Chiropractic Review by Jim R.</a></em> </p></blockquote> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2200" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Upper-Cervical-NUCCA-Chiropractor-Intouch-Chiropractic-San-Diego-California-1024x683.jpg" alt="San Diego Chiropractor Dr. Devin Young explains treatment with a vertebrae model" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Upper-Cervical-NUCCA-Chiropractor-Intouch-Chiropractic-San-Diego-California-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Upper-Cervical-NUCCA-Chiropractor-Intouch-Chiropractic-San-Diego-California-300x200.jpg 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Upper-Cervical-NUCCA-Chiropractor-Intouch-Chiropractic-San-Diego-California-768x512.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Upper-Cervical-NUCCA-Chiropractor-Intouch-Chiropractic-San-Diego-California-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Upper-Cervical-NUCCA-Chiropractor-Intouch-Chiropractic-San-Diego-California-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Upper-Cervical-NUCCA-Chiropractor-Intouch-Chiropractic-San-Diego-California-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />Why Choose Intouch Chiropractic for Lower Back Pain Treatments?</h2> <p>Our team of experienced doctors specializes in the most advanced, gentle, and non-invasive chiropractic techniques. We take the time to conduct a thorough examination, discuss your symptoms, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our goal is not just to resolve your lower back pain quickly, but also to help you prevent future issues and enjoy an active, pain-free life.</p> <p>If you’re searching for effective, non-surgical lower back pain treatments in San Diego, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">contact Intouch Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation</a>. Let us help you get back to living your best life—without surgery or medications.</p> <p>Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/non-surgical-lower-back-pain-treatments/">Lower Back Pain Treatments: 3 Effective Non-Surgical Options for Relief</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment: Explore Non-Surgical Options</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/degenerative-disc-disease-treatment/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Jeanett Tapia, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 13:28:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Degenerative Disc Disease]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Disc Herniations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neck Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pinched Nerve]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sciatica]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=671</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/degenerative-disc-disease-treatment/">Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment: Explore Non-Surgical Options</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div id="fws_6af2dca2329cc" data-column-margin="default" data-midnight="dark" class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; "><div class="row-bg-wrap" data-bg-animation="none" data-bg-animation-delay="" data-bg-overlay="false"><div class="inner-wrap row-bg-layer" ><div class="row-bg viewport-desktop" style=""></div></div></div><div class="row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left"> <div class="vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone flex_gap_desktop_10px " data-padding-pos="all" data-has-bg-color="false" data-bg-color="" data-bg-opacity="1" data-animation="" data-delay="0" > <div class="vc_column-inner" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <p>Degenerative disc disease is a common cause of chronic back and neck pain, affecting millions of people worldwide. As we age, the discs that cushion our vertebrae naturally lose hydration and elasticity, leading to discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility.</p> <p>Fortunately, there are effective non-surgical options for degenerative disc disease treatment that can help you manage pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life—without the risks and downtime of surgery.</p> <p>In this blog post, we’ll talk a little bit about degenerative disc disease and the available non-surgical treatments we have used to great success with our San Diego patients.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-725" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/treatment-degenerative-disc-disease-san-diego-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-spinal-decompression-600x400-1.webp" alt="A man leans over a wooden counter to grab his lower back which shows a cartoon drawing of his lower vertebrae" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/treatment-degenerative-disc-disease-san-diego-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-spinal-decompression-600x400-1.webp 600w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/treatment-degenerative-disc-disease-san-diego-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-spinal-decompression-600x400-1-300x200.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosis</h2> <p><a href="/what-we-treat/degenerative-disc-disease/">Degenerative Disc Disease</a> (DDD) is diagnosed via a combination of a health history, physical examination and radiographic imaging. Also, MRI can be utilized to diagnose and distinguish between a bulging disc, herniated disc, or sequestered disc.</p> <p>To learn more, check out <a href="/blog/bulging-discs-vs-herniated-discs/">bulging discs vs herniated discs</a>.</p> <p>In addition, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis utilizing imaging to tailor a treatment program specific to each patient. This imaging will be very important if you decide to work with a chiropractor, such as the expert team here at <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego</a>.</p> <p>Now that we’ve given some basic insight into what this disease is, let’s get into treatment for degenerative disc disease.</p> <h2>Treating Degenerative Disc Disease</h2> <h3>Degenerative Disc Disease Home Care</h3> <p>There are steps you can take to heal your body while you are at home. Here are three such suggestions:</p> <ol> <li><strong>We recommend patients move their bodies as much as possible.</strong> For example, going for a walk, exercising, or simply stretching.</li> <li><strong>It is critical to maintain healthy core muscle strength to help support your spine.</strong> That is because the core muscles directly support your spine.</li> <li><strong>You should also eat a healthy diet, drink lots of clean water, and limit or quit smoking.</strong></li> </ol> <h3>Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment</h3> <p>In addition to physical activity and eating right, common treatment options are:</p> <ul> <li>Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers</li> <li>Surgery, such as artificial disc replacement and spinal fusion</li> <li>Heat and cold therapy</li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/chiropractic-care/">Chiropractic Care</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/spinal-decompression/">Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression</a></li> </ul> <p>Our doctors recommend that you <em>not rely on pain killers</em>. Not only do they not cure the problem, they are highly addictive.</p> <p>Instead, we recommend a natural, non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical approach that includes <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/nucca-chiropractic/">NUCCA Spinal Care</a> and Non-surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD). The combination of these two innovative and non-invasive treatments is very effective and provides pain relief to many of our patients here in San Diego.</p> <p>NUCCA Spinal Care puts your body in alignment prior to your NSSD treatment. Plus, research studies have shown that 86% of patients respond favorably to Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression treatment alone. NSSD can also help treat disc herniation, facet syndrome and a slipped disc and a reversed cervical curve.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“Dr. Young and his staff have been wonderful. After my first visit I was actually pleasantly surprised to not have a screaming headache at the end of the day. Such an amazing experience to get some help without taking meds that have harmful affects in the long run, something I really appreciate. Don’t get me wrong, meds have their place and I’m an advocate for making sure to follow doctor’s orders. However, I wanted to see if I could be helped with appropriate adjustments before adding meds or surgery to my needs. I know my body has a good system to heal it sometimes just needs a reminder. Dr. Young and his team helped to remind my body to help itself get stronger.”</em> – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/u9vGrX5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Review by Becky W.</a> </p></blockquote> <h2>Contact Intouch Chiropractic to Begin Your Treatment</h2> <p>If you would like to see our team of expert chiropractors, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">schedule a consultation with our office</a>. We look forward to seeing you and helping you get back to the things you love to do!</p> <p> </p> <p>Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/degenerative-disc-disease-treatment/">Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment: Explore Non-Surgical Options</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>How Do You Treat Facet Syndrome?</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/facet-syndrome-neck-back-pain/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Jeanett Tapia, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2025 11:04:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Disc Herniations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neck Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pinched Nerve]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=667</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/facet-syndrome-neck-back-pain/">How Do You Treat Facet Syndrome?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div id="fws_6af2dca2337f6" data-column-margin="default" data-midnight="dark" class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; "><div class="row-bg-wrap" data-bg-animation="none" data-bg-animation-delay="" data-bg-overlay="false"><div class="inner-wrap row-bg-layer" ><div class="row-bg viewport-desktop" style=""></div></div></div><div class="row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left"> <div class="vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone flex_gap_desktop_10px " data-padding-pos="all" data-has-bg-color="false" data-bg-color="" data-bg-opacity="1" data-animation="" data-delay="0" > <div class="vc_column-inner" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <p>Facet Syndrome is friction between spinal bones resulting in tenderness, swelling, stiffness and pain. Also, persistent, chronic pain in your spine is often linked to facet syndrome. In patients over 50 years of age, facet syndrome is usually caused by normal wear and tear. However, in younger patients, this condition is typically due to trauma and injury.</p> <p>If you’re struggling with stiffness, discomfort, or limited mobility, you may be wondering: <strong>how do you treat facet syndrome</strong>? Fortunately, there are a variety of effective, non-invasive treatments that can help you regain comfort and function—many of which are available through chiropractic care.</p> <p>In this blog post, we’ll cover a few basics about facet syndrome before getting into facet syndrome treatments you can pursue. First, what causes facet syndrome?</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-668" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/facet-syndrome-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-neck-pain-low-back-pain-surgical-decompression-e1607388121830.webp" alt="Explanation of the anatomy of facet joints" width="800" height="704" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/facet-syndrome-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-neck-pain-low-back-pain-surgical-decompression-e1607388121830.webp 800w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/facet-syndrome-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-neck-pain-low-back-pain-surgical-decompression-e1607388121830-300x264.webp 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/facet-syndrome-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-neck-pain-low-back-pain-surgical-decompression-e1607388121830-768x676.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />What Causes Facet Syndrome?</h2> <p>Facet syndrome can happen anywhere in your spine. This syndrome develops in the facet joints between each vertebra. Under normal conditions, these joints are in continuous motion giving the spine both flexibility and stability for every day movements.</p> <p>Did you know that our joint surfaces are lined with cartilage allowing them to move easily over each other? So, as we get older, the cartilage gradually deteriorates, and growths called “bone spurs” develop. As a result, this increased friction between your spinal bones leads to swelling, tenderness, pain and stiffness.</p> <p>Although, in many patients, arthritis is believed to be the result of aging, traumatic injuries and overuse speed up this degenerative process.</p> <h3>What are the Risk Factors for Facet Syndrome?</h3> <p>When a joint is damaged through injury, natural deterioration, or repetitive trauma, the joint will become stiff, swollen and painful. Although, you may experience inflammation, it is typically temporary. However, in arthritic joints, it may cause long-term pain or permanent disability. Below are additional risk factors:</p> <ul> <li>Excessive weight</li> <li>Overuse due to heavy physical labor or sports</li> <li>Presence of conditions such as gout, infections or arthritis</li> <li>Damage may be due to older injuries, including whiplash</li> <li>Sleeping with your neck in a twisted position</li> <li>Family history of facet syndrome</li> <li>Sudden jerk of your neck</li> <li>Even, twisting while you lift something overhead</li> <li>Along with trauma to the spine</li> </ul> <h3>What are the Most Common Symptoms?</h3> <ul> <li>Pain that is worse in the morning or at the end of day</li> <li>Change in weather can worsen pain</li> <li>Lower back pain that travels into the thighs, buttocks, or pelvic area</li> <li>Neck pain that travels into the head, shoulders or arms</li> <li>Headaches that include aches behind the eye, pain at the base of the skull, and/or ringing in the ears</li> <li>The sound of bone on bone when you move</li> <li>Abnormal curvature of your spine</li> <li>Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs</li> <li>Pain when standing for long periods of time</li> <li>Increased pain when riding or sitting in your car for long periods of time</li> </ul> <h3>How Is Facet Syndrome Diagnosed?</h3> <p>Accurate diagnosis starts with an experienced doctor. Facet Syndrome symptoms overlap with several types of disorders. Properly diagnosing the correct cause of your pain is critical to successful treatment.</p> <ul> <li>Firstly, with a thorough clinical examination</li> <li>Secondly, including a complete health history, review of your symptoms, and physical evaluation</li> <li>Testing can include x-rays, MRI or CT scans</li> <li>Lastly, these advanced diagnostic methods ensure that the source of pain is pinpointed</li> </ul> <div id="attachment_2663" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2663" class="size-large wp-image-2663" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-1024x975.jpg" alt="Dr. Jeanett Tapia works with a patient suffering from spinal stenosis at the Intouch Chiropractic office" width="1024" height="975" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-1024x975.jpg 1024w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-300x286.jpg 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-768x731.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-1536x1463.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-2048x1950.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2663" class="wp-caption-text">Dr. Jeanett Tapia works with a patient at the Intouch Chiropractic office</p></div> <h2>How Do You Treat Facet Syndrome?</h2> <p>The first line of treatment for facet syndrome is almost always non-surgical, focusing on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing further joint degeneration. Here are three common treatments you may come across as you look to deal with facet syndrome:</p> <ul> <li>Facet Joint Injections</li> <li>Medial Branch Blocks</li> <li>Radiofrequency Neurotomy</li> </ul> <p>At our <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">San Diego chiropractic office</a>, we have seen success with facet syndrome patients using the following treatment types:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/chiropractic-care/">Chiropractic Care</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/spinal-decompression/">Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression</a></li> </ul> <p>Above all, as chiropractors, we always encourage patients to opt for non-invasive, drug-free alternatives if at all possible. For instance, for some patients, pain management through narcotics will be required as a last resort. In conclusion, both chiropractic care and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression are effective in treating neck and low back pain caused by this condition with a natural approach that does not require medication, injections or surgery.</p> <p>If you would like to learn more or to get into the Intouch Chiropractic office for facet syndrome treatment, schedule a consultation.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“I am so thankful for Intouch Chiropractic! My migraines, neck pain, cognitive and emotional struggles from too many concussions have all become a thing of the past under the care of Dr. Tapia and Dr. Young. I don’t know how I was making it through before NUCCA care!”</em> – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/KRRGdH6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Review by Amanda B.</a> </p></blockquote> <p>Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/facet-syndrome-neck-back-pain/">How Do You Treat Facet Syndrome?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Intervertebral Disc Herniation (IVDH) Treatment: How Chiropractic Care Helps</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/intervertebral-disc-herniation/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2025 11:06:27 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Degenerative Disc Disease]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Disc Herniations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=664</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH), commonly known as a herniated or slipped disc, is a leading cause of back and leg pain. When the soft inner core of a spinal disc...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/intervertebral-disc-herniation/">Intervertebral Disc Herniation (IVDH) Treatment: How Chiropractic Care Helps</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH), commonly known as a herniated or slipped disc, is a leading cause of back and leg pain. When the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer, it can compress nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.</p> <p>For many, this condition can be debilitating, but chiropractic care for herniated discs offers a non-invasive, drug-free path to relief and recovery. In this blog post, we’ll use our experience treating this condition at our <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">San Diego chiropractic office</a> to help you understand what this condition is and how it can be treated.</p> <p>First, let’s quickly cover the stages of IVDH.</p> <h2>4 Stages of a Intervertebral Disc Herniation</h2> <p>Intervertebral Disc Herniation (IVDH) most commonly occurs in the cervical and lumbar spine.</p> <p>Here are the 4 stages that cause this condition:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Disc Degeneration:</strong> During this stage, no bulging or herniation occurs. The nucleus pulposus (center of the disc) weakens due to chemical changes in the disc associated with the aging process. The disc becomes brittle and begins to dry out. Over time it becomes less able to absorb the shock of your movements. Physical changes in the disc due to trauma can also speed up this process.</li> <li><strong>Prolapse:</strong> During the prolapse stage, the shape or position of the disc changes. A slight bulge or protrusion begins to form, which may begin to crowd the spinal cord or spinal nerves exiting at that level.</li> <li><strong>Extrusion:</strong> During the extrusion phase, the gel-like nucleus pulposus extrudes into the thick wall of the annulus fibrosus. The extrusion is still self-contained within the disc at this point.</li> <li><strong>Sequestration:</strong> During this stage, the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus borders, and moves out of the disc space into the spinal central canal.</li> </ol> <p>Now that we have a basic understanding of the four stages of intervertebral disc herniation, let’s cover the causes before getting into available treatments.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-665" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intervertebral-disc-herniation-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-neck-pain-back-pain-spinal-decompression-e1607382770592.webp" alt="Animated x-ray view of lumbar spine with red highlighter on the disc where there is a bulging or herniated disc" width="750" height="1000" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intervertebral-disc-herniation-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-neck-pain-back-pain-spinal-decompression-e1607382770592.webp 750w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/intervertebral-disc-herniation-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-neck-pain-back-pain-spinal-decompression-e1607382770592-225x300.webp 225w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />3 Common Causes of Disc Herniation</h2> <h3>Disc Herniation Cause #1: Wear and Tear on the Spine</h3> <p>Spinal pain from a <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/herniated-bulging-discs/">herniated disc</a> is often due to daily wear and tear on the spine. This is often called degenerative disc disease. Intervertebral discs act like shock absorbers for our spine and body. Discs are designed to absorb shock from movement, such as twisting, bending, sitting and walking. Over time, our discs deteriorate naturally. Physical trauma to the spine like a slip and fall or car accidents can accelerate the degeneration process making them more susceptible to early degeneration and spinal decay.</p> <p>Over time, the tough outer layer of the disc (the annulus fibrous) begins to weaken, allowing the jelly-like inner layer (the nucleus pulposus) to push through, developing a bulging disc or herniated disc.</p> <h3>Disc Herniation Cause #2: Injury</h3> <p>Trauma and injury can also cause a disc herniation. A common way that patients hurt themselves and develop a disc herniation is by using improper lifting techniques. You can easily herniate a disc by bending at the waist without bending your knees and rotating your spine at the same time while lifting a heavy object. Car accidents can also create a shearing effect due to jerking movements on impact.</p> <h3>Disc Herniation Cause #3: A Combination of Degeneration and Injury</h3> <p>It’s possible for a susceptible and weakened intervertebral disc to experience trauma causing an immediate herniation. Sometimes, a minor injury is the final straw to a previously weakened disc. Something as simple as sneezing can be the final trigger to a disc herniating. Any small sudden force can be enough to cause a herniation to an already weakened disc. Disc herniations occur most commonly in the cervical and lumbar spine.</p> <p>Finally, how can you treat a intervertebral disc herniation?</p> <div id="attachment_2207" style="width: 586px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2207" class="size-large wp-image-2207" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/low-back-spinal-decompression-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego--576x1024.jpg" alt="San Diego patient uses the spinal decompression machine to treat a herniated disc" width="576" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/low-back-spinal-decompression-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego--576x1024.jpg 576w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/low-back-spinal-decompression-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego--169x300.jpg 169w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/low-back-spinal-decompression-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego--768x1365.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/low-back-spinal-decompression-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego--864x1536.jpg 864w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/low-back-spinal-decompression-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2207" class="wp-caption-text">San Diego patient uses the spinal decompression machine to treat a herniated disc</p></div> <h2>Chiropractic Care for Intervertebral Disc Herniations</h2> <p>At Intouch Chiropractic, our treatment plans for this condition vary from patient to patient, depending on the progress of the herniation and the patient. One of the most effective treatments for this condition that we offer our patients is <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/spinal-decompression/">Spinal Decompression treatment</a>. The biggest positive about this treatment that our patients absolutely love is how non-invasive it is. There is no popping or cracking involved!</p> <p>If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you recover, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">schedule a consultation today.</a></p> <blockquote><p><em>“I’ve been a chiropractic patient for over 20 years, and I absolutely love the doctors and the amazing staff at Intouch Chiropractic! With gentle and painless adjustments, spinal decompression and laser therapy, I have gotten more relief than ever! I highly recommend this team, especially if you are new to chiropractic or trying to avoid surgery.”</em> – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/Jyceu4Y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Review by Amanda H.</a></p></blockquote> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/intervertebral-disc-herniation/">Intervertebral Disc Herniation (IVDH) Treatment: How Chiropractic Care Helps</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Non-Surgical Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/treatment-degenerative-disc-disease/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:36:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Degenerative Disc Disease]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Disc Herniations]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Herniated]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pinched Nerve]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sciatica]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=724</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/treatment-degenerative-disc-disease/">Non-Surgical Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div id="fws_6af2dca235287" data-column-margin="default" data-midnight="dark" class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; "><div class="row-bg-wrap" data-bg-animation="none" data-bg-animation-delay="" data-bg-overlay="false"><div class="inner-wrap row-bg-layer" ><div class="row-bg viewport-desktop" style=""></div></div></div><div class="row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left"> <div class="vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone flex_gap_desktop_10px " data-padding-pos="all" data-has-bg-color="false" data-bg-color="" data-bg-opacity="1" data-animation="" data-delay="0" > <div class="vc_column-inner" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <p>Degenerative disc disease is most commonly an age-related condition where spinal discs lose flexibility and cushioning, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While it can’t be reversed, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/degenerative-disc-disease/">modern degenerative disc disease treatments</a> effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Approaches range from conservative therapies to surgical interventions, tailored to each patient’s needs.</p> <p>In this blog post, we’ll cover a few ways to <strong>treat degenerative disc disease</strong>. But first, let’s cover some of the basics about this condition.</p> <h2>What is Degenerative Disc Disease?</h2> <p><strong>There are many causes of degenerative disc disease.</strong> In young and healthy people, spinal discs provide height between the vertebra and allow us to bend, flex, and twist our spine. Our discs act like shock absorbers between our spinal bones and help us stay flexible.</p> <p>Some healthcare professionals argue that degenerative disc disease and a reverse cervical curve are part of the aging process. We disagree. We have seen young people with “old looking” spines and older adults with “young looking” spines.</p> <p>Regardless of age, when degeneration sets in, our spinal discs shrink, become brittle and lose their integrity. They may begin to bulge or there is a disc herniation.</p> <p>Learn more: <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/bulging-discs-vs-herniated-discs/">Bulging Discs vs Herniated Discs</a></p> <p>The amount of trauma our spine has received throughout life shows up as wear and tear on our spines. In some cases of disc degeneration, the disc space becomes so compromised that the face joints of the vertebra rub against each other causing extreme pain.</p> <p>Spinal stiffness is also a common symptom of degeneration, especially in the morning or after being in the same position for an extended period of time. Unlike other body tissues, there is very little blood supply to the disc making it difficult for the body to repair the disc on its own.</p> <h3>Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease</h3> <p>Repetitive activities that cause micro-tears in the outer core of the disc (annulus fibrosis) are just as common as acute injures. This can be perplexing to patients, as one day they feel fine and the next day their back “goes out.”</p> <p>In reality, the problem has been building until a minor twist of the waist creates massive back and hip pain. In contrast, an acute injury that shears the disc and causes the nucleus pulposus to be expelled into the central canal or spinal nerve foramen happens in one incident. These issues can also lead to nerve damage putting you at risk for developing neuropathy.</p> <h3>Degenerative Disc Disease Symptoms</h3> <p>Symptoms are most common in the lumbar spine (low back) or cervical spine (neck). The most common symptoms are:</p> <ul> <li>Mild to severe pain</li> <li>Pain that affects the low back, buttocks and thighs</li> <li>Neck pain that radiates into the arms and hands</li> <li>Pain worsened by sitting</li> <li>Pain worsened by lifting or bending and twisting of the waist</li> <li>Walking or moving reduces pain</li> <li>Less pain by laying down or by changing positions often</li> <li>Pain that comes and goes, lasting a few days to a few months</li> <li>Numbness and tingling in arms and hands</li> <li>Numbness and tingling in the thighs, legs, and feet</li> <li>Weakness in the leg or arm muscles (caused by nerve root damage)</li> </ul> <p>Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s get into treatment options.</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2202" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-chiropractor-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california--712x1024.jpg" alt="San Diego Chiropractor Dr. Jeanett Tapia performs treatment for degenerative disc disease on a patient" width="712" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-chiropractor-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california--712x1024.jpg 712w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-chiropractor-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california--209x300.jpg 209w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-chiropractor-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california--768x1105.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-chiropractor-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california--1068x1536.jpg 1068w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-chiropractor-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california--1424x2048.jpg 1424w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/upper-cervical-nucca-chiropractor-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-california--scaled.jpg 1780w" sizes="(max-width: 712px) 100vw, 712px" />Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease: 3 Non-Surgical Treatments</h2> <p>There are many ways that degenerative disc disease can be treated. And while surgery is one of the options, we always recommend non-surgical treatments first (unless surgery is absolutely necessary).</p> <p>Check with your doctor before pursuing any treatment for degenerative disc disease.</p> <p>Here are three non-surgical treatment options to look into.</p> <h3>Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression</h3> <p>Non-surgical spinal decompression slowly decompresses and relaxes your spine by cycling through relaxation and distraction phases. During your non-surgical spinal decompression session, downward forces of gravity are removed, creating negative intradiscal pressure and a vacuum effect. The cycles of distraction and relaxation promote the diffusion of oxygen, water, and nutrient-dense fluids from the outside to flow back into your disks. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal.</p> <p>At Intouch Chiropractic, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/spinal-decompression/">our patients see results quickly after partaking in non-surgical spinal decompression with the DRX9000</a>.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“I’ve been a chiropractic patient for over 20 years, and I absolutely love the doctors and the amazing staff at Intouch Chiropractic! With gentle and painless adjustments, spinal decompression and laser therapy, I have gotten more relief than ever! I highly recommend this team, especially if you are new to chiropractic or trying to avoid surgery.”</em> – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/REt4aNc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Review by Amanda H.</a> </p></blockquote> <h3>Lifestyle Modifications and Pain Management</h3> <p>Weight management and avoiding strenuous activities reduce spinal stress. Low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming or cycling improve blood flow to damaged discs while minimizing strain. For pain management, heat and cold therapy can be a helpful tool. Ice packs reduce inflammation while heat alleviates tension.</p> <h3>Physical Therapy</h3> <p>Customized programs strengthen core muscles, enhance posture, and restore mobility. Techniques include guided stretching, resistance training, and ergonomic adjustments to protect the spine during daily activities.</p> <h2>Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments in Conclusion</h2> <p>While surgery may be required for serious cases, there are several non-surgical treatments for degenerative disc disease. At the <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic office in San Diego, CA</a>, we regularly see patients who suffer from this disease. We also see them make tremendous progress.</p> <p>Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/treatment-degenerative-disc-disease/">Non-Surgical Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>3 Common Conditions Chiropractors Help</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/3-common-conditions-chiropractors-help/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:24:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Headaches]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Migraine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neck Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=636</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>There are many reasons a person might begin looking for a qualified chiropractor to visit. So if you’ve ever wondered, “what conditions does a chiropractor treat?“, you’re not alone! At...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/3-common-conditions-chiropractors-help/">3 Common Conditions Chiropractors Help</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many reasons a person might begin looking for a qualified chiropractor to visit. So if you’ve ever wondered, “<strong>what conditions does a chiropractor treat?</strong>“, you’re not alone!</p> <p>At <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic in Mission Valley of San Diego, CA</a>, our chiropractors are trained to treat a variety of conditions. However, one of the things we love about chiropractic is that we truly see the patient holistically. At Intouch Chiropractic, we don’t believe patients just have a knee problem, or a neck problem, or a headache and back pain problem. We can’t tell you how many times patients say, “wow, I’m sleeping through the night” or “I don’t have acid reflux anymore.”</p> <p>We always smile when we hear these comments, because oftentimes patients only tell us about the <strong>three common conditions San Diego Chiropractors help</strong>. In this blog post, we’ll cover those 3 main conditions that chiropractors treat and then wrap up by quickly highlighting a variety of other health concerns that chiropractic adjustments are good for!</p> <h2><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3066" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-768x1024.jpg" alt="San Diego chiropractor Dr. Devin Young works with a patient experiencing neck pain" width="768" height="1024" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-225x300.jpg 225w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/nucca-x-ray-positioning-intouch-chiropractic-san-diego-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />3 Common Conditions for Chiropractic Care</h2> <p>Many of our patients only talk to us about the top 3 conditions we see in our office: back pain, neck pain, and sports performance. Let’s cover each one of these conditions, starting with <strong>back pain</strong>.</p> <h3>Back Pain Chiropractic Adjustments</h3> <p>Over 80% of people will experience low back pain. At Intouch Chiropractic, we have tremendous success with treating this common condition even when we don’t adjust your low back. We have extensive training in this area unlike most healthcare professionals.</p> <p>The standard of care when you see a general medical doctor is a pain killer and a muscle relaxant. These medications can be helpful, but ultimately don’t treat the cause of the problem. They simply mask the pain signals going from your low back to your brain. The pain is still there, but your brain simply doesn’t register it anymore. One patient seeking care after being fed up with pain killers says “all my doubts are gone“, chiropractic care gave her relief from her back pain!</p> <blockquote><p><em>“I was struggling with lower back weakness and pain until I learned of spinal decompression. I was able to do a 2 week vacation recently with none of my original issues! Both Drs at Intouch are great!” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/Xay1Auw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Back Pain Review by Robin K.</a></em></p></blockquote> <p>Lower back pain is the number one reasons for workers’ compensation and disability claims, and the costs are massive. Fifty ($50) billion to be exact! If this is you, seeking the care of a chiropractor may be just what you need to get back to normal.</p> <p>For more information on chiropractic care and back pain, here are two relevant blog posts to learn more:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/the-best-sleep-positions-for-your-back/">What are the Best Sleep Positions for Your Back?</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/non-surgical-spinal-decompression-vs-back-surgery-exploring-non-invasive-options/">Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression vs Back Surgery</a></li> </ul> <p>One of the next most common reasons patients come to our office is <strong>neck pain</strong>.</p> <h3>Neck Pain Chiropractic Adjustments</h3> <p>Neck pain affects many people. This can be due to micro-traumas from poor ergonomics, poor posture, extensive screen time, funky sleeping positions or self-manipulation. It can also be caused by macro-traumas such as a slip and fall, car accident, sports injury, or work accident. The neck is a fragile part of our bodies with many jobs. Whether you have acute neck pain or chronic neck pain, we can help!</p> <blockquote><p><em>“I’ve been suffering with neck and shoulder pain for years. I’ve tried massages, acupuncture, physical therapy and everything just gave me temporary relief for a day. I knew when I met Dr. Young, that this is what I’ve been looking for. At the end of 20 weeks, I can honestly say that my chronic, daily pain is completely gone. The staff is incredibly friendly and they are always on time. Here, I felt like there was a complete understanding of my core issues and that they had a game plan to address those issues. You don’t find this level of care anywhere. I highly recommend!!” <a href="https://g.co/kgs/USgLvL1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Neck Pain Review by Frank A.</a></em></p></blockquote> <p>All signals traveling to and from the brain must travel through your neck. That means that even a nerve impulse from your brain to your left big toe must pass through your neck. This is why it’s common for paramedics to place a cervical collar on a patient at the scene of any accident. They want to make sure everything is a-ok before they let you walk around.</p> <p>You even see this every Sunday on the field as football players are placed on stretchers. They do this to lessen the likelihood of permanent damage to the neck which can have a huge impact on body function.</p> <p>Which takes us to another common condition that leads people to seek chiropractic care: <strong>sports injuries</strong>.</p> <h3>Chiropractic Care for Sport Injuries</h3> <p>We see many athletes in our office, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Muscle imbalances, poor biomechanics, improper form, and poor conditioning can have a huge impact on sports performance.</p> <p>For the majority of our active patients, they want to continue to run, golf, hike, do crossfit… you name it. And to do so in top shape, without pain or discomfort. By scheduling a consultation with our team of expert San Diego chiropractors, we can get a better idea of your sports injury and come up with the perfect treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs.</p> <h2>Chiropractic Care and Common Conditions Overview</h2> <p>Whether it’s pain in your neck or chronic pain in your knee, seeking the professional help of a chiropractor may be a positive step forward in your healing journey. But the three common conditions we’ve listed above are not the only reason we see patients!</p> <p>In addition to neck pain, back pain and sports injuries, here are some of the other common conditions that chiropractors can bring pain relief to:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/migraines/">Migraines</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/herniated-bulging-discs/">Herniated and bulging discs</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/tmj-disorders/">TMJ</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/pinched-nerve/">Pinched nerves</a></li> <li><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/sciatica/">Sciatica</a></li> <li>And more</li> </ul> <p>You can view more <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/">conditions that our team at Intouch Chiropractic regularly treats</a> on our website. If you are ready to begin your healing journey and work with us to relieve pain, <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/">schedule a consultation</a> today!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/3-common-conditions-chiropractors-help/">3 Common Conditions Chiropractors Help</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Spinal Stenosis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment</title> <link>https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/spinal-stenosis-causes-symptoms-treatment/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr. Devin Young, DC]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jan 2025 18:37:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chiropractic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Degenerative Disc Disease]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Herniated]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nucca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pinched Nerve]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://sandiegonucca.com/?p=735</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/spinal-stenosis-causes-symptoms-treatment/">Spinal Stenosis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <div id="fws_6af2dca2367ab" data-column-margin="default" data-midnight="dark" class="wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; "><div class="row-bg-wrap" data-bg-animation="none" data-bg-animation-delay="" data-bg-overlay="false"><div class="inner-wrap row-bg-layer" ><div class="row-bg viewport-desktop" style=""></div></div></div><div class="row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left"> <div class="vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone flex_gap_desktop_10px " data-padding-pos="all" data-has-bg-color="false" data-bg-color="" data-bg-opacity="1" data-animation="" data-delay="0" > <div class="vc_column-inner" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element " > <p>Spinal stenosis is a health condition that affects the abnormal narrowing of your spinal canal. Dealing with this health issue can be painful and scary, and may include pain, numbness or weakness. While dealing with spinal stenosis is difficult, there are treatments that can help! And that includes non-surgical spinal stenosis treatments.</p> <p>If you are wondering if you have spinal stenosis or are curious about treatments for it, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll answer the basic question of “what is spinal stenosis”, and discuss treatment options that include non-surgical interventions.</p> <p>First, let’s give an overview of <strong>what spinal stenosis actually is</strong>.</p> <h2>So, What is Spinal Stenosis?</h2> <p>Spinal stenosis relates to an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing directly impacts the amount of space in your spinal cord and can occur in any part of the spine. It is most common in the cervical spine and the lumbar spine.</p> <p>The decreasing amount of space in the spinal cord as a result of spinal stenosis means that nerve roots, nerves and even your spinal cord can be compressed or squeezed. Patients we see at <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/">Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego, California</a> report feeling numbness, pain and weakness as the major symptoms of their spinal stenosis.</p> <p>Spinal stenosis is often associated with aging, and in older patients it can greatly reduce mobility and quality of life.</p> <p>However, there are effective treatments for spinal stenosis. Surgery is one treatment that people suffering from this health issue opt for, but we only recommend surgery as a last resort. Before we get into the treatments available for spinal stenosis though, let’s quickly cover <strong>the causes of spinal stenosis</strong>.</p> <h3><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-736" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/spinal-stenosis-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-san-diego-spinal-decompression.webp" alt="The top view of a vertebrae, depicting the difference between a normal spinal canal and a narrowed canal affected by Stenosis" width="400" height="294" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/spinal-stenosis-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-san-diego-spinal-decompression.webp 400w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/spinal-stenosis-intouch-chiropractic-nucca-upper-cervical-care-san-diego-spinal-decompression-300x221.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />Cause of Spinal Stenosis</h3> <p>The primary cause of spinal stenosis is osteoarthritis (OA). In other words, the cause of spinal stenosis is not a single disease, but, a variety of disorders, mostly leading to the structural or functional failure of one or more of your joints. Spinal stenosis as a result of osteoarthritis involves the entire joint, including adjacent muscles, underlying bone, ligaments, joint lining (synovium), and the joint capsule.</p> <p>Next, let’s dive into the treatment options available for individuals who are suffering from spinal stenosis.</p> <h2>Spinal Stenosis Treatments:</h2> <p>It should be noted that <strong>there is no way to fully cure spinal stenosis</strong>. But there are ways to treat it and techniques that can be used to reduce spinal stenosis symptoms. Here are some of the most common forms of treatment:</p> <ul> <li>Over-the-counter pain medications</li> <li>Hot/cold therapy</li> <li>Anti-inflammatory medications, including oral cortisone medications</li> <li>Epidural steroid (cortisone) injections</li> <li>Physical therapy</li> <li>Chiropractic care</li> <li>Along with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression</li> <li>Lastly, Surgery</li> </ul> <p>As always, we recommend that a patient seek all forms of care and treatment prior to surgery. However, there are cases where surgery for spinal stenosis is necessary. For example, if the spinal cord is compromised, surgery may be the necessary treatment.</p> <p>Now, let’s dive deeper into three treatment options for spinal stenosis. To start, let’s cover one of the non-surgical treatments we recommend exploring before moving onto invasive surgery.</p> <div id="attachment_2663-2" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2663-2" class="size-large wp-image-2663" src="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-1024x975.jpg" alt="Dr. Jeanett Tapia works with a patient suffering from spinal stenosis at the Intouch Chiropractic office" width="1024" height="975" srcset="https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-1024x975.jpg 1024w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-300x286.jpg 300w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-768x731.jpg 768w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-1536x1463.jpg 1536w, https://sandiegonucca.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/intouch-chiropractic-spinal-stenosis-00001-2048x1950.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p id="caption-attachment-2663-2" class="wp-caption-text">Dr. Jeanett Tapia works with a patient suffering from spinal stenosis at the Intouch Chiropractic office</p></div> <h3>Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for Spinal Stenosis</h3> <p>One of the most successful and least invasive spinal stenosis treatments is one we use at Intouch Chiropractic in San Diego: non-surgical spinal decompression. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) slowly relaxes and stretches your spine. Meanwhile, it removes the downward forces of gravity and creates a vacuum effect that allows oxygen and nutrients to flow back into your discs.</p> <p>This FDA-cleared procedure is gentle, effective and painless. Also, it is highly effective when done safely within established protocols. <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/how-we-help/spinal-decompression/">Spinal Decompression treatment</a> provides powerful chronic lower back pain relief and amplifies the healing process when treating issues such as spinal stenosis. Our patients have often found relief after failing other treatments.</p> <p>Our office has a great track record for helping our patients get out of pain. Along with using a dual, revolutionary approach; we combine the most advanced technology and gentle, upper cervical chiropractic techniques (NUCCA) to help you get better faster.</p> <p><a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/what-we-treat/spinal-stenosis/">Learn more about how we treat spinal stenosis at Intouch Chiropractic at our website.</a></p> <h4>Can you fix spinal stenosis without surgery?</h4> <p>Non-surgical interventions can not 100% cure spinal stenosis. The anatomical cause of this health issue will remain. However, unless you are suffering from a severe case of spinal stenosis, non-surgical treatments may be enough for you to manage and alleviate pain. We always recommend investigating whether or not your case is suitable for non-surgical spinal stenosis treatment. But in severe cases, surgery may be required.</p> <p>Next, let’s quickly cover spinal stenosis surgery and what to expect.</p> <h3>Low Back Surgery for Spinal Stenosis</h3> <p>Patients with increasing muscle weakness and severe spinal cord compression, aka myelopathy, should consider surgery to help prevent permanent nerve damage. If you are suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis, this is what you’ll be researching more.</p> <p>The goal of surgery is to physically create more space and relieve compression of the spinal cord and its nerves. One of the surgical options available is surgical decompression. This surgery removes bone and/or tissues.</p> <p>In the lumbar spine, the most common surgical decompression procedure is a laminectomy. This surgery removes a portion of your bone, (the lamina) to create additional space for the cord and its nerves. However, if too much bone needs to be removed, a spinal fusion is needed to stabilize your spine.</p> <h3>Neck Surgery for Spinal Stenosis</h3> <p>The most common spinal stenosis surgery is an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Firstly, the spinal disc gets removed between two vertebrae. In addition, any bone spurs pushing on the nerves or spinal cord are also be removed. Then a bone graft will replace the disc. A metal plate will attach to the front of your vertebrae to help the bone grow together or fuse. After the bone(s) is removed, a bone graft replaces them along with a plate.</p> <p>Cervical spinal stenosis is treated surgically from the back of the neck. Similarly to the lumbar spine, a laminectomy will need to be performed. This procedure fuses one cervical vertebra to an adjacent cervical vertebra. This procedure prevents abnormal movement or instability. In addition, Laminoplasty can also be a surgical option for cervical stenosis. This neck surgery involves creating more space in the back of the spinal canal by opening the back of the spine like a door, and leaving it open with a combination of bone grafts or plates.</p> <p>However, in severe cases, prolonged compression of the nerves can cause permanent nerve damage that not even surgery can reverse. Therefore, something to keep in mind is that back surgery is invasive. Also, specific post-operative management is crucial for long-term success.</p> <blockquote><p> <em>“Very pleased with my results after 10 weeks of treatment. Personable, attentive and welcoming staff & docs! Would highly recommend.” – <a href="https://g.co/kgs/jMABCrw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intouch Chiropractic Review by Ality R.</a></em> </p></blockquote> <h2>What Is the Prognosis for Spinal Stenosis After Treatment?</h2> <p>Many patients get relief of their spinal stenosis symptoms with non-surgical treatment. Although, every case is different. For patients with advanced stenosis, surgery may be the only option. Therefore, one thing to keep in mind is that arthritis of the spine is progressive even after surgery. As a result, it is not uncommon to develop new symptoms years after surgery. These symptoms can show up either at the same level or at nearby levels requiring a second or third surgery.</p> <p>If you are suffering from spinal stenosis and would like to explore the benefits chiropractic care can have on your health, contact us today!</p> <p>Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/schedule-appointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>request an appointment here</u></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> <p>The post <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com/blog/spinal-stenosis-causes-symptoms-treatment/">Spinal Stenosis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://sandiegonucca.com">Intouch Chiropractic</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>