Back Pain Treatment | Near New Canaan & Wesport – Located in Ridgefield CT

It’s estimated that 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

For 5-10% of them a bout of back pain turns into a chronic and often debilitating problem. Dr. David Johnston at the Osteopathic Wellness Center specializes in the type of gentle, manual therapies and back pain treatments that effectively relieve pain, improve movement, and support your body’s ability to heal. If you suffer from back pain and would like holistic care that gets you on the road to recovery, call the office in Ridgefield, Connecticut or book an appointment online. We offer back pain treatment near New Canaan, CT, and serve patients all over the CT area.

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BACK PAIN Q&A

What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain often develops from a muscle strain as you lift something that’s heavy or twist your back. You’re also susceptible to pain if you sit for long periods of time or if you’re overweight because these increase pressure on your lower back.

In addition to sprains and strains of the supportive soft tissues, some of the most common causes of lower back pain include:

Herniated disc
Osteoarthritis
Compression fracture
Degenerative disc disease
Lumbar spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing)
Spondylolisthesis (slipped disc)
Lumbar radiculopathy (compressed nerves)

In most cases, these back conditions develop over time due to age-related changes and degeneration.

What causes upper back pain?

The upper back is less susceptible to pain causing problems than the lower back, but when pain develops it’s usually due to:

Poor posture
Muscle tension
Joint dysfunction
Osteoarthritis
Kyphosis (hunchback)

If you develop osteoporosis, the upper spine is also vulnerable to compression fractures.

Will I have symptoms other than pain?

If your back pain is caused by a compressed nerve, you may develop pain, tingling, and numbness anywhere along the affected nerve. This is most likely to occur when the sciatic nerve in your lower back is pinched, causing severe pain that radiates down through your buttocks and leg.

How is back pain treated?

During your examination Dr. Johnson may order x-rays, scans, or other diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause of your pain. Then he develops a customized osteopathic treatment plan for your back and any other areas of your body that are affected, such as your hips or neck.

Your treatment plan incorporates a wide range of gentle manual treatments, depending on your age, overall health, and diagnosis. These are a few examples of osteopathic therapies:

Counterstrain: Pinpoints the position of maximum pain and discomfort.
High-velocity, low amplitude thrusts: Similar to chiropractic techniques to improve joint mobility
Massage: Relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, reduces inflammation, and stimulates circulation and healing
Myofascial therapy: Restores motion by releasing trigger points and tightness in muscles and myofascial tissues
Muscle energy: Applies counterforce to muscles while they are being used
Soft tissue mobilization: Using rhythmic stretching, deep pressure, or traction to mobilize soft tissues around the spine.

Your holistic care may also include an evaluation of your posture and advice on diet and exercise.

If you suffer from back pain call Osteopathic Wellness or book an appointment online.

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