Lower Back Pain
The Chiropractic Approach
Low Back Pain affects up to 80% of us at some time during our life and up to 30% of us at any given time. During any 6 month period, 72% of adults will report low back pain and 11% will report disabling low back pain. The cost of back pain is astronomical with estimated costs being in the billions. . Back pain is the second leading cause of medical visists and secomnd most reason for hospital visits (behind childbirth).
Low back pain is common, but not normal.
What is causing my Low Back pain?
More than 85% of low back pain is considered "non-specific", meaning there is no known serious underlying pathology. In other words, the pain you are feeling is coming from the function of our spine and the supportive anatomy around your spine, such as muscles, joints and nerves.
Of course, sudden trauma and injuries can also cause neck pain. Occasionally, neck pain can be caused by problems such as fracture, infections, disc injuries or bony disorders.
How do chiropractors help with neck pain?
Chiropractors help to restore proper alignment to your spine, relieving pressure on your nervous system. Correction of misalignment's called "subluxations" in your spine result in positive outcomes for both acute and chronic neck pain. Once under control, your chiropractor can help you with preventative strategies by addressing your lifestyle and environment. Your chiropractor will also be able to help identify and rare problems that may be causing your neck pain and may need further investigation.
Patient Satisfaction with Chiropractic
Numerous studies have shown chiropractors to rate among the highest in patient satisfaction. This high satisfaction is related to overall effectiveness of care, patient communication and providing useful advice and information regarding your health and wellness.
Conservative before Invasive
In most cases, chiropractic care should be used as a first line of defense for back pain, since side effects are low and treatment methods are natural for your body. Traditional medical approaches using drugs and surgery have their place, however should only be used in a small percentage of cases considering the nature of most Low back pain.
Studies have shown that in most cases, long term patient outcomes are no better with invasive surgical procedures compares to conservative care with chiropractic, meaning that avoiding the high cost and associated risk of surgery is usually a good bet!
A wellness approach
It's important for you to realise that chiropractic is not a "cure" for neck pain. In reality, your body does all of the healing; chiropractors are there to help ensure proper movement of your spine and freedom for your nervous system, which maximises your body's ability to heal itself. As always, it's important to realise that true wellness comes from the combination of many lifestyle choices - your chiropractor will be able to help you form effective lifestyle habits to reduce future episodes of neck pain.
