If you are suffering from back pain, consider the benefits of a chiropractor. Don’t make the mistake of disguising your pain with painkillers. October is National Chiropractic Health Month and we here at All American Healthcare are joining the movement to be a part of #PainFreeNation – All American Healthcare
Here at All American Healthcare, we focus on natural pain management. When a new patient comes in, we first identify the cause underlying pain, and then address those issues with natural pain management that includes Chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, spinal decompression, active release technique, massage therapy and the Graston technique. One of the best things about chiropractic care is that it’s a drug-free and surgery-free path to healing naturally. It’s important to know the facts so you can understand your treatment options for back pain.
A few interesting facts regarding back pain:
- Low back pain is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits in the United States.
- Back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old.
- Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
- Approximately one quarter of U.S. adults reported having low back pain lasting at least one whole day in the past three months, and 7.6 percent reported at least one episode of severe acute low back pain within a one-year period.
- Low back pain is also very costly: approximately 5 percent of people with back pain disability account for 75 percent of the costs associated with low back pain.
- One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.
- Approximately 2 percent of the U.S. work force is compensated for back injuries each year.
- Americans spend at least $50 Billion per year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.
What can cause back pain?
The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—for example, picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, psychological stress and even using your phone can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.
How to treat back pain:
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is proven to be a safe, effective, and affordable treatment option. Chiropractic care reduces pain, restores normal range of motion, and decreases the need for medication. Do not rely on over the counter drugs to heal your pain, and be cautious not to mask the pain by abusing the access to pain relievers. Use the tips below to prevent back pain in the future:
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
- Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.
- Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
- Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
- Maintain proper posture.
- Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
- Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
- Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
- Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
- Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.
Original article edited for content by: American Chiropractic Association
