Back pain affects 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain ranges from a constant ache to sharp shooting pain and include a myriad of symptoms. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is referred to as chronic if it lasts for more than three months.
Because chronic back pain can limit everyday activities, it can also affect relationships and involvement with friends, family and co-workers. Pain itself, and the fear of pain, can causes the avoidance of everyday tasks, occupational demands and recreation. After a while this leads to further loss of physical strength, diminished function and more pain. It’s understandable that these individuals might lose hope, become depressed when unresolved chronic back pain goes on for years or an entire lifetime.
How Can Chiropractic Help?
Relief from back pain and injuries are reasons to consider chiropractic care. Chiropractors incorporate lifestyle choices, ergonomics, specific exercises, massage and physical therapy, amongst other techniques to correct the cause of back pain. As needs dictate, chiropractors collaborate with primary care physicians for comprehensive care for back and spinal health related issues. The length of treatment varies for each patient and condition. Some patients may have a minor injury and pain may diminish quickly while others may require a more involved chiropractic treatment plan that occurs over the course of multiple treatment sessions and techniques. A variety of factors go into the techniques and duration of each treatment plan.
Did you know?
A chiropractor is a licensed physician that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these and other related conditions:
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Sports injuries and conditions
• Musculoskeletal conditions
Using a holistic (whole body) approach, chiropractors an extensive array of diagnostic testing to identify that cause. Chiropractic treatment incorporates spinal manipulation along with other non-surgical techniques to correct the root cause of back pain and neck pain rather than treating the symptoms.
Prevent Back Pain
• Avoid sitting for prolonged periods, get up and walk around every 15-20 minutes if you have a desk job.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Lift, stretch and bend using proper ergonomics.
• Get annual spinal health screenings. Just like a dental check up, these visits enable early detection of other spinal health issues to be addressed and if necessary, allows your chiropractor to perform adjustments or treatment.
• Develop a strong core (abdominal and torso muscles).
• Wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support.
