Some 30 million Americans suffer back pain at any given time, and lower back pain is the leading cause of disability globally. It can interrupt our enjoyment of our everyday lives, it’s one of the most common reasons for missing work, and it can also be debilitating.
But most back pain is mechanical in nature, meaning any serious condition such as arthritis does not cause it. The good news is that back pain doctors can prescribe a non-invasive treatment plan that not only eliminates the pain but targets the underlying cause of the pain.
What Causes Back Pain?
Because the back is such a complicated structure of muscles, ligaments, joints, bones, and nerves, there are numerous causes of back pain. Sometimes accidents suffered in sports and while driving cause back pain, but often it’s simple repetitive movements, such as bending and lifting.
Other factors that contribute to back pain are aging, obesity, lack of physical fitness, and even psychological stress. Back pain can sometimes be the sign of something more serious such as a blood clot or kidney infection.
What is the Treatment for Back Pain?
Back pain can be worrisome, and many of us fear surgery will be required. But most back pain can be relieved through non-invasive treatment. Back pain doctors in Garden City, MI, will first do a thorough medical examination to determine the underlying causes of your pain, then they will compile a comprehensive treatment plan.
Spinal manipulation, which involves realigning the vertebra of the spine, is a safe and effective treatment that reduces back pain and the need for medication and bed rest. Your chiropractor will also prescribe stretches and strengthening exercises that will help increase mobility, strengthen the back muscles, and reduce the inflammation and irritation that is causing the pain.
TENS – transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – uses low-voltage electrical currents, and has been proven to be effective in providing back pain relief.
Trigger point therapy is another non-invasive treatment for back pain. Sometimes our muscles develop trigger points or tiny knots where a muscle has spasmed. Pain from a particular trigger point can radiate to other parts of the body. Trigger point therapy involves applying continuous pressure to a knot to break up the spasm, which will reduce the pain.
Other methods to reduce and prevent back pain are maintaining a healthy diet and weight. Also remaining active under the supervision of your chiropractor. Warming up and stretching before any physical activity whether it’s gardening, shoveling snow, or running is also important. Maintaining proper posture while standing or seated, wearing comfortable shoes, sleeping on a firm mattress to prevent any curvature of the spine, lifting heavy objects with the legs, and maintaining an ergonomically correct workstation are all effective for relieving back pain symptoms.
