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The Causes of Lower Back Pain

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What is Lower Back Pain?

About 80% of all adults experience lower-back pain at least a few times in their lifetime. Few other medical problems can boast such a widespread affliction rate across the population. In fact, besides from the common cold, lower-back pain accounts for more missed work days amongst people under the age of 45, than any other condition.

Beyond the numbers and statistics, lower-back pain is a debilitating affliction that can put your life to a screeching halt. Much of the time, those experiencing lower-back pain aren’t even sure what the root of the problem is. Lower-back pain can be the result of a variety or combination of issues.

We wrote this blog to help you better understand what kind of lower-back pain you may be experiencing. These are common lower-back problems that we see everyday at Advantage Healthcare of Charleston. If you think you are experiencing any of these issues, please call us (843-553-2211) to schedule a free consultation. Unchecked lower-back pain can easily develop into long lasting, chronic pain, which is often a sign of deep underlying damage to your nerves, muscles, or spine.

Injuries

To start, let’s look at one the most common causes of lower-back pain: injuries. These can take the form of strains, sprains, and trauma. Strains and sprains are usually a result of overworking or making an improper movement with your lower back. Trauma is a result of an external factor, such as a car accident or a sharp fall, causing injury. Sprains occur from a sudden, forceful movement damaging your ligaments. Ligaments connect and support your bones and joints in the lower back. Sprains affect us from overuse or poor conditioning in the muscles. While usually these occur over a period of overworking one’s muscles, when you are already out of shape, it does not take much for a sprain to cause a muscle tear.

Herniated Discs

The next common lower back injury is a herniated disc. These typically affect people in their 30’s and 40’s. They are often referred to as a “slipped,” “torn,” or “ruptured” disc. These occur when the soft center of a spinal disc squeezes through a crack in the hard exterior. While at times it can come with almost no symptoms, if it agitates a nerve, it can cause an excruciating, cutting pain that can extend down an arm or leg.

Obesity and Posture

This final group of lower-back pain causes can be corrected on our own with just a little bit of self-discipline. Obesity is one of the leading causes of health problems in America today, so it is no surprise that it is also one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Exercise and a proper diet are both proven to not only reduce obesity, but also make lower-back pain easier to avoid and recover from. Other causes include improper posture when standing or sitting for long periods of time. Standing and sitting are second nature. People rarely take a moment to pay attention to how they are carrying themselves. But just a little bit of consciousness when it comes to posture and weight can greatly relieve the lower back.

How we can help you get over Lower-Back Pain

Chiropractic care partnered with physical therapy and medical treatment has proven to be an effective method for recovery from most lower-back conditions. At Advantage Healthcare we have a Medical Doctor, a Doctor of Chiropractic, and a Nurse Practitioner on staff. This enables us to provide specialized care that’s tailored to fit your needs. From trigger point therapy (TPT) to chiropractic adjustments to therapeutic lumbar support braces, we provide our patients with the most modern and proven techniques of curing lower-back pain. All of these treatments come with the support of physical therapy and education on personal health.

Now that you understand the different forms of lower back injuries, you might have an idea of what kind of pain you’ve been dealing with. There are many other causes, such as arthritis, spinal misalignment, and nerve damage, however these require a medical professional to diagnose. If you have been experiencing any lower-back pain, then please give us a call and set up your free consultation today.

Why Do I Keep Gaining Weight?

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medical weight loss

Weight gain is a struggle most people face at some point in their lives.  Even individuals who were fit in their 20s can find it difficult to not pack on the pounds once they hit 40. And, there are those who have struggled with weight gain their entire lives. Fad diets may be popular, but they are usually unhealthy, often fail, and can become a source of tension and frustration. If you find you are gaining weight and unable to shed excess pounds, then a medical weight loss program can help.

Advantage Healthcare of Charleston offers a variety of safe and effective medical weight loss options.  Our weight loss physician will meet with you and discuss your eating and exercise habits, history of weight gain, medical issues and gather other pertinent information to help determine the best medical weight loss plan for you.

Causes of Weight Gain

Your medical weight loss physician will first work to determine what might be causing your weight gain.  Some medical reasons you may be gaining weight include:

  • Thyroid issues
  • Diabetes
  • Medications, including corticosteroids
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • Aging
  • Hormonal Imbalances

In addition, your medical weight loss physician will also examine your lifestyle to determine what may be impacting your weight, including:

  • Stress
  • Work habits
  • Eating habits
  • Exercise routines
  • Depression

Your medical weight loss physician will complete your evaluation then discuss medical weight loss treatment plan options with you.  Weight gain can cause a plethora of problems, including high blood pressure, stroke and type 2 diabetes as well as contribute to back, hip and knee pain.  Addressing it now can prevent numerous health problems in the future.  Why wait? Contact us to make your medical weight loss appointment today!

Trying to Lose Weight? AHC’s Medical Weight Loss Clinic Can Help!

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Weight Loss Programs

Weight gain is something most people battle at some point in their lives.  The Internet is saturated with thousands of articles on special diets, supplements and different types of advice and weight loss programs.  But, how healthy are these and if you lose weight, how do you keep from regaining it? The bottom line is that there are no magic pills or miracle weight loss programs.   True weight loss takes time, commitment and encouragement.

AHC’s medical weight loss clinic is designed to help you make the lifestyle changes you need to keep the pounds off for good.  Each of our weight loss programs are overseen by our expert weight loss physician to ensure you are losing weight safely while improving your overall health.  Let’s take a look at the three types of weight loss programs available at AHC’s medical weight loss clinic:red

  • Phentermine
    Our medical weight loss physician utilizes this FDA approved appetite suppressant to help increase energy while decreasing appetite.
  • Vitamin B12
    Low B12 can wreak havoc on your body.  It not only makes you feel tired but can negatively affect numerous body systems.  Our medical weight loss doctor prescribes B12 to help patients increase their energy and metabolism.  Vitamin B12 supplements are combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

AHC’s medical weight loss programs (Phentermine) include initial exam, medication monitoring by our weight loss physician, diet plan, counseling and weekly visits and weigh-ins.  If you want to lose weight and start feeling great, our medical weight loss clinic can help.  Call to make your appointment today.