Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical approach to health care that treats people as integrated human beings. Chiropractic care takes into account structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships.
Doctors of chiropractic are trained in current and therapeutic procedures that include the adjustment and manipulation of the joints and adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly of the spinal column. Although doctors of chiropractic treat more than just back pain, many patients visit chiropractors looking for relief from this condition.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans have low back pain at any given time. Half of all working Americans experience back symptoms each year. One-third of all Americans over the age of 18 had a back problem in the past five years – painful enough for them to seek professional help. It’s estimated that 80% of us will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.
Because back problems are common, it’s important to find out about healthy back care, whether you have an injury or are interested in preventing one. Back problems can occur for many reasons, including cumulative stress, abnormal movement patterns, poor posture and muscle weakness. The risk of re-injury once you’ve had a back problem is very high unless you, and your chiropractor, address the underlying causes of lower back problems.
Some common sources of lower back pain include:
- Small fractures to the spine from osteoporosis
- Muscle spasms
- Ruptured or herniated disk
- Degeneration of the disks
- Poor alignment of the vertebrae
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Strain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back
- Spinal curvatures (scoliosis or kyphosis) which may be inherited and are often seen in children or teens
- Other medical conditions like fibromyalgia
You’re at risk for low back pain if you:
-
Work in construction or a job requiring heavy lifting, bending and twisting, or whole body vibration (like truck driving or using a sandblaster) - Have bad posture
- Are pregnant
- Are age 30+
- Smoke
- Don’t exercise
- Are overweight
- Have arthritis or osteoporosis
- Have a low pain threshold
- Feel stressed or depressed
If you are experiencing any pain or symptom/condition described above and would like to find out more about back care and treating/preventing injuries, or if you just have a question about chiropractic care, contact us today. Find out how Dr. Elwert can help you achieve your maximum potential. It’s all about quality care. Every person, every time.
