414-483-1060414-483-1060
5133 S. Pennsylvania Ave Ste 103 | Cudahy, WI 53110
Dr. Kenneth Koch has been in practice for 27 years. He became interested in Chiropractics because of the benefits he received while in his youth. Read more...
Office Hours:
| Monday | 8:00am - 11:00am | 1:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Tuesday | 1:30pm - 6:00pm | |
| Wednesday | 8:00am - 11:00am | 1:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 8:00am - 11:00am | 1:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Saturday | Closed | |
| Sunday | Closed |
We are at a point in time where science will soon be able to look at certain genetic markers to determine who will be at risk for obesity, diabetes, cancer and a list of other maladies. The thought is, if we are predisposed to a particular pathology, then we would take the necessary steps to avoid it. Are such markers possible for the myriad of people who suffer from back and neck pain?
Well, in a sense there already is a way to evaluate if someone is predisposed to such problems. Key tissues of the spine such as disc, spinal nerves and joints usually are accepted as the underlying source of most serious neck and back problems. Contrary to a popular belief, simple back strain where a muscle is the sole source of the pain is quite rare. The size and the strength of these back (and core) muscles indicate that they were clearly made to handle quite a bit of work. How is it then that our backs often give out during very trivial activities such as bending over to pick up something that may weigh only several ounces? There is building support for the possibility that even though muscles seldom fail (tear), they may at times fail to protect or stabilize the key tissues of the back, leaving them susceptible to injury. Values are now available that establish acceptable strength/endurance levels of key muscle groups that protect our back and neck.
Testing is relatively easy in a clinical setting and generally takes 15 – 20 minutes, but can give invaluable information as to weaknesses that can predispose us to serious spinal issues. Once tested, specific exercises are then given to address these weaknesses. Usually these muscles are retested after several months. For those who have had repeated bouts of back or neck problems, evaluating any weakness is especially important.