“We use a multidisciplinary approach in treating chronic back pain, with physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and appropriate prescription medication, injections or implanted nerve stimulators,” Dr. Chafty says. “We help patients reduce their pain and maximize function so they can get back to their lives. Chronic pain can have a large impact on a person's quality of life, including their job, marriage or relationships with family and friends. A simple injection doesn't cure all those problems.”

According to R.C. Van De Walker, a chiropractor with a practice on Centre Street in Portage, chronic back pain is only made worse if you don't move. “When people begin to have back pain, often they stop all activity and brace their muscles to avoid the pain,” he notes. “When they do that, it tends to stiffen up in that area or cause scar tissue to form. So, when they start to move again, it will continue to hurt. Exercise techniques like aquatics allow for freedom of movement without the upper body weight bearing down on the low back and causing pain.”

Dr. Van De Walker often uses a series of special spinal decompression techniques to help re-align the back. “Many people do not understand that chiropractic adjustments take time,” he says. “If the back, neck or spinal column are not in alignment, pain may come when muscles and ligaments try on their own to correct it. Athletic trainers have stated that it takes over 90 days for muscles to become re-educated, so when you start adjusting the back, the muscles have to get used to the new place where the bones are. After a course of treatments, they can be just put on maintenance.”

Dr. Michael Chafty stresses the Kalamazoo Anesthesiology Pain Clinic's “team approach” to reducing chronic pain. “We may not be able to eliminate the pain, but we work to improve our patients' quality of life,” he says. “There's no magic wand to make the pain all go away because it involves muscle, bone and nerves. We reduce the pain to improve their daily living activities.”

Good posture means you carry yourself so your bones are properly aligned and your muscles, joints and ligaments are working properly. How you stand or sit when working, relaxing or driving a car can have an effect. Dr. Van De Walker says walking with your head thrust forward and your back rounded is a major culprit. “To stand ergonomically correct, your ear should be over your shoulder, your shoulder over your hip and your hip over your ankle. That's standing properly,” he stresses. “When Grandma told you to sit up straight, she was right. Scoot your buttocks back, keep your legs at a ninety degree angle and your feet flat on the floor.” Another postural tip he tells his clients: Carry a rolled up towel or get a special pillow to use as a lumbar support for the lower back. It will improve sitting posture and help alleviate some of that low back pain.

For more information on proper posture, ergonomics and dealing with chronic back pain, contact the Kalamazoo Anesthesiology Pain Clinic at 345-0669 or R.C. Van De Walker Chiropractic in Portage at 978-3000.