If you are dealing with any kind of back pain then chiropractic treatment is going to be an important part of your road to recovery. Fortunately, most cases of back pain will go away on its own within a few weeks. However, if the back pain does not improve or gets worse with time, it is important to take a proactive approach to the aches and pains in your back.
Back pain is the second most common ailment affecting Americans (second to headaches) according to the NIH (National Institute of Health). Most cases of back pain are "mechanical" in nature. This means back pain may come from physical causes such as lifting boxes, working in the garden, playing a game of pick-up basketball or even a sudden jolt when you trip over a crack in the sidewalk. Sometimes back pain may develop for no reason and gradually gets worse over time until simple activities such as sitting, standing and walking becomes difficult. With the proper help from a spine specialist, your back pain treatment should be able to alleviate your pain and help you enjoy life again.
Chiropractic Treatment Is The Preferred Choice When It Comes To Treatment of Back Pain
Several studies have supported the use of chiropractic spine manipulation to provide moderate relief from low back pain and appear to be as effective as conventional medical treatments. In 2007 guidelines, the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society include spinal manipulation as a treatment option for doctors to consider when back pain does not improve with self-care. In a recent Consumer Reports Review chiropractic back pain treatment was rated the best treatment for back pain compared to other common interventions.
Why Does Spine Manipulation Treatment Work for Back Pain?
Most back pains are physical and mechanical in nature. While medications are helpful for decreasing inflammation and relieving pain, a physical treatment approach will address the cause for the pain and prevent further injury. Chiropractors use spine manipulation to treat the problematic joints and muscles causing the back pain. Spine manipulation is typically performed with the doctor's hands but special tools may also be used to to restore movement to the back, relieve pain, and facilitate the healing process. Movement is necessary for healing and quick recovery by lubricating the joints and improving blood circulation to the surrounding muscle tissues. After mobility is restored, the back can be trained through strengthening and flexibility exercises to prevent re-injury.
Side Effects of Spine Manipulation for Back Pain
Spine manipulation is safe and effective when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. The most common side effects are minor and include temporary discomfort in the treated area.
Back Pain Prevention Tips
Lifting
Use the strong muscles of your legs to lift. Bend at the hips and knees, grip the load firmly and hold it close to your body. Avoid twisting your back while lifting.
Sitting
Use an air filled balance disc on top of your desk chair cushion to keep your joints and muscles active while sitting. Stand up, stretch and walk around frequently.
Sleeping
Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your knees for support. Your mattress should be firm enough to support your natural shape while soft enough for comfort. Remember to rotate your mattress if your mattress requires it.
Exercise
Perform strength and flexibility exercises targeting the hips. Getting the hips to move better and stronger will help reduce the stress on the smaller muscles of the back.