Denver Back Pain Health Center

It’s scary when you can’t work due to back pain. We understand that at our clinic and offer emotional support as well as very effective care. Read this thank you note from one of our many grateful patients.
In February I hurt my back while lifting and twisting. My back had been progressively getting worse and it eventually got so bad, I couldn’t even get out of bed without assistance. When I went to this clinic for the first time, I was given encouragement. I really didn’t know if Dr. V. could help the way he said he could, but I knew I couldn’t stand the constant intense pain anymore. Within a month, the pain had subsided enough for me to function again, and I was thrilled. I have a physically demanding career that requires my body to be strong and healthy. I was starting to worry that I may not be able to return to work, but within a few months I was healthy, strong, and back to work! Thank you so much Dr. V. for not only taking away the pain but for your dedication and hard work in getting me healthy enough to go back to work. You’re my hero! – Judy R.

If you can’t function and you are scared, call our center now, (303) 394-CARE (2273) Mention this article for a FREE examination without obligation.

Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO
© 2010

When dealing with chronic pain of any kind, there are various issues, both physical and mental, that each patient goes through. At the Denver Back Pain Health Center, we have found that depression is the one of the most common issues associated with chronic back pain. This type of depression is referred to as major or clinical depression.
Clinical depression can be debilitating if not treated. It is a few steps past “just feeling down.” If someone is suffering from major depression, they will experience at least five of the following symptoms daily for at least two weeks:
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness or irritability that could also include crying
• Sleeping either too much or not enough
• Agitation (restlessness) or sluggishness (fatigue)
• Poor appetite combined with significant weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Decreased or no sex drive
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Lack of concentration or memory
• Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishing to be dead
According to the ACA (The American Chiropractic Association), depression is three to four times more prevalent in patients with chronic back pain. 62% of all patients that seek treatment at pain centers like the Denver Back Pain Health Center show some form of depression.
Generally, patients with chronic back pain problems will develop depression before patients with acute pain that is shorter in duration. The question of why, can best be understood by looking at symptoms usually experienced by patients with chronic back pain:
• Difficulty sleeping due to pain, causing irritability and fatigue during the day
• Movement is difficult or unbearable, causing social isolation
• Financial difficulties due to missed work and medical bills creating stress
• Side effects from medication could cause digestion issues and a feeling of mental dullness
• Pain can cause concentration and/or memory problems
• Sexual activity has completely disappeared, causing stress in the patient’s relationships
These symptoms when accompanied by chronic back pain create a snowball effect and feelings of despair and hopelessness increase.
How do we treat patients that are dealing with this? For Dr. Visentin D.C. and his staff at the Denver Back Pain Health Center, the first step is determining the cause of the pain. If the problem can be addressed, the pain will subside taking the symptoms of depression with it. When it is a case of chronic pain, these are ways a patient can try to keep depression from becoming an all-encompassing way of life:
· Patients must stay active. The type and the amount of activity is directed by Dr. Visentin, D.C. in order to make sure that these activities do not cause more harm.
· Relaxation techniques can assist a patient in coping with chronic pain.
· A patient should involve their family with their recovery. This prevents isolation and builds a tighter bond between the members involved.
If you are dealing with chronic back pain, Dr. Visentin, D.C. and the Denver Back Pain Health Center are here to help. Please contact us for a consultation (303) 394-CARE (2273).
Written For: Dr. Visentin, D.C.
Care Chiropractic
Denver, CO
©2010

1. “You’ll just have to learn to live with it.”  If you’ve heard those words, you probably have not been to a chiropractor.
2. “Use a heating pad.”  This will probably make it worse in the long run.
3. “Rest in bed.”  Scientists say that this is not a good idea for most lower back conditions.
4. “Chiropractic is dangerous.”  Just the opposite is true; chiropractic care is safer than aspirin.
5. “See your medical doctor first, he’s most qualified to help you.”  In most instances this is just not true.  Doctors of chiropractic get more hours of anatomy and radiology of the spine than ordinary doctors.
6. “There’s not much that can be done.”  There is a lot that can and should be done right away.  The longer you wait, the harder it may be to care for you.
7. “Once you see the chiropractor, you’ll have to keep going.”  This is not true.  Many people choose chiropractic as part of a natural healthy lifestyle, but it can be discontinued at any time.  Unlike medicines, chiropractic has no side effects like addiction.
8. “Just wait until it goes away.”   Waiting for your low back pain to magically “go away” may be dangerous.
9. “I was told that I would need surgery. They say it’s a disc problem and there’s nothing else that can be done.”  The best surgeons recommend conservative care, like chiropractic.  Once surgery is done, the results may not be good.
10. “I’m just having the normal back pain.”  Living in denial about a potentially serious health problem is absolutely the biggest lie of all.  Don’t be deluded, call (303) 394-CARE (2273) and let’s talk about it.  Mention this article and you’ll receive a free examination without obligation in my east Denver clinic.

 

Dr. Visentin, D.C.

Care Chiropractic

Denver, CO c2010

For back pain that feels sharp, shooting, hot, peircing, electric or severe, try using ice.

• Use ice 5-20 minutes three times a day.
• Never place ice directly on the skin.
• Use a wet towel between the ice and the skin, especially with sensitive skin.

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Dr. Visentin is a Denver Chiropractor of Care Chiropractic specializing in safe, effective and natural back pain relief.