Healthy Life, Healthy Back

Balanced • March 15, 2017

Patients often ask: “What caused my problem and how do I keep it from returning?” The origin of a condition may be easily identified as an accident or injury. However, more than half the time, the exact cause is more difficult to pinpoint – because the problem was generated by a series of seemingly harmless events and circumstances (e.g. your posture; increased activity; mild repetitive strains; etc). In fact, most conditions are started by a “recipe” of irritants rather than any single “ingredient”. From a slight increase in your daily exercise routine coupled with less than ideal posture in an old office chair, to a few extra trips up and down the stairs and layering on the Spring chores, all add up to: “Ouch, my back…!”

When life’s physical demands exceed your body’s tolerance for those challenges, muscle, bone, joint and nerve problems begin. So, how do you prevent recurring injury?

Here are five tips to help keep the back strain away.

  1. Lift with your legs. The strongest among us are still at risk of back injury when we lift heavy objects incorrectly. Be sure to squat down, grab the item and use your leg muscles to lift up.
  2. Exercise your core. Your core muscles are key to supporting your lower back. Low-impact activities, like walking, will get your heart-rate up, deliver increased oxygen to your spine, and help keep your middle fit.
  3. Practice your good posture. Much like poor posture can lead to painful back problems, good posture can help prevent injury and strain. Set reminders for yourself throughout the day to check your posture – get up and walk around from time to time – and avoid slouching.
  4. Reduce your stress. We hold tension in our back muscles, and this type of constant stress can cause back pain. Try introducing stress-relieving activities into your daily routine – meditation, yoga, tai chi – the list of options is long. The trick is finding something that works for you.
  5. Be the healthiest You that you can be. Think of your spine as an indicator of your body’s overall health and well-being. So, practicing activities that have a positive affect on your health will also have a positive impact on your back. Drink lots of water; minimize alcohol; avoid nicotine; and limit inflammatory foods (sugar, flour, dairy, processed meats, fried and saturated fats).

Of course, prevention is always the best measure to keep your body pain-free. But, if you do encounter a mishap, partnering with your physical therapist and employing these measures to help increase strength and flexibility can also help increase your threshold for future injury.

 

By Allison Hawthorne September 18, 2025
When you're in pain — whether from a nagging injury, post-surgical recovery, or chronic discomfort — finding the right care can feel like a maze. At Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, many patients walk in skeptical but leave with something they hadn’t experienced in other clinics: real relief and a clear plan forward. What sets this clinic apart? It's not just the treatment. It’s the total experience — one where skilled practitioners combine chiropractic care, physical therapy, and patient education to help individuals regain mobility, confidence, and quality of life. A Different Kind of Care Experience  From the moment individuals arrive, they notice a different tone. The team at Balanced doesn’t just treat the symptoms — they take time to understand the full picture. Many patients describe the approach as comprehensive, personal, and results-focused . Whether recovering from orthopedic surgery or managing long-standing joint pain, patients often comment on how the care they received here was more effective than what they experienced elsewhere. The key difference? Integration. At Balanced, chiropractic and physical therapy are used in combination — not in silos. This means spinal adjustments might be paired with strengthening exercises, or dry needling might be used to reduce tension while also building joint stability. It’s a multi-modal approach designed to accelerate healing while helping prevent future injury. Common Conditions Addressed Patients come in with a wide range of challenges: Shoulder pain and limited mobility Back and neck discomfort, including sciatica Hip pain and post-surgical recovery Sports-related injuries Plantar fasciitis and foot issues Nerve-related symptoms, including numbness or tingling Knee pain and age-related joint stiffness Repetitive strain injuries from work or athletics Postpartum musculoskeletal challenges In each case, treatment plans are tailored — not only to the condition but to each patient’s lifestyle, goals, and progress. What Patients Consistently Say Here are some recurring themes reported by patients in public reviews: “I finally found relief after years of trying other providers.” “The care team really listens and adjusts based on how I feel week to week.” “The home exercise programs helped me stay consistent and feel in control of my progress.” “They went above and beyond — even following up after care to check on how I was doing.” “I was able to return to normal activities that I hadn’t done in years.” It’s not just about symptom relief. It’s about restoring function and confidence — whether that means returning to work, walking without pain, playing sports again, or simply sitting comfortably during long drives. Results That Speak for Themselves Across the board, patients report: Reduction in pain (often from high pain levels to minimal or none) Improved mobility and flexibility Faster recovery timelines post-surgery Better outcomes compared to previous care elsewhere Knowledge to self-manage and prevent recurrence One of the most notable differences? Patients feel like they are part of the process , not just receiving care but actively participating in their own recovery with a supportive team behind them. A Team That Prioritizes People, Not Just Protocols Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy isn't just known for clinical skill — the people are a major part of the equation. Chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and administrative staff are frequently described as: Attentive Encouraging Thorough Responsive Easy to communicate with This atmosphere of support and collaboration often leads to stronger patient engagement and better long-term results. Why It Matters Musculoskeletal pain doesn’t just affect the body — it affects work, sleep, relationships, and mental focus . The goal at Balanced isn’t just pain reduction; it’s full-body function and restored confidence in movement. Whether you’re facing a complex injury or a nagging issue you’ve ignored for too long, Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy offers something that’s hard to find in today’s healthcare landscape: individualized, integrated care that actually works. If you're exploring options for recovery, rehabilitation, or chronic pain management, Balanced may be worth your time — and could be the turning point your body’s been waiting for. Contact us today
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