Living Pain Free As We Age, A Senior’s Journey to Relief From Arthritis In Knoxville TN
Living Pain Free As We Age, A Senior’s Journey to Relief From Arthritis in Knoxville TN
Clinic Hours
Monday: 8:30am - 12:00pm | 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Tuesday: 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am - 12:00pm | 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Thursday: 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Clinic Hours
Monday: 8:30am - 12:00pm |
3:00pm - 6:30pm
Tuesday: 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am - 12:00pm |
3:00pm - 6:30pm
Thursday: 3:00pm - 6:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Aging gracefully in Knoxville TN often comes hand in hand with the challenges of managing chronic pain. Whether it’s arthritis, back pain, or other ailments, the prospects of living pain free in older age can seem elusive. We provide hope and help for people of all ages with a personalized approach to get people of all ages out of pain and back to doing the things they love to do.
Anne had been very active in her community for many years, spending much of her time volunteering and spending time with family. Although she had struggled with chronic back pain for years she did not let it slow her down until eventually she was no longer able to continue living her active lifestyle due to her pain.
Anne had a neighbor that referred her to our office as she was helped with similar pain. We scheduled Anne right away to get her on the road to recovery. Our first step with Anne was a comprehensive spinal examination. We noticed the following findings regarding her condition
- Spasm of the low back musculature
- Curvature to the right in the lumbar spine
- Pelvic Unleveling noticeable when standing and lying
- No neurologic findings or red flags associated with spinal cord or nerve injury
- Very limited lumbar range of motion in all directions with significant pain
Here is a short video of functional tests that we performed on Anne. These tests are important to rule out red flags and find the cause of back pain. Some of these you can do at home. See how you do on these tests.
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After evaluating Anne we discussed that her findings and prognosis are favorable. Based on her findings she would be able to get back to her active lifestyle in a short time. We addressed one of her concerns that she would be able to return to activity without taking medication as she tries to take as little medications as possible for years.
Upon evaluation and imaging we consider these common conditions especially among seniors. This also includes red flags to rule out.
- Degenerative Arthritis: Just like all joints, with overuse, abuse, and even lack of use, spinal joints can become arthritic. Arthritis in the spine can appear in two joints. These include the intervertebral disc, known as degenerative disc disease. This reduces the shock absorbing capacity of the spine. The other joint is the facet joint that connects each vertebrae to the one above and below it. Chronic inflammation here causes stiffness and significant pain. This condition is extremely common as we age but it does not always have to be the case. Our goal is to stop further inflammation of the joints of the spine and get the joints working optimally.
- Bone Fracture: Fractures of the spine often are accompanied by a significant accident or injury but in older patients fractures can occur without trauma. This is due to a decrease in bone density that is more commonly found in older females. The bone can then be prone to a compression fracture causing sharp, stabbing pain in the back. Regular bone density scans should be taken to monitor any bone density loss. Bone fractures can be easily identified with adequate spinal imaging.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition can arise for a few reasons, the most common occurs with chronic arthritis making degenerative changes to the spine. These changes can include bone spurs that narrow the space in the spinal canal. This leads to severe low back pain. This condition is often accompanied with neurological signs such as numbness, tingling, even weakness. This condition should be ruled out with soft tissue imaging if pain persists after treatment.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: This condition is rare but life threatening and should be considered in the elderly. Damage to the abdominal aorta blood vessel can cause severe low back pain that can mimic more common symptoms. This condition will lead to bleeding that is life threatening. History of blood pressure problems should be considered when ruling out this condition.
Here is a short video reviewing x-ray findings and concerns
I discussed our treatment plan with Anne. We could achieve the results she desired with chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and specific exercises. Our goal based on Anne’s findings would be to relieve her pain significantly within 1-2 weeks. Anne would then be able to return to her active lifestyle in the following 2-4 weeks with limited pain. Anne’s problem did not happen over night and may not resolve over night but she was not too old to achieve the results she desired. With our acute care treatment plan we hope to get Anne returned to doing the things she loved in a short time, we also give long term home care recommendations to keep this condition from returning to hinder her life.
Here is a video of exercises we recommend for arthritis pain, do these daily to help with your back pain
Here is a short video reviewing the best supplements for your arthritis pain.
With our guidance and treatment plan, Anne was able to fully return to her volunteering and active life with her family pain free right on track with our projected timeline.
Anne maintained her home exercises and has not relapsed. Below is the kind Google review Anne left about her results in the office.
“I had been struggling with chronic back pain for months, trying various treatments with little relief. From the moment I stepped into Rocky Top, Dr. Josh’s expertise and compassionate care made all the difference. He took the time to understand my pain and tailored a treatment plan that addressed the root cause of my issues.
I cannot recommend Dr. Josh and Rocky Top Chiropractic enough for anyone struggling with back pain or seeking holistic care. Thank you for helping me regain my mobility and quality of life!”
Dealing with pain as you get older does not have to inevitable. We use a specific technique and give you the tools to address your needs so that you can get back to doing the things you love to do and live a healthy pain free life.