Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health problems in the United States - some 50 percent to 80 percent of adults have had back pain at some time, and 10 percent of all Americans have back pain in a given year. Back pain can occur at any age in both men and women.

A highly complicated nervous system governs the function of the back. The spine is made up of 33 small bones (vertebrae) with shock-absorbing discs between them. Muscles and ligaments support this structure, keeping us upright and able to move, walk, run and jump freely. When the back is damaged it is usually the low back that is most vulnerable to injury.

Low back pain is characterised by a number of symptoms, which include pain, muscle tension and spasm or stiffness and is found at any site between the shoulder blades and the folds of the buttocks, with or without spread to the legs (sciatica). Many people worry that they have a slipped disc, which is when one of the discs gets squeezed out between the vertebrae and presses on the spinal cord. The nerves to the legs, bowel and bladder can be affected in these cases. Diseases of the spine such as tumours are very rare causes of back pain. Back pain can be mildly uncomfortable, excruciating or anywhere in between. It can start slowly, sometimes a result of poor posture, or come on suddenly because of injury.

Back pain can be:

Acute: lasting less than 3 months. Most people gain relief after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment
Recurrent a repeat episode of acute symptoms. Most people have at least one episode of recurrent low back pain
Chronic lasting longer than 3 months

Arthritis is a common form of back pain. The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the more steps can be taken to reduce disability in the future.

Other factors that aggravate back pain include suffering from stress, not getting enough sleep, being overweight, 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 similar lifestyle changes as diseases like arthritis and diabetes do.

Manipulation is one of several established forms of treatment used for back problems. Chiropractic manipulation, also frequently called the chiropractic adjustment, is the form of manipulation that has been most extensively 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 manipulation for the treatment of back pain and related disorders.

What can chiropractic do?

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. Chiropractors also treat tension that can show up as backaches and/or headaches or pains elsewhere in the body.

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 and medication that can be both dangerous and needlessly costly for patients and their insurance providers.

Isn`t some back pain normal?

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.

Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

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.

What about muscle relaxants?

First, chiropractors don’t dispense drugs. We rely on natural methods. Muscle relaxants and even the most common over-the-counter pain medications fail on two counts. First, while convenient, they don’t address the underlying cause of your problem. Second, side effects such as addiction, kidney failure, liver damage and even death can result. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects associated with pain medications.

What Can I do to keep my spine healthy?

By thinking ahead and a little maintenance, most people can enjoy the benefits a healthy spine offers:

• Proper posture lessens stress to the back
• A healthy body needs regular exercise. Strong abdominal muscles help support the spine
• Stop smoking. Nicotine restricts blood flow needed to deliver oxygen and nourishment to the spine
• Healthy eating habits help keep body weight moderate to reduce excessive stress to the spine
• Learn how to safely lift and carry items, apply ergonomic principles by selecting spine-friendly chairs, always wear a seat belt when traveling, and wear protective equipment during sports so fun can be safe and injury free

Take time to learn, adjust, and adopt habits that will help preserve your spine for the future.