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Low Back Pain Treatment

Lower back pain is a debilitating condition. According to the World Health Organization, lower back pain affected 619 million people in 2020 and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. This type of pain can manifest in many different ways, ranging from sharp, stabbing sensations to dull, diffuse discomfort and more. The pain may be localized or radiate up your back or into your glutes and legs. No matter how it presents, numerous options are available to treat low back pain, and we are pleased to share them with you.

Diagnosing Low Back PAin

The first step in treating low back pain is understanding what you are addressing. Establishing a diagnosis is critical for exploring your treatment options. Initially, you should find a provider who takes the time to listen to you. Too often, we hear about patients who have visited other offices and report that the doctor didn’t listen to their entire history before interrupting with a question or comment. Your doctor should genuinely care about your condition and how you arrived at this point. Next, the doctor should perform a thorough examination. This should include testing your range of motion, as well as neurological, orthopedic, and functional assessments. Once the doctor establishes a diagnosis, they can accurately determine the best treatment plan for you.

Common Low Back conditions

There are numerous diagnoses for low back pain. Some may appear similar, while others are quite different. Here are a few common low back pain conditions we encounter in our Saratoga chiropractic office.

Non-Specific Low Back PAin

This happens when it’s not possible to identify a specific disease or structural abnormality causing the pain. Non-specific low back pain is quite common and challenging to treat. Our Saratoga Springs chiropractor utilizes functional testing to determine which movements or activities induce pain and focuses on the joints and muscles that enable the body to perform those movements for diagnosis and treatment.

Low Back Sprain/Strain

Low back sprains and strains can occur in various ways. The most common cases we see in our office are sports injuries, closely followed by car accidents. Sports injuries may involve lifting or twisting. The muscles of the lower back are stretched and contracted when in that stretched position. The tissue is so strong that it becomes strained, and the ligaments that support the joints can also be damaged.

Sciatica

Sciatica and low back pain are closely related. Sciatica occurs when there is pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can be affected at various locations. Symptoms typically include a burning sensation, radiating pain into the leg, and sometimes weakness in the leg, ankle, or foot.

Disc Bulge

A disc bulge is a common occurrence in the spine. Some research suggests that disc bulging may serve as a protective mechanism, enabling the spine to handle greater loads and forces without sustaining damage. However, a disc bulge can be severe enough to contact a spinal nerve, resulting in pain in the lower back and sometimes radiating into the lower extremities. Disc bulges respond very well to conservative care, including chiropractic treatment.

Disc Herniation

Picture of a lumbar spine and what a herniated disc looks like.

A disc herniation occurs when the middle part of the disc (the nucleus) ruptures through the outer wall of the disc (the annulus). In many instances, this leads to contact with the spinal nerve, potentially causing pain in the lower extremities and sometimes resulting in weakness. Disc herniations typically respond well to conservative treatment, including chiropractic care, though some cases may necessitate surgical intervention.

Gluteus Medius/Minimus Strain

This is one of the most common presentations of low back pain in our Saratoga chiropractic office. The glutes play a significant role in keeping your pelvis level and stabilizing the hip joint and lower back when you walk, run, or do anything on your feet. When this muscle is weak, it can easily spasm or become tight, and the referral pattern mimics sciatic pain. It is one of the most misdiagnosed conditions we encounter in our chiropractic office.

Low Back Vertebrae fracture

Fractures are fairly uncommon, but we have seen them in some cases. Gymnasts can experience stress fractures in their lower backs from overuse. Individuals with osteoporosis (loss of bone density) are also at high risk for fractures. In rare instances, people present with spinal fractures from trauma, such as a car accident or a fall. Our Saratoga chiropractor will order imaging to confirm the fracture and make referrals as necessary.

Treatment for Low Back PAin

There are as many treatments for lower back pain as there are healthcare providers to treat it. You might encounter topical creams, back braces, rehabilitation programs, mattresses, tapes, and much more. In our chiropractic office, we follow a straightforward treatment plan. After all, complex conditions don’t always necessitate complex treatments. If our goal is to get you fully functional and pain-free, we will focus on those two objectives.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can involve various techniques, such as ultrasound, light therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation. In our office, we frequently use electrical muscle stimulation. This technique helps block pain receptors, enhance blood flow, and relax the muscles. It effectively creates a window for manual therapy, making the body much more tolerant.

Cupping/IASTM

Although considered physiotherapy, techniques like cupping and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), such as Graston, are excellent methods for adjusting the fascial covering around a muscle. Even if the muscles are tight, if the fascia surrounding them is not moving, the body can feel restricted.

Chiropractic Adustmemt

Chiropractic adjustments for lower back pain are highly effective. In fact, some studies suggest that when chiropractors are visited as the first provider for someone experiencing lower back pain, their recovery time and costs are approximately 50% of those associated with any other provider.

Woman get her lower back adjusted by a chiropractor while lying on her side.

Mobility exercises

Mobility exercises play a crucial role in healing from low back pain when performed at the right time and with proper form. These exercises will help the patient enhance their range of motion and improve their control within that range.

Therapeutic Exercises

Therapeutic exercises are excellent for helping a patient return to their pre-injury condition. This phase involves gradually reintroducing the patient to activity within a controlled environment and set of conditions. Think of it like learning to walk before you run. Once the patient advances through a well-structured therapeutic exercise program, they can typically begin to return to activity.

Active Release techniques

Active Release Techniques (A.R. T.) is the gold standard in soft tissue treatment. It is a patented and trademarked technique that combines soft tissue treatments with movement. The goal of this treatment is to restore normal, health movements to the soft tissues.

Additional Treatment Options

While it is uncommon, if patients do not respond to our chiropractic treatment, we can recommend a physical therapist, pain management specialist, or orthopedic doctor for a second opinion. We have established a network of professionals we trust to support our care.

Preventing low back pain

Preventing low back pain is challenging for many people. We recommend regular chiropractic adjustments at our office to help keep the spinal segments mobile. During your care, you will receive exercises to manage the stresses of life and any situations that may arise. We advise continuing these exercises even when you are not experiencing pain.

If you or someone you know is experiencing low back pain, we would be happy to help. Call or text our office, or click the link above to book, and we will gladly schedule a free consultation with our Saratoga Springs chiropractor.

Saaraotga Springs Chiropractor, Adam Favro

About the Author
Dr. Adam Favro is a board-certified chiropractor and founder of Turning Point Chiropractic in Saratoga Springs, NY. With over a decade of experience, he’s dedicated to helping people move better and live healthier through evidence-based care.

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What's Your Turning Point?

Saratoga Chiropractic office, Turning Point Chiropractic, takes a unique patient-centered approach to help you tackle whatever stands in the way of a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Have you ever dealt with a problem you knew had a simple solution and all you had to do was find the best person to help you? Patients come into Turning Point Chiropractic in Saratoga Springs daily saying they thought they were never going to get better. Others say they felt like they had to settle for their “new normal” of low-grade pain or discomfort or knew they would never be able to (insert activity here) again. Sometimes all you need is a little help.

Patient frustrated at a computer

Turning Point Chiropractic was opened in October 2011 by Dr. Adam Favro with the vision of providing a service to seek out the epicenter of a patients symptoms and take a comprehensive approach to care. No big healthcare system to navigate. No referrals needed. Quality time with a doctor who has extensive experience and knowledge of the human body and how to fix it.

At Turning Point Chiropractic, the doctors have additional training in diagnostics, radiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, strength training, sports performance, and more. Our chiropractors are not only equipped to accurately diagnose your symptoms but create a treatment plan that helps you get out of pain faster and stay healthy longer.

Our chiropractors believe at the heart of every treatment plan is movement. The more you move, the better you feel. The better you feel the more you move. You didn’t get hurt by just sitting there so why should your treatment be you just sitting there? We don’t know either. When you come to Turning Point Chiropractic your exam will include movement assessments, your treatment will involve movement and your homework will be to move.

 
Person in movement.
 

For too long the healthcare system has not encourage patients to be active in their own treatment, give feedback on how they feel, and take control of the progress. When patients and doctors are invested in a goal to not only help you feel better but improve the way you live, great things happen. That is what we believe in. That is the Turning Point!

For a free consultation with our doctors and to learn more about the Turning Point Chiropractic treatment system, call us at (518) 584-9500 or click here.

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Three Exercises for Better Posture

Assessing good posture or bad posture can be a challenge for even the most skilled provider. At Turning Point Chiropractic we strive to keep people moving in a healthy and safe way. So whether you think you have good or bad posture this article is sure to give you some more information on how to improve it.

If you are like most people, you sit the majority of your day. Whether it’s driving to work, driving for work, sitting at work or relaxing on the couch after a long day of work, sitting has become part of our life. Unfortunately, so has poor posture. Forward head carriage, rounded shoulder, and a slouching position can lead to long term health effects like chronic headaches, degenerative joint changes, and muscle strain. So sit up straight, relax your shoulders, and learn three new exercises to help improve your posture.

Cumulative injury cycle caused by poor posture.

Proper posture can be defined as “the state of muscular and skeletal balance that protects the supporting structures of the body against injury”. Two important concepts to take from this definition are balance and protection. Our joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascia are designed to work a certain way. When we put them in an optimal position this serves as protection to repetitive strain or even traumatic events. Our body is also highly adaptable, but if we continuously stress the tissues in a way that they weren’t intended, we tend to fall into an injury cycle.

This week we are excited to share 3 of our favorite exercises to avoid the aches and pains that come with non-optimal posture.

  1. Thoracic Wall Extension

The first exercise is a great way to stretch out the front of our shoulders and create some extension in our mid-back. To perform, find a wall and stand an arms length away from the wall. Extend the arms so there is very little to no bend in the elbows with the fingers pointing up. Slowly push your hips back and let your upper body fall between the arms, keeping the head in a neutral position. Hold for about 3 seconds and perform 10 repetitions.

 
Thoracic extensions on the wall for improved posture. Start position.
Thoracic enxtension on the wall for improved posture. Finish position.
 

2. Chin Tucks

Our second exercise is to put the head in a better position. For every inch forward your ears go past your shoulders it adds an extra 10-12 lbs that the muscles of the upper neck and back need to support. No wonder so many people carry tension in this area! This exercise can be performed sitting or standing. To perform, attempt to pull your chin back toward your spine. Try to avoid looking down when performing this exercise. Imagine your chin is on a table and you are sliding it back. Hold for 2 seconds and perform 10 repetitions. You know you are doing it right if you give yourself a double chin.

 
Chin tuck exercise for improved posture. Start position.
Chin tuck exercises for improved posture. Finish position.
 

3. Modified Brügger

Our last exercise is to strengthen muscles around our shoulder blades. This exercise can also be performed sitting or standing. Start by obtaining a neutral head position by performing a chin tuck. Next, lightly pull your shoulder blades down and back (try not to shrug). With the elbows bent and palms up, rotate your hands outward. You should feel the muscles around your shoulder blades working if you are performing this correctly. Hold for 2 seconds and perform 10 repetitions.

 
Modified Brügger position for improved posture. Start position.
Modified Brügger position to improve posture. Finish position.
 

In the office we tell patients the best posture is the next one. In other words, keep moving! That being said, we realize there are days and time where you must sit for long periods. Try the exercises above and check out our YouTube video for more exercises and stretches to help improve your posture!

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Three Things You Never Knew About Spinal Discs

Saratoga Springs Chiropractor, Dr. Adam N. Favro, talks about the science behind the spinal disc and busts some popular myths about back pain.

Three Things you Never Knew About Spinal Discs

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As a chiropractor in Saratoga, I see a variety of conditions ranging from stiff necks to cancer. It is my job to properly diagnose each patient and provide them the option that is best for them. One of the most common conditions that comes through our door is low back pain. In fact, studies show that 80% of the population will experience low back pain at some point in their life. During my exam with the patient I am almost always asked, “What if it’s a disc?”. As a population we have been conditioned to think the disc is the most problematic part of our spine. To put your mind at ease here are three things about the spinal disc you probably never knew:

1. Degeneration is Normal

That’s right, your body is a bunch of moving parts and was designed to wear down. Our discs are made up of a fibrous cartilage with fluid inside. As we age the discs become dehydrated and get smaller. Degeneration is a normal part of the aging process and does NOT have to contribute to pain. So the next time you get an x-ray and someone tells you you have “degenerative disc disease”, don’t panic.

2. Bulging Discs are Okay

At least 30% of people are walking around right now with a bulging disc and don’t have any lower back pain. Some researchers believe the discs in our spine will bulge as part of a protective mechanism and retract shortly after. This does not mean you don’t have to take care of your spine. Doing core exercises will help protect the disc from bulging and give you a mechanical advantage when moving.

3. They never slip!

Discs bulge, age, and sometimes herniate, but they never slip. The disc is so firmly attached to the vertebrae above and below it is impossible to slip. If you experience pain from the disc, it is most likely a ligament strain - similar to spraining your ankle.

 
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Many people are fearful of injuring the disc in their back but you are more resilient than you think. Watch just about any sporting event and know the number of disc issues is extremely rare. If you are suffering from back pain, give our office a call. We use the most current diagnostic and screening tests to determine the most effective treatment plans including rehabilitation exercises and programs designed just for you. If we feel you need x-rays, an MRI or other specialized tests, we have the ability to order the test directly from our office.

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How to use a Standing Desk

Standing desks can be a lifesaver but if you don’t know how to properly use it, you could be doing more harm than good. Saratoga Springs chiropractor, Dr. Adam Favro, addresses some key point to getting the most out of your new desk.

How to use a Standing Desk

Your new standing desk arrive and you are ready to take on the week. But what are you supposed to do with this new desk? At our Saratoga Springs chiropractic office, we are asked at least twice a week about standing desks. Are they good for you? Do they really make a difference? How do I set mine up?

According to a 2014 Gallop pole, the average American is working 49 hours a week, or 9.9 hours a day. Working is the ultimate endurance sport and, like any sport, if you don’t have the proper equipment you can struggle. Furthermore, if you don’t know how to use that equipment, you may be doing more harm than good. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your standing desk.  

The Set Up

Setting up your desk can be a challenge but there are some simple things to keep in mind. First, your monitor should be between 18-28” from your eyes with the top 1/3 of the monitor level with your eyes. Your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle with your forearms resting comfortably on the desk top. The keyboard and mouse should be at a comfortable position as to not strain your wrists.

 
 

Posture

As a chiropractor, posture is the thing that hits home. Similar rules apply to standing as to sitting. We tell patients to “preserve the curve”. The spinal column is shaped like an “S”. This feature allows great movement and is important in our daily function. When fatigue sets in, the head and shoulders come forward, and the curve in the middle back (kyphosis) increases and lower back decreases. This prevents your lungs from being filled fully and decreases oxygen to the brain.

Alternate Your Position

The most problematic aspect of your 9.9 hour work day is long periods of not moving. Standing or sitting in one position causes blood to pool and muscles to get tight and weak leading to poor posture among other things. The key to success is alternating between sitting and standing. If you choose to stand, switch your foot position. Try a wider stance with your feet just wider than your shoulders. Stand with weight mostly on one leg then switch to the other or in a split stance with one leg forward and one back. We also encourage patients to get a small box they can rest their foot on.

Get an Anti-Fatigue Mat or Balance Board        

Anti-fatigue mats are those memory-foam-like mats that are supposed to keep you from getting tired. The truth is, when you’re tired, your tired. The real benefit of these mats is they keep you on an unstable surface so you have to continue moving. Muscles then contract which helps blood flow. If you are looking to add a little fun in your workday, check out these balance boards. They will work on balance, posture and keep you moving.

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Take Breaks

Perhaps the most important thing is to take a break. The best thing you can do for your physical and mental health is to take small, frequent breaks. Our bodies thrive on movement and stimulation. By giving yourself what you need, you will find your days more productive and enjoyable.

 

A standing desk can be a life changing piece of equipment, but it will not be a magic solution. There is still effort that goes into setting up the desk and knowing how to properly use. For more information on how to set up your desk or to see if you could benefit from one, give our Saratoga Springs chiropractic office a call at (518) 584-9500.

 

 

 

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Picking the Perfect Snow Shovel

There are so many choices when picking a shovel in Saratoga Springs. How can you tell what works and what is a great marketing ploy? Check out this article where we discuss different shovels.

Straight handle, curved handle, flat blade, scooped blade. There are so many options when selecting a snow shovel it can be overwhelming. We have done some research, and testing of our own, to give you the scoop on the best snow removal tools.

Straight vs. Curved Handle

Straight Handle

Straight Handle

Curved Handle

Curved Handle

 

Curved handle snow shovels have been out for a few years. But are they worth the money? The short answer is ‘maybe’. The idea behind a short handle is to reduce bending forward when you scoop the snow. In some studies, a bent handle can reduce the load on the lower back by up to 16%. That reduction in load could add up depending on how much snow you are moving and how heavy. One thing to note is that only considers lifting the snow, not throwing it. The trick to shoveling is to use your legs to get most of your power. As people fatigue, they use their lower back instead of their legs to create force and leverage. A concept that can lead to a great deal of pain in following days.

Now that you’ve lifted the snow off the ground, what do you do with it? The ergonomics of a curved handle cause the majority of the weight to be on the front hand due to an inefficient lever. When you try and clear the snow, that font hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder must work harder than with a straight handle.

Based on our research and own experience, we feel it is best to use a traditional straight handle and reduce the risk of injury to multiple body parts. Plus, you most likely grew up shoveling with a straight handle so you are already accustomed to that design.

In this category, the straight shovel is our favorite!

Snow Shovel vs. Snow Push Shovel

Snow Plow Shovel

Snow Plow Shovel

Snow Shovel

Snow Shovel

 

I have to be honest, until I really started to look into this I had no idea how many snow shovels there really were. For the sake of keeping things relatively simple, I have narrowed it down to the two most popular varieties.

To determine which one is best you need to understand what each is intended to be used for. Let’s start with the snow shovel. This has more of a flat and square blade and is best for lifting the snow. Let’s say you are clearing a sidewalk and need to pile the snow; a snow shovel may be your best bet. The push shovel is best for, well, pushing snow. In the instance of light, powdery snow a push shovel may be best to clear large areas where you don’t have to lift the snow. These blades are usually wider (18-24”) and have a rounded feature. For most people the most versatile shovel will be the traditional snow shovel as this will allow you to both push and lift the snow.

We only covered two of the many types of snow shovels but we encourage you to check out other kinds and if you have questions, let us know.

No matter what shovel you choose, please make sure you dress warm, stretch before you shovel and stay hydrated. The majority of injuries we see after a snow storm are related to shoveling snow. For more information on how to keep yourself healthy when the snow piles up, check out our post “A Chiropractor’s Guide to Surviving a Snow Storm”.

Happy Shoveling!

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A Chiropractor's Guide to Surviving a Snowstorm

Saratoga Springs is known as being a Summer destination, but the Winters an be just as fun. Whether you hate the snow or love, this article is all about staying healthy when the snow falls.

Living in Saratoga Springs just about guarantees at least one snowstorm each winter. When this happens, you may find yourself shoveling snow, running inside or packing your gear to head to the mountain. Whether you’re dreading the snow or dreaming of it, check out this chiropractic guide to staying healthy for any snowstorm.

Shoveling

Shoveling snow is hard to avoid during a big storm. Whether you’re just cleaning off your sidewalk or clearing your driveway, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The green outlines posterior and anterior oblique slings. The muscle system that is dominant when doing rotational activity. These can be easily overworked on one side when shoveling.

  • Timing

    Most people end up shoveling in the morning. If that is the case, don’t roll out of bed, throw on your clothes and head outside. Shoveling is strenuous work and a proper warm up is required. Even if that means waiting for 10 minutes and just doing some basic stretches to get your body loose.

    We also recommend that you don’t eat right before you shovel. You will be moving close to 100 pounds of snow every minute. That requires a great deal of effort from your body. As with any exercise, your heart rate raises to deliver oxygen to your tiring muscles. Eating a big meal also requires an increase in heart rate and pulls blood away from the heart to aid in digestion. There are many cases of people suffering heart attacks from eating right before shoveling. Just because you’re using your snow blower doesn’t mean you’re out of the clear either. Physical stress is physical stress, your heart doesn’t know the difference.

  • Mechanics

    The way you shovel can increase your risk of injury, especially if the snow is heavy. Make sure to bend your knees, keep the shovel close to you and move your feet. It is also beneficial to switch sides that you hold the shovel on. I know this may feel strange but it will help you build balance and strength and take let one group of muscles rest while another is working.

    If you are looking for that perfect shovel and are confused about the different options, check out our post “Picking the Perfect Snow Shovel”.

Winter Sports

  • Dress warm

    Whether you’ll be building a snowman or hitting the slopes, it is important to have the proper clothing to keep you warm. Make sure you dress in layers. Dressing in layers traps a thin amount of air that can be heated by your body to further keep you warm. Multiple layers also helps keep you dry by adding additional protection against melting snow.

  • keep your neck covered

    When the temperature drops, the natural reaction is to tilt your head down and put your mouth and nose in your jacket. This will warm the air entering your mouth and keep your core warm. The problem is this can lead to a great deal of neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. So instead, make sure you wear something to keep your neck and face warm, and practice good posture.

  • Stay hydrated

    The last, but certainly not least piece of advice, is to stay hydrated. Our bodies use water to regulate temperature. In the summer months, it is easier to tell when we are getting dehydrated but when you are cold, symptoms can be less obvious. Most people choose to get a warm beverage like coffee during colder months. It is important to note that coffee is a diuretic and that water needs to be replaced. If you drink coffee, make sure to consume double the amount of water as coffee that you drank.

Saratoga Springs transforms into a magical place after a snowstorm. At Turning Point Chiropractic, we hear the good and not-so-good impacts of snow. If you find yourself in pain, don’t make the mistake of waiting to get treated. Taking care of yourself is the only way to ensure you will enjoy all that winter has to offer. If you have any questions, give us a call. We are here to help!

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