"Why do I need on-going chiropractic treatments for my back pain? Why can't you, my Richmond chiropractor, just treat it and end the pain forever?"

This is not an uncommon question, and it's also quite logical. The answer is logically simple, too, though two-fold: we are born with spinal issues or we develop them.

#1. Some of us are born with problems or weaknesses in our spines that will be with us forever. Such conditions as spondylolisthesis, transitional vertebrae, fused vertebrae, and spinal curvatures are unique to one's own spine. There is no way to "get a new back bone" if one of these conditions is ours. So we must learn how to use our spines so as to not cause pain. Your Richmond chiropractor at Johnson Chiropractic can perform the spinal manipulation designed to relieve your specific spinal condition. Then, you'll want to consider its

• proper ergonomic use (how to lift, bend, twist, sit, stand, walk, climb, reach, pull, etc.). You don't want to put your now-pain-relieved spine in jeopardy again.
• nutritional needs - Johnson Chiropractic will share some nutrition ideas to strengthen certain weaknesses of the spine.
• strengthening requirements - Our simple exercises don't take long, but will take you and your spine far in keeping it strong!

It is in these on-going spine problems that we - you and your Richmond chiropractor - must partner for the best outcome, even coming in for periodic spinal manipulation. (1)

#2. Some of us injure our backs. We do things that hurt the best of spines: falling off a snowmobile or ladder or wakeboard or lifting too much weight. You get the picture - things we all do in our normal activities of daily living may hurt us, and we end up with back pain. So, when we damage the spine to the extent that we cause intervertebral disc degeneration, a herniated disc, arthritis, misaligned vertebrae, etc., we have inflicted and now introduced a spinal weakness which may become the weak link in our spinal health.

We all must maintain a strong, well-aligned spine and use the spine with the respect and knowledge of avoiding those situations that could cause it pain.

How? You and your Richmond chiropractor see each other occasionally. A periodic visit to Johnson Chiropractic for spinal alignment and review of healthy spine maintenance is good. Continued spinal manipulation after the initial pain relieving care is even suggested as a way to obtain long-term benefit. (1) Truly, prevention is far better than having to go through repeated treatment of Richmond back pain. It avoids pain and suffering in the present and reduces the chance of further spine pain in the future.

Whether you were born with it or developed it, back pain is no fun. Relief is possible with Johnson Chiropractic. Just understand that there is a logical need and even benefit for periodic spinal manipulation and chiropractic care for certain spine problems. (1)

Contact your Richmond chiropractor about your spine's specific condition, treatment plan, and requirement for a healthy, painfree lifestyle.