Back Pain 80% of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor. In fact, it is estimated that low back pain affects more than half of the adult population each year and more than 15% of all people experience frequent bouts of low back pain.
The susceptibility of the low back to injury and pain is due to the fact that the low back, like the neck, is a relatively unstable part of the spine (unlike the thoracic spine, which is supported by the rib cage). This instability provides the necessary mobility to touch our toes or pick something up from ground level, but at the cost of increased risk of injury.
The low back can withstand tremendous forces as long as it is healthy and functioning correctly. However, if the low back is out of alignment or has weakened supporting muscles, something as simple as putting a bag of groceries in the trunk of a car or simply bending down to tie shoes can cause injury.
Studies have shown that when back pain is left untreated, it may go away temporarily, but is very likely to return. The importance of taking low back pain seriously can not be stressed enough. Professional chiropractic care is one of the best ways to care for your back.
Causes of Low Back Pain Sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured disks, trigger points and inflamed joints are some of the many of conditions that can result in low back pain. While it is not surprising that sports injuries or car accidents can lead to back pain, sometimes even the simplest movements, like picking up a pencil from the floor, can have painful results. In addition, more longterm conditions such as poor posture, stress, arthritis, kidney stones and kidney infections can be the cause of low back pain.
Chiropractors are the experts in diagnosing the cause and determining a proper course of treatment for low back pain. Following are some of the most common causes.
Subluxations When a disruption in the normal movement or position of the vertebrae occurs, it results in pain and inflammation. In the lumbar spine, these often occur at the transition between the lower spine and the sacrum (tail bone). Subluxations can lead to debilitating low back pain, but are easily treatable. There is often a significant reduction in pain following even a few chiropractic treatments.
Disc Herniations A herniated disc does not automatically lead to low back pain. In one study, almost 60% of all adults had at least one bulging or herniated disc, even though they did not experience back pain. However, in other cases herniated discs can be a source of severe and debilitating pain which may radiate to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, when a disc herniates, it rarely heals completely. Further deterioration can be avoided through chiropractic care.
Sprains, Strains and Spasms Sprains, strains, and spasms are the most common source of low back pain. Overworking the muscles or ligaments of the low back may lead to tears in the tissues, which become painful and swollen, causing a tightened sensation to the area affected. In the majority of cases, chiropractic care can correct the source of the problem and eliminate or greatly reduce the pain.
Stress When you become stressed, your body responds by increasing the levels of stress hormones which leads to a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, and tightening of muscles. When subjected to chronic stress, the body's muscles may become weakened, painful, and loaded with trigger points.
Chiropractic has been repeatedly, scientifically shown to be the most effective treatment for low back pain. Major studies have shown that chiropractic treatment is more effective, and has better long-term outcomes than any other treatment. Why? This makes sense is because chiropractic treatment is the only method of treatment that works to re-establish normal vertebral motion and position in the spine. All other treatments, such as muscle relaxants and pain killers, will only decrease the symptoms of the problem. They do not correct the problem itself.
Chiropractic treatment for low back pain is normally straight forward, and simply a matter of adjusting the lower lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to re-establish normal motion and position of your bones and joints.