Ever since the early humans learned to walk upright, they have suffered, as an unfortunate consequence of their erect posture, from low back pain. Modern understanding on this matter dictates that low back pain, in particular, is caused due to a postural instability resulting from poor “proprioception,” which is a term for the perception of part of our body’s own position in space. In fact, our trunk and lower legs are key to maintaining postural stability due to the presence of “proprioceptors” — sensory receptors responding to position and movement — in those areas.

Elderly people suffering from low back pain tend to have poorly performing proprioceptors, which is thought to affect their “proprioceptive control strategy” — a postural control strategy in response to vibratory stimulations as proprioceptive input. Interestingly, studies have suggested that a local vibratory stimulation can, in fact, improve proprioceptive function.

Chiropractors are experts in the management of local back pain and often include local vibratory stimulation in their treatment regimens.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.