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Is back pain getting in the way of you doing the things you love...playing with the kids, hiking, running, working out?
Did you know?
Worldwide, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, preventing many people from engaging in work as well as other everyday activities. Pain medication and rest has been the standard form of treatment which has caused an opioid crisis in this country. This epidemic has put a spotlight on alternative options for treating pain and more specifically low back pain. Chiropractic care has been proven to be highly effective and drug free in treating low back pain and getting people back to their active lifestyle.
What causes back pain?
In most cases, the cause of back pain is mechanical or non-organic, which means it is not caused by a serious condition (2). The back is a complicated structure consisting of bones, ligaments, joints, and muscles. Sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured disc, and irritated joints can all lead to back pain (3). Sports injuries, accidents, or simple activities such as picking up a piece of paper off the floor can cause back pain. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Internal disorders such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, kidney infections, and blood clots can also cause pain referrals that lead people to think they injured their back (3).
How can we help?
Chiropractors provide a hands-on approach to various musculoskeletal issues such as neck and back pain, running injuries, headaches, pain involving the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Following a thorough exam, one tool a doctor will utilize is the adjustment or manipulation of a joint. This is done by the hands and involves applying a thrust of a varying speed and force into a joint that is restricted or stiff. It is commonly associated with the popping sound of the joints and is described by providing a feeling of pain relief. An adjustment or spinal manipulation is a safe, effective, and non-drug treatment for back pain. The Annals of Internal Medicine pointed to chiropractic care as one of the major non-drug therapies considered effective for acute and chronic low back pain (4). Research is supporting taking a conservative approach to pain first and keeping moving and active during your recovery.
Tips to Prevent Back Pain
Maintain a healthy diet and weight
Stay active! Keep moving! Lift weights!
Avoid prolonged inactivity. Take micro-breaks throughout the day.
Warm up before exercise or physical activities.
Wear comfortable shoes.
When lifting, lift with your legs, keep the object as close to you as possible, and don't twist your body.
Make sure your workstation is ergonomically correct.
To learn more about how we can help, visit our website at www.ToneyFamilyChiro.com or give us a call at (720) 207-3010.
Sources
Rubin Dl. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Spine Pain. Neurol Clin. 2007; May;25(2):p353-371.
Hartvigsen J et al. Low Back Pain Series: What Low Back Pain Is and Why We Need to Pay Attention. Lancet, June 2018; Volume 391, Issue 10137; p2346-2367.
"Back Pain Facts and Statistics." American Chiropractic Association > Home, www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back-Pain-Facts-and-statistics.
Chou R. Hoyt Huffman LH. Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann of Internal Med 2 Oct. 2007; 147(7):p492-504.