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GUIDE TO RELIEVING BACK PAIN

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. According to the American Chiropractic Association, about 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time and most people will experience back pain at least once in their life.

 

For some, the pain is minor and goes away quickly.  For others, the effects of back pain go far beyond discomfort.  The pain can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. 

 

Back pain is one of the leading causes of missed work, the inability to perform normal activities of daily living,  and the inability to participate in sports, hobbies and activities of pleasure.  Unresolved back pain has even been linked to poor sleep, irritability and depression.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain can occur for many different reasons.  Accidents, sports injuries, improper lifting, falls, muscle strains, poor posture, herniated or bulging discs, arthritis, pinched nerves, weak core muscles and spinal misalignments are some of the more common reasons for back pain.  A sedentary lifestyle and even stress play a role in the cause and perception of pain.  Other, less common reasons for back pain are diseases of the internal organs, kidney stones, infections, fractures, and bone loss.  Getting the proper diagnosis from your chiropractor is essential in determining the cause and treatment of your back pain.​

Symptoms Associated With Back Pain

Back pain is a general term that people use to describe symptoms occurring in the upper back, mid back, and/or low back.  These symptoms can range in quality and intensity depending on many different factors.  These factors include the source of the pain, how long you have had the pain, other pre-existing or concomitant health issues, level of stress, and much more.  Below is a list of some of the sensations that can be used to more accurately describe your back pain.  It is important to tell your chiropractor exactly how your back pain feels, as it will help to determine an accurate diagnosis.

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  • Sharp

  • Stabbing

  • Shock like

  • Achy

  • Stiff

  • Burning

  • Sore

  • Deep/Boring

  • Pinching

  • Radiating

  • Numb

  • Tingling/pins and needles

 

It is also important to note when the pain occurs (Is it constant, does it only occur with certain activities, does it only occur at night, etc.).

Diagnosing Your Back Pain

Identifying the underlying cause of your back pain will help your chiropractor to determine the best treatment plan for you.  A thorough consultation and examination will provide much of the information necessary for your chiropractor to do this.  Your accurate description of the pain will also help.


Depending on your consultation and exam findings, your chiropractor may order diagnostic studies.  These studies will provide valuable information in helping to determine your diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.  Below is a list of some of the possible diagnostic studies for determining the cause of back pain.

 

  • X-ray

  • CT Scan

  • Diagnostic Ultrasound

  • MRI

  • Blood work

Chiropractic for Back Pain: A drug free, non-surgical approach

Back pain is the most common reason people seek chiropractic care.  In the United States, over one million people visit chiropractors every year.  Hundreds of scientific studies and millions of satisfied patients have proven the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care.  In fact, the research suggests that chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy can provide equivalent or superior improvement in pain and function when compared with other commonly used interventions. Making chiropractic one of the leading healthcare professions for the treatment of back pain.

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Chiropractors have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions (conditions that affect the nerves, muscles and/or bones).  This expertise gives chiropractors a wide range of treatment options to address the cause of their patient’s back pain.

 

Drug Free, Non-Surgical Pain Relief

Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures to relieve their patients' back pain.  What sets them apart from all other healthcare disciplines (including physical therapists, acupuncturists, and medical doctors) is their particular focus on restoring normal function to the spine, muscles, and nervous system using a more holistic approach.  This approach allows the chiropractor to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient and serves to address many of the different causes of back pain. 


Below is a list of several treatment options that a chiropractor may use to treat back pain.

 

  • Spinal manipulation

  • Spinal mobilization

  • Non-force spinal alignment techniques

  • Myofacial release

  • Massage

  • Stretching

  • Core strengthening exercises

  • Electric Stimulation

  • Therapeutic Ultrasound

  • Cryotherapy

  • Thermotherapy


Based on your diagnosis, level of pain, and outcome goals, your chiropractor may use one or a combination of these treatment options to quickly resolve your pain.  In addition, the long term benefits of these chiropractic treatments can help to improve mobility, overall spinal health, and prevent future issues from occurring.


Making sure your spine is functioning properly is essential for treating back pain and ultimately the health of your spine, muscles, and nervous system.  Chiropractors are the only healthcare providers who specialized in this approach.  With today's growing emphasis on quality care, research and clinical outcomes, cost effectiveness, and need for alternatives to drugs and surgery, chiropractic care is one of the best and most recommended treatment options for back pain.

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Living with back pain can be a debilitating experience.  But, it doesn't have to be a part of your "normal life" and you don't have to "just live with it".  The scientific research has shown, and millions of satisfied chiropractic patients have proven that chiropractic care offers a promising solution to not only alleviate pain but also enhance your overall health and mobility.  Don't wait for your symptoms to get worse.  Consider scheduling an appointment today and take your first step towards a pain-free life.

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