Back Pain is a Common Complaint

Back pain is one of the most common complaints that a chiropractor’s patients seek treatment. Back pain can be caused from a variety of different sources. Many individuals experience back pain from sprains and strains. These patients could have over exerted themselves. For instance, if the individual has not played baseball in a while and plays, they could over exert their back from swinging too hard or diving for a ball. Also, certain jobs that involve lifting could cause back pain if the individual does not use the proper technique to lift. Other jobs that require an individual to sit all day can cause back strain from poor bad posture.

Another common cause of back problems is being overweight. Individuals that are overweight typically have more fat than muscle, which leads to a weaker back in general. Thus, putting an individual at more risk to develop these back problems. Being overweight also puts stress and strain on your back from the excess weight.

More specifically, back problems can be caused by nerve compression. A compressed nerve can then send messages to the area of the brain that senses pain, then those areas will send back messages that cause an individual to experience pain in those areas. Nerves can be compressed for multiple reasons such as, sciatica, herniated discs and etc. For example, herniated discs can be caused through repeated movements of the lower back and cause major back pain from compressing the nerve.

Prevention is a technique that chiropractors stress heavily to their patients. Since back pain is so prevalent among patients, it is important that there are many techniques to prevent back problems. One way to prevent back problems is to prevent the stress that causes the problem in the first place. For instance, if an individual would consciously use proper posture while sitting at a desk they could prevent the problem from occurring. They could make sure to sit, not slouch, at their desk with their back straight. The individuals could also make sure to get up and walk around periodically throughout their day, instead of sitting for hours on end. If one’s job requires heavy lifting it is important to use proper lifting technique to prevent the backaches and pains that come from lifting improperly. They should lift with their legs instead of their back.

Another area of prevention includes diet and exercise to combat obesity. A well-balanced diet is important to keep off unnecessary weight, but it is also important because it provides the individual with the appropriate nutrients to keep our bodies in optimal health. For instance, it is important for our bones that we intake enough calcium and vitamin D. With a balanced diet it is possible to obtain the proper amounts to keep our bones strong. Stronger bones can lead to a healthier back, consequently leading to less back problems. Exercise and stretching is also important because it strengthens the muscles of your back, meaning better strength, posture and support. Diet and exercise are very important in the prevention of back problems.

Finally, many people do not take their mattress and sleeping position into account when it comes to back problems. Sleeping on a worn out mattress can cause stress to an individuals back and put them at risk for back problems. Make sure you flip your mattress when the side is becoming worn. Also, check for breaks and general wear and tear. Sometimes back problems can be avoided by making sure the mattress is up to date. Specific sleeping position can also lead to back problems. Sleeping on ones stomach is asking for back problems and back aches. Therefore, sleeping on your side or back is going to prevent back strains. Even when we are sleeping we can prevent ourselves from developing back problems and avoid back pains.

Chiropractors hear many of their patients complain of back pain and luckily they have the knowledge and tools to help treat that back pain. The most common therapy used by the chiropractor is the spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulations realign the spine and relieve the pressure on the central nervous system. Once this is done, the back pain can be eased. With chronic back pain, it is most likely there will be a treatment plan that has many visits with multiple manipulations.

Electrical stimulation is another technique that chiropractors use when it comes to back pain. I myself have experienced the relief that it provides. Electrical stimulation uses electrical impulses that reduce swelling and inflammation, leading to alleviation of back pain. It also relaxes the muscles and prevents muscle spasms, again, leading to less back pain.

A very important method that chiropractors use is education. They educate their patients and provide them with the facts and tips they need to prevent themselves from not only back pain, but also poor health in general. They may recommend lifestyle changes for their patient that could help them prevent the strain on their back in the first place. They may offer stretches and exercise that will strengthen their back to prevent further injury. Chiropractors also may suggest certain supplements for back health. Education is an important tool and method for a chiropractor to have because it leads to their patients having better health outcomes. However, there are certain instances that cannot be prevented and that is why the other methods are just as important.

Back problems that lead to chronic back pain are becoming more prevalent and a common cause for individuals to seek chiropractic care. Sprains and strains, nerve compression, and poor health are all common causes that lead to back problems and pain. However, there are ways to prevent back pain from occurring such as diet and exercise, proper posture and lifting techniques, and sleeping habits. Still, there are some instances that cannot be prevented purely by educating patients. Thus, there are methods such as spinal manipulation and electrical stimulation that can combat that back pain.