Walking upright on two feet has advantages, but it also puts intense pressure on the spine, as well as on other muscles and bones. Add to this improper sitting, lifting, or reaching - and the normal ware and tear of working and playing - and you have the perfect recipe for back pain. That's why back pain is the 2nd most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. In fact, some experts say, as many as 80% of us will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.(1)
Back injuries are part of everyday life. They can cause a sharp pain or a dull ache and can be accompanied by tingling, numbness, or burning sensation. You may also feel weakness, pain, or tingling in your pelvis and upper leg - a condition known as sciatica. The spine is quite good at dealing with back injuries. Minor injuries usually heal within a day or 2. Some pain, however, continues. What makes it last longer is not entirely understood, but researchers suspect that street, mood changes, and the fear of further injury my prevent patients from being active and exacerbate the pain.
The American Chiropractic Association Recommends the Following Tips for Back Pain Prevention:
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
- Remain active - under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.
- Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
- Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
- Maintain proper posture
- Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes
- Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
- Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
- Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
- Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct.
Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain
If you experience back pain, consult your doctor of chiropractic. More than 30 million Americans sought chiropractic care last year alone. Past studies have indicated that consumers are very happy with the chiropractic care they receive. |
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With a thorough knowledge of the structure and functioning of the human body, doctors of chiropractic make diagnoses and take steps to correct problems using spinal adjustments, dietary and lifestyle advice, and other natural tools.
Spinal manipulation - the primary form of treatment performed by doctors of chiropractic - is a recommended option for back pain treatment, rated as such by many state and workers' compensation guidelines. Research has shown that manipulative therapy and spinal manipulation are not only safe and effective, but can cut costs and get workers back on the job faster than other treatments. A recent medical study has also pointed out that manual manipulation offers better short-term relief of chronic back pain than medication.(2)
When choosing a doctor of Chiropractic:
- Be sure the chiropractor has attended an accredited chiropractic college. A list can be found on the ACA's Web site.
- Make sure the chiropractor is licensed to practice in your state. After graduating from an accredited chiropractic college, doctors of chiropractic must pass rigorous state and national board exams before they can practice. To find your states licensing board contract information, go to the ACA's web site.
- Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers. The best referrals often come from satisfied patients.
- Talk to the doctor. The chiropractor should be willing to answer your questions and should talk freely with you about your concerns and course of treatment.
- Visit ACA's Web site to search for an ACA member doctor of chiropractic near you.
References
1. Vallfors B. Acute, sub acute and chronic low back pain: Clinical symptoms, absenteeism and working environment. Scan J Rehab Med Supply 1985;11:1-98.
2. Giles L. Muller R. Chronic spinal pain: A randomized clinical trial comparing medication, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation. Spine 2003 July
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