1. First the obvious – over-the-counter medications, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’’s), are commonly recommended to alleviate low back pain. They range in type from broad-spectrum pain reducers to some that are marketed specifically as back pain medications. As always, use any medication with caution, consult a doctor first and always use as directed.
2.  Alternate applying heat for 20 minutes and then a cold pack for 10 minutes several times. If the pain started very recently, finish with the cold pack.
3. Use a “hot patch.” Looking like a large bandage or Ace wrap, apply it to the affected area. The patch stays hot for a few hours, with the heat working to stimulate blood flow and helping to speed up healing.
4. Lay down on your back with your legs raised over a chair or cushion with hips and knees at 90 degrees, for 30 minutes twice a day. This will help relax the muscles in your spine.
5. Deep breathing exercises can provide fast back pain relief in two ways – they accelerate the intake of oxygen and puts more oxygen into your bloodstream to feed your cells, and also help the lymph system eliminate the waste products produced by the cells. They also help to relax your tense muscles.
6. Take a short walk, several times per day. Movement will help loosen your back and in fact too much laying down will make your back stiffer.
7. Make sure you drink lots of water. This will help to hydrate the muscles and discs in the spine.
8. Back stretch:  Lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground and knees bent. Then lift your buttocks off the ground so that you are resting on your upper back. Next squeeze your muscles in your stomach and buttocks tightly and hold for 30 seconds, then relax. Repeat several times.
9. Cat stretch: Get on hands and knees and do a cat back stretch, by rounding your spine and holding the position for 30 seconds, then relaxing. Repeat several times.
10. Side stretch: Lie on your right side with legs extended, feet stacked.  Support your upper body on your right forearm and lift hips. Hold for 6 seconds, lower, and repeat. Switch sides.

Use one or a combination of these tips to get fast relief from back pain. Make an appointment with your chiropractor or medical doctor if the pain persists for more than 3 days or if the pain gets progressively worse.

The joint at the connection of the jaw is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This is the term for the paired joints between the upper and lower jaws, but is also used as to describe pain or other problems with these joints.

The causes of a TMJ problem are frequently of a physical nature. If you have had extensive dental treatment, the action of sitting in a dentist’s chair and keeping your jaw, head, neck and lower spine in an uncomfortable position for long periods can cause TMJ. Often impacts from an auto accident, sports injury or a fall or blow to the face are common causes of the initial problem.

A chiropractor plano can provide an overall TMJ treatment plan without any surgery or medication. He or she can help the TMJ with an overall medical exam including lifestyle.

Often a TMJ problem is connected to an improperly aligned spine. Chiropractic treatment often reduces TMJ pain by relaxing the muscles, and accurately re-positions the jaw.

With a course of treatments from a chiropractor plano, a painful TMJ problem can be treated successfully.

There are a wide variety of adjustment techniques available. Sometimes a specific, highly-accurate thrust is used by an experienced chiropractor plano. Pressure may also be delivered by a specialized instrument with  carefully direction. In some cases a slow, steady pressure is used. Some patients get worried by a popping sound being heard, but this is normal as the body re-adjusts itself.

Don’t be misled by the “low-tech” nature of chiropractor plano adjustments! Many studies support the chiropractic technique of reducing nerve disturbance along the spine, which enhances the ability of the brain and nerve system both to control and also regulate the body. These include published research documenting the successful results of chiropractic care on asthma, arthritis, infantile colic, immune function, lower back pain, back surgery patients and many others.

Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. The occasional spinal joints that move too much, are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can stabilize and heal.

The number of adjustments required varies with each patient, the state of their health and their individual health goals. Many patients feel progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Adjustments become less frequent as the spine stabilizes. However In difficult cases, complete healing can take a considerable time – months or even years.

The plan and delivery of treatment to get you better as fast as possible with the minimum number of visits, with advice on how to avoid future problems.

A good chiropractor plano will put your needs first, and offer you sensible advice without any pressure to purchase any equipment or commit to a long term maintenance treatment plan.

X-rays and other tests should only be ordered if really necessary.

Now that you know what to look out for, use these tips to choose a chiropractor plano:

• Recommendations  -Always the best way, ask family, friends, neighbors or coworkers who have seen or are seeing a chiropractor. Ask how long they have been treated and if they would recommend the treatment given.
• Qualifications -Make sure that the chiropractor plano that you are considering is licensed and has the right accreditations
• Other Professionals -A good chiropractor will promote a good working relationship with a wide range of other medical professionals. Specialists can include orthopedists, neurologists, physical therapists and even athletic trainers
• Treatment Methods -Treatment methods can vary from chiropractor to chiropractor. Make sure that you ask what techniques and equipment they use. For example, neck adjustment is a common treatment either by hand or via a precision machine that applies pressure to the vertebrae in the neck that need adjustment. Treatment is a personal preference, so it is important to find a treatment method that you like and are comfortable with.
• Look and Feel -Just like a job interview, interviewing your chiropractor plano and the clinic is recommended. Ensure you visit the clinic where they work to meet the chiropractor and look at the equipment. All offer an initial consultation where you can ask a lot of questions regarding what you need them to do for you. Remember you are the client!