Back Pain

Back pain can arise from a variety of sources, including auto accidents, bone degeneration, and pregnancy. At Washington Integrative Health in Washington, D.C, the experienced team of providers takes a holistic approach to treating your back pain and restoring your health. Under the leadership of Rashida Cohen, DC, the Washington Integrative Health team offers numerous treatments that are safe for men, women, and children of all ages, and even if you’re pregnant. To put an end to your back pain, call Washington Integrative Health or schedule an appointment online today.

Back pain is a common complaint among adults. Because of its complex system of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, your back and spine are highly vulnerable to pain and injury.

There are four primary areas in your back: the neck, upper back, lower back, and bottom spine. Each of these areas usually has pain for specific reasons.

• Neck: Pain in your cervical spine is usually due to tendon, ligament, or muscle strains.
• Upper back: The thoracic spine, or upper back, is susceptible to muscle irritation in the back and shoulder muscles as well as the joints.
• Lower back: Pain in your lumbar spine is usually due to muscle strain and is the most common area to experience back pain.
• Bottom spine: Pain in your sacrum is typically the result of injury, damage, or a related condition such as herniated discs or hip conditions.

Back pain symptoms can vary from radiating, shooting, or stabbing pain to muscle aches and reduced range of motion.

Back pain can occur for several reasons, including:

• Poor posture
• Trauma or injury
• Ligament or muscle strain
• Pregnancy
• Fractures
• Genetic irregularities
• Compressed nerves
• Bulging, herniated, or ruptured discs
• Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis

Certain factors can increase your chances of back pain, including aging, being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, and lifting heavy objects improperly.

Your experienced provider at Washington Integrative Health performs a comprehensive physical examination, discusses your symptoms, and reviews your medical history. Based on your exam, they might also recommend additional tests, like X-rays.

Based on your diagnosis, your provider recommends a holistic treatment specifically designed for your unique condition. These treatments may include:

• Manual chiropractic adjustments
• Massage therapy
• Trigger point injections

For expectant mothers with back pain, Dr. Cohen also has advanced chiropractic training in the Webster Technique. This safe adjustment balances muscles and ligaments in the pelvis to remove constraint in the uterus. Not only does it help your baby shift into the ideal position for a healthy birth, it also removes interference with the nervous system, and reduces back pain.

To find safe and effective treatments for your back pain, call Washington Integrative Health or schedule an appointment online today.