Chiropractors may treat other conditions, but more people than ever before are visiting their chiropractor for back pain care. Did you know that 31 million Americans suffer from lower back pain at any one time? Back pain is the single most significant cause of disability in the world, and 50 percent of Americans have symptoms of back pain every year. Back pain accounts for hours of missed work and is the second-most common reason why people visit their doctor, after upper-respiratory infections.
What are the Causes of Back Pain?
Back pain has many sources and a number of different factors can cause back pain. Your back is a complicated set of bones, muscles, ligaments and joints – a sprain to any of these elements can lead to back pain. Sport injuries, moving heavy objects, falls, or even simply bending over to pick something off the floor can all cause back pain. Poor posture, stress, arthritis, and other health conditions may also contribute to back pain.
How Does Chiropractic Treat Back Pain?
One of the primary ways in which chiropractors treat back pain is with a series of manual or spinal manipulations – hands-on manipulations that are designed to return the spine to its natural form and function.
Benefits of Chiropractic for Back Pain
Chiropractic care can help reduce pain, decrease the need for painkilling medication, advance progress in physical therapy, and reduce the need for intrusive forms of treatment such as surgery. Chiropractic also does not rely on drugs for a cure. Treatments are pain-free and safe.
How to Prevent Back Pain
As well as having regular chiropractic treatments you can also benefit from following some simple guidelines to help avoid back pain and discomfort.
- Eat a healthy diet and keep to a healthy weight
- Avoid long periods of bed rest following injury
- Keep active (under advice from your doctor)
- Keep using proper posture
- Warm up properly before exercise and physical activities
- Practice correct lifting techniques
- Quit smoking
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Sleep on a firm mattress that is designed to support your back
By following this advice and receiving treatment from a chiropractor, you could be on your way to being pain-free after a back injury or back problems. For more information, contact your chiropractor.