Did you know that over 30 million Americans visit the chiropractor each year for low back pain problems? Did you also know that low back pain was declared the single leading cause of disability globally? Many individuals in Columbus, Ga suffer from back pain on a daily basis when they don’t have to.
Lower back pain has become a worrying problem worldwide, and it’s one of the most common reasons people miss work. Every year, 50% of American workers complain about their back pain and they spend at least $50 billion as a whole on treatment! However, this widespread pain isn’t always caused by anything as serious as arthritis or cancer. So what causes it?
The Anatomy of The Back – Why People Hurt
The back has a complex structure of bones, joints, ligaments, nerves and muscles which are easily susceptible to spraining, straining and irritation. The pain could be from
physically engaging activities and sometimes the simple act of bending over could lead to a serious injury. Sometimes low back pain could be a symptom of health conditions ranging from kidney stones to bone loss. Other times, it’s related to our lifestyles such as poor posture, obesity and stress, all of which cause tension in the spinal joints and muscles.
In the past, most people who experienced low back pain would resort to taking painkillers and undergoing minor surgeries. However, with the current economy, people have turned to a more holistic approach of relieving back pain. A study done by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research shows that patients who experience low back pain tend to choose more conservative methods of treatment. Spinal manipulation is a method that has been used by chiropractors for the last century, and other health care professionals have only just caught on. This treatment involves the moving and jolting of joints, massages, exercise and physical therapy. It helps relieve the pressure on joints, reduces inflammation and improves nerve function. The study also recommended manipulation as one of the safest and most effective methods of treatment. Another reason manipulation is gaining popularity is that it requires no medication, which is an additional expense most patients would happily avoid if they could. An information article in the Journal of the American Medical Association also noted that surgical methods as a form of treatment are completely unnecessary unless all other methods have failed.
However, prevention is always better than a cure, and luckily there are very simple ways in which you can avoid a visit to your chiropractor. First, you need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep your weight in check- note that you should stretch before you start your workout routine. You should also avoid staying inactive for long periods of time, and make sure that the mattress you sleep on is firm enough to keep your spine straight when you sleep. Quit drinking and smoking- these unhealthy habits inhibit blood flow thus resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to your spinal tissues. It’s also very important that you maintain the correct posture when sitting and walking- your workstation should be comfortable to use and your shoes should have reasonable heels. Ensure that when you’re lifting heavy objects, you use your knees and not your back. Finally, visit a chiropractor regularly in order to make sure everything is okay.
If you are suffering from lower back pain or have any discomfort and are in or near the Columbus, GA area, call us @ 706 607 0077 to schedule your appointment today with Dr. Overton.