A Victoria BC Chiropractor’s Guide to Relief and Prevention

As the pillars of our bodies, the neck and back work constantly to support us, so aches and pains are to be expected. If you’re dealing with back pain or neck pain in Victoria BC, you’re far from alone. While pain can sometimes be a red flag for an underlying health condition that needs further investigation, every day discomfort can be quite common, but not necessarily normal, depending on age, how sedentary or physically active you are, whether you’re pregnant, how much time you spend sitting at a desk (because we’ve all heard by now that sitting is the new smoking) and many other factors.

Back and neck pain can really put a crick in your life and can cause headaches, stiffness, decreased range of motion, mental and physical fatigue, and even trouble sleeping. Figuring out what’s causing any soreness you’re experiencing and figuring out how to treat it is the job of a chiropractor.

At Mind Body Spine, I’ll start with an initial consultation, develop a treatment plan (if additional sessions are needed) and work with you to help maximize your spinal and overall physical health using a balanced approach of chiropractic treatments, nutritional tips and a personalized fitness plan here in Victoria BC.

If you’ve been in an accident or are experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek medical help immediately as these symptoms may require the attention of a licensed physician:

Sudden severe pain
Dizziness and vertigo
Fever
Intense headaches
Migraines
Difficulty standing or walking
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
New or worsening weakness in your legs

These can be signs of a more serious spinal condition that needs urgent medical evaluation. HealthLink BC’s guide on back pain has more detail on these warning signs.

The great thing about some of the common causes of spinal and neck pain is that, in many cases, it’s possible to prevent it by being mindful of your posture, paying attention to how you’re moving, and taking the time to warm up and warm down properly.

Key Takeaways

Everyday Habits – Most back and neck pain in Victoria BC comes from everyday habits like overexertion, poor lifting technique, and long hours at a desk.
Warning Signs – Sudden severe pain, dizziness, fever, or loss of bladder or bowel control need immediate medical attention, not a chiropractic visit.
Simple Prevention – Taking breaks, lifting with your knees, and stretching before and after activity prevent a lot of common pain.
Chronic Pain Support – A Victoria BC chiropractor can help find the root cause of recurring pain from sports injuries, pregnancy, or poor posture.
Self-Adjusting – Cracking your own back can make things worse. See a qualified chiropractor instead.

Overexertion From Yard Work and Home Renos

Maybe you spent all weekend doing heavy-duty yard work or home renos, forgetting to take breaks and lifting too much weight. In the rush to get the job done, it’s easy to strain your back.

Take regular breaks and check in with how your body is feeling. If you’re working outside and the wheelbarrow is overloaded, take the time to empty it a bit before pushing it forward again.

Lifting Incorrectly

When lifting, always take your time and lift with your knees rather than your back. If you lift something, even something light, with your back, you can strain an important muscle. Make sure whatever you’re lifting isn’t too heavy to lift semi-comfortably.

Poor Posture at Work

Sitting hunched over a computer or a smartphone can do serious damage to your posture over time. When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor, your back against the seat back, and take frequent breaks to walk and stretch. Try these 5 easy stretches to help counteract the effects of a desk job.

Text Neck

When we crane our necks downward to look at our phones and tablets for long periods, we put a lot of stress on our muscles and joints, which can cause headaches and even jaw pain.

Take stock of your posture when you’re on your phone. If you’re hunched forward with your head bent down and your shoulders tensed, lean back against a chair or headboard, lower your shoulders, and keep the screen at eye level.

Sports Injuries

Playing sports can be extremely hard on our bodies. We jump, fall, run, and get tackled, and over the years our bodies absorb all kinds of impact that can lead to chronic discomfort.

I work with patients to treat chronic pain caused by sports injuries. As a self-described gym rat, I have firsthand experience with athletes from all walks of life, along with an extensive background in sports science, biomechanics and human physiology.

Cracking Your Own Back

It might feel good in the moment, but cracking your own back can actually make the underlying problem worse. Avoid it where possible, and call a qualified chiropractor who can diagnose and treat the real cause instead.

Weak Core Muscles

When your core muscles are weak, the muscles and joints around them overcompensate, which can cause pain. Strengthening your core creates a support system for the rest of your body, and it doesn’t have to mean endless sit-ups. Yoga and weight-bearing exercises are both excellent ways to build better core strength.

Diving Into a New Fitness Regime

An active lifestyle matters for your physical and mental health long-term, but it’s important not to push too hard right away. Know your limits and increase the difficulty level gradually. With a background in Kinesiology, I’m always happy to talk through ways to ease into a new fitness program safely.

Skipping Stretches Before or After a Workout

Dynamic and static stretching are key parts of a safe, effective workout.

Getting your muscles warmed up is an important step in reaching your fitness goals, whether that’s a marathon, a game of pickup basketball, or an afternoon of kayaking. Always take the time to stretch before and after.

Back Pain During Pregnancy and Postnatal Life

Bearing the weight of a fetus is hard on your whole body, particularly your core muscles and spine. Back pain during and after pregnancy is common in Victoria BC and everywhere else, as your joints and ligaments move to accommodate your growing baby. Afterwards, your body is resettling, and you’re now spending your days holding an infant in your arms, on your hip, or on your front.

It can be tough to have proper posture while you have a squirming baby/toddler on your hip and you’re juggling 1000 tasks all day long. Maintaining core strength and wearing a good-quality baby carrier whenever possible can help take the stress off your body.

To maximize the benefits of chiropractic treatment, I encourage patients to do mobility and posture exercises designed to improve mobility, reduce symptoms, and speed up healing. After the mobility and posture exercises, patients move on to strength-based exercises for better posture, balance and strength to help prevent any future injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Back Pain Needs a Chiropractor or a Doctor?
If your pain came on suddenly after an injury, or comes with fever, dizziness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, see a doctor right away. For everyday aches from posture, lifting, or activity, a Victoria BC chiropractor can help find and treat the cause.

How Many Visits Will I Need to Feel Better?
It depends on the cause and how long you’ve been dealing with it. After an initial consultation, I’ll give you an honest estimate based on your specific situation rather than a one-size-fits-all number.

Can Chiropractic Care Help With Pregnancy-Related Back Pain?
Yes. Many pregnant patients find relief from the back and pelvic pain that comes with pregnancy hormones loosening the joints and ligaments. Treatment is adjusted to be safe and comfortable at every stage.

Does ICBC Cover Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident?
Yes. ICBC’s Enhanced Care coverage includes pre-approved chiropractic treatment for whiplash and other injuries from a car accident, with no referral needed. I can walk you through how that coverage works at your first visit.

Mind Body Spine provides total body care, from the initial assessment to treatment, nutritional counselling, and personalized exercise recommendations- a full scope of support to treat and prevent back and neck pain. If you’re ready to get back to doing what you love, book an appointment online at our Victoria BC clinic, or give us a call at 250-885-2320.

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