Lower back pain can be triggered by many causes including your age, fitness level, weight, and genetics. Luckily, there are many ways to prevent and relieve this common discomfort. One non-invasive, holistic method is chiropractic care. But before you learn how chiropractic care can prevent lower back pain, it’s important to understand the possible causes of backaches and the different methods used to treat the ailment.
How Chiropractic Care Can Prevent Lower Back Pain
What Is Chiropractic Care?
As the Palmer College of Chiropractic explains, chiropractic “focuses on maintaining your health naturally to help your body resist disease, rather than simply treating the symptoms of disease.” This means chiropractors don’t just address the symptoms. Instead, they look at your body as an entire system.
To figure out the root cause of your discomfort, a chiropractor can focus on reducing misalignments that interfere with your body’s ability to function normally. So even when discussing how chiropractic care can prevent lower back pain, the answer starts with an overall evaluation of your health and spine. At Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we evaluate each patient with a case study, going over your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and using x-rays if needed to further evaluate misalignments and discomforts.
How Common Is Back Pain?
If you suffer from acute back pain, know that you’re not alone. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that 80 percent of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their life. This common ailment is the leading cause of disability and missed work.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
According to the NINDS, there are multiple causes of back pain, and the severity of pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp burst that leaves you unable to move without experiencing discomfort.
In many cases, back pain can develop suddenly. When this happens, the symptoms are often caused by traumatic injury, herniated disks, or strains. In fact, strains and sprains are the leading causes of lower back pain. Sprains occur when you tear ligaments, while strains are the result of tearing tendon or muscle. Both can be caused by overstretching or improperly lifting or moving a heavy object.
Your age and health can also lead to lower back pain. As you grow older, your bone density decreases, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Your risk of spinal stenosis also increases as you age.
Your fitness level is another important factor. Strong abs don’t just look great on magazine covers; they also help support your spine. And studies show that low-impact exercise can help protect the integrity of your spine. Be sure to consult your chiropractor or doctor before launching a new exercise routine.
Chronic back pain is discomfort that has persisted for longer than 12 months. And according to the NINDS, “Nearly 20 percent of people affected by acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain.” Chronic back pain can also be caused by arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis – the narrowing of the spinal column, which applies pressure to the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.
How Can I Treat Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and even debilitating, but most pain is acute and will subside after a few days or weeks. It also often resolves itself. But if you find yourself suffering from acute or even chronic lower back pain, schedule a visit with your chiropractor. A chiropractor can help minimize the pain and offer suggestions on how to self-treat acute discomfort.
Spinal manipulation is one of many treatments used to relieve back pain. You should also talk with your licensed chiropractor about how chiropractic care can prevent lower back pain. They might suggest targeted exercise, massage therapy, or physical therapy as preventative care.
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To learn more about how chiropractic care can prevent lower back pain or how message therapy and acupuncture can relieve chronic discomfort, contact Loehr Health Center. Our doctors are constantly working to refine and expand their abilities with additional advanced training. We’re here to help you live naturally and comfortably. To learn more about our services or request an appointment, contact us today or call 417-887-8075.
