Once we begin a program of treating the low back, whether with chiropractic adjustment, decompression, or ideally a combination of both, we need to be aware that we can injure the back more easily during this time. An example is doing a home renovation project: The old must be removed before the new can replace it. There is a period of time where the back must become more unstable in order to let it heal properly and with greater stability. The length of time required depends on how quickly the body is able to adapt to the changes that we’re making. As we age, the body changes more slowly, so even positive change, if it happens too quickly, can overwhelm it.
Listening to your body is the most important thing you can do during this time. Avoid anything that twists the low back, especially while load bearing. Even something as simple as lifting a 5 to 10 pound weight, if done too quickly or with too much twisting can shift a changing back into a locked up, tense state. These muscles can be treated with chiropractic adjustments and recovery will take place, but the pain and temporary setback will take time and patience.
If you’re used to pushing your body and being able to get away with it, now is the time second guess yourself, at least until the back moves through that period of instability and begins to feel stronger. Then ease back into things, making sure that you take stock of how your back is responding.