subject: Does Your Back Go Out More Than You Do? [print this page] Back pain is one of the most common health problems we face. Seventy-five million Americans will experience back pain each year. Eighty percent of the adult population will have low back pain at some time during their lives. It is the most common cause of disability among the 30-50 year old age group. People suffering with back pain will affirm that it can interfere with ones ability to function at their job, play sports, get a good nights sleep, exercise and do other activities of daily living.
The following are the most common causes of back pain:
1.Poor Posture: If you have abnormal posture, standing or sitting for long periods of time can cause pain due to abnormal gravitational forces being exerted on the muscles, discs and joints.
2.Daily Activities: Even healthy, normal activities can cause sprains and strains, which can lead to back pain. Gardening, tennis, horseback riding, biking and even golf can potentially hurt your back.
3.Injuries and Accidents: Car accidents, slips & falls, sports injuries, and other mishaps can all cause back pain.
While back pain patients comprise the second largest diagnostic group seen by medical family practitioners, the treatments recommended by these practitioners (drugs) are often found to be ineffective. A prominent medical researcher has suggested that family physicians consider referring their back pain patients for chiropractic care, as it has proven to be helpful for this disorder.
Masking the symptoms of back pain with drugs will make you feel better temporarily. But to resolve the problems permanently, it involves correcting the posture, restoring joint function, increasing flexibility and strengthening the supportive soft tissues.
One of the most effective ways to improve joint function and mobility as well as correcting the posture is with chiropractic adjustments. When done by a doctor of chiropractic, adjustments are safe, almost always painless and result in an immediate sense of well being.
Chiropractic is complimented with a rehabilitation program consisting of stretches, deep tissue massage (to break up spasms) and exercises to stabilize and strengthen the muscles as well as restore balance and coordination.
If you have been suffering with back pain, the most appropriate first step is to have your spine examined by a specialist who has the unique training and treatment of spinal problems.
