From ‘Slug Bug’ to Stubborn Back Pain

Have you ever played “slug bug”? You are riding in the car , someone spots a Volkswagen Beetle, yells “Slug bug!” and drills you in the arm before you even know what happened. The first hit feels like it goes straight to the bone.

The next time they yell it, your body is ready. Every muscle in your arm fires at once to build a meat shield so your bones survive the punch. You just traded all your mobility stats for armor stats.

Your back can do the same thing.

When a nerve in your low back thinks it is under attack, the muscles around it tighten to protect the area. Instead of a few muscles quietly helping you stand and move, you suddenly have an army of tight muscles squeezing one small spot. That extra squeeze can actually press the joints and discs together harder than gravity. And it does not magically stop when you lie down.

That is why so many people say, “I rested, but my back still feels locked up.”

Why Massage And Chiropractic Work So Well Together

Tight, guarded muscles are often the first problem. A skilled massage therapist can calm those overprotective muscles and give your nervous system permission to relax. Once that happens, I can adjust the spine with less pain and better precision, because the muscles are no longer fighting the correction.

Now picture a different issue. Most of your vertebrae line up well, but one has been slightly twisted for months or years. The muscles on one side have gotten used to being short. The muscles on the other side have been stretched too long. Both sides feel “normal” to your body, even while that twist may be irritating a nerve and causing back, leg, or hip pain.

When I adjust that joint back toward center , those stubborn muscles often try to pull it right back out. Massage therapy can relax the shortened muscles and ease the overstretched ones so many patients feel their adjustments last longer and provide better relief. Muscles and joints finally start working as a team instead of fighting each other.

Laser, Decompression, And Your Joints

At Mulholland Chiropractic, we build on that teamwork with two tools that can speed recovery.

Our Class IV therapy laser is a medical-grade light used on the skin over sore areas. It can often help reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and support your body’s natural repair processes in muscles, tendons, and joints. We also use mechanical decompression for both the spine and the knees. A specialized table gently stretches the spine to reduce pressure on irritated nerves and discs. A similar system for the knees slightly separates the joint space, helping draw in healthy joint fluid and easing pressure on worn cartilage. Patients often describe both treatments as a “good stretch” that finally lets the joint breathe.

A Personal Note To Alaska’s Veterans

I graduated from the Alaska Military Youth Academy with my high school diploma. That experience changed my life and shaped my respect, love, and dedication to our service members. Helping Veterans find relief and regain their quality of life is one of the most meaningful ways I can give back.

At Mulholland Chiropractic, we combine massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments (including shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles), Class IV laser, mechanical decompression, and X-rays when needed. If we believe we can help, we will explain the plan clearly. If we cannot, we will help you find who can.

You already did the hard job. Let us help your body stop playing “slug bug” with your nerves so you can move with confidence again.

Mulholland Chiropractic

Massage & Decompression

Your Chiropractor in Anchorage, AK

907-770-5700

In network with: Aetna • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Medicare • Veterans Aairs