Back pain is one of the most common health problems in the United States – some 50-80% of adults have had back pain at some time, and 10% of all Americans have back pain in a given year. Back pain can occur at any age in both men and women and is most commonly in the lower portion of the back.
Low back pain is characterized by a number of symptoms, which include pain, muscle tension and spasm or stiffness and is found at any site in the back and can refer pain into other parts of the body. Back pain can be mildly uncomfortable, excruciating or anywhere in between. It can start slowly or come on suddenly because of injury. Other factors that aggravate back pain include suffering from stress, not getting enough sleep, being overweight, and having poor posture or not being physically fit. Back pain should not be considered a normal part of aging; it is a chronic condition that calls for lifestyle changes similar to those needed for diseases like arthritis and diabetes.
The chiropractic adjustment is one of several established forms of treatment used for back problems. Chiropractic adjustments have been used by Americans for the last one hundred years. Satisfied chiropractic patients already know that Doctors of Chiropractic are uniquely trained and experienced in diagnosing back problems and are the doctors most skilled in using adjustments for the treatment of back pain and related disorders.
Doctors of chiropractic draw upon a wealth of knowledge and experience with treating and preventing back pain and back injuries. Soothing and pain-reducing spinal adjustments have been developed over the last century, during which chiropractors have practiced, improved and refined their techniques.
Chiropractors successfully treat subluxation (a condition of functional and/or structural changes in joints, which can interfere with nerve transmission, disturb other organ systems and undermine general health). Spinal subluxations may have symptoms localized in some part of the back or may radiate down to the buttocks, thighs and legs.
Doctors of chiropractic not only treat the pain, they try to keep patients engaging in their normal activities rather than resting immobile in bed, which can actually cause further debilitation. And, of course, chiropractors do not rely on surgery, hospitalization or medication that can be both dangerous and needlessly costly for patients and their insurance providers.
Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
By thinking ahead and a little maintenance, most people can enjoy the benefits a healthy spine offers: