What do you suffer from? Take your pick!
- Herniated Disc
- Bulging Disc
- Disc Degeneration
- Sciatica
- Pinched Nerve
You are not alone if you are suffering from any one of these conditions. In fact, 100 million Americans endure chronic back pain, making it the leading cause for disability on a worldwide scale. [1] Unfortunately, it is also the primary reason for missed work, loss of productivity and income, including increased medical expenses—$26 billion is directly attributable to the treatment of back pain. [2]
Preventing Back Pain [3]:
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight
- Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic
- Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest
- Warm up or stretch before exercising or physical activities
- Maintain proper posture
- Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes
- Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine
- Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting
- Quit smoking—it impairs blood flow and results in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues
- Ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct
Treatments for Lower Back Pain[4]:
- Physical Therapy—a physical therapist will construct a program that focuses on stretching the lower back muscles to decompress the spine, as well as strengthening the muscles in the abdomen, hips, and legs.
- Manual Manipulation /Chiropractic Care—this practice reduces the pressure on sensitive areas, muscle tightness and tension, while improving blood flow and flexibility
- Heat or Ice—alternating between these 2 therapies can be more effective than choosing just one or the other
- Therapeutic Massage- this helps to improve blood flow and decrease stiffness
- Back Exercises- a well-rounded program of back exercises recommended by your doctor or physical therapist should include core strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercise
- Spinal Decompression Therapy—this technique produces negative pressure within the disc to allow for natural healing
Lower back pain can be managed by some simple changes in lifestyle—losing weight, quitting smoking, increasing activity levels, making the necessary modifications to your posture and creating an ergonomically friendly environment.
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