Tell me about...Back
Pain
What is back pain?
Back
problems can be caused by an extraordinarily wide range of problems – some of
them originating elsewhere in the body, but with pain being transmitted
(referred) to areas of the back by the nervous system. Back pain is one of the
most common reasons people seek medical attention. It is the symptom that
prompts most patients who get chiropractic
care.
The
majority of backache sufferers complain of pain in the lower back; the second
most common site of discomfort is the base of the neck.
Who suffers from back pain?
Virtually
all human beings are subject to back problems. The fact that humans walk upright,
on two legs, puts great pressure on the spine and muscles that support it. Over
time, back pain is all but inevitable. Normal wear and tear, accidents,
disease, and such bad "back habits" as unnecessary strain from
overexertion at play or work (especially lifting, pushing, pulling, and
reaching for things improperly), and poor standing and sitting posture result
in both immediate and long-term back problems.
What can chiropractic do?
Chiropractors
successfully treat subluxation (a complex of functional and/or structural
changes in joints, which can interfere with nerve transmission, disturb other
organ systems and undermine general health). Spinal subluxations may have symptoms
localized in some part of the back or may radiate down to the buttocks, thighs
and legs. Chiropractors also treat tension that can show up as backaches and/or
headaches or pains
elsewhere in the body.
Doctors
of chiropractic draw upon a wealth of knowledge and experience with treating
and preventing back pain and back injuries. Soothing and pain-reducing spinal
adjustments have been developed over the last century, during which
chiropractors have practiced, improved and refined their techniques.
The
chiropractic approach is similar to the clinical practice guidelines of the
U.S. Agency for Health
Care Policy and Research. That is, doctors of chiropractic not only
treat the pain, they try to keep patients engaging in their normal activities
rather than resting immobile in bed, which can actually cause further
debilitation. And, of course, chiropractors do not rely on surgery,
hospitalization and medication that can be both dangerous and needlessly costly
for patients and their insurance
providers.