Back pain is an extremely common medical ailment, affecting eight of 10 people during their lifetimes. So it goes without saying that it is the most common reason that patients come to see our chiropractors at Plato Chiropractic Health Clinics.
Lower back pain can be sharp, stabbing, tingling, or burning. Patients also characterize it as a dull, lingering ache that causes stiffness.
Acute lower back pain is often caused by sudden injury. It can also be associated with a host of activities, such as lifting improperly at home, excessively strenuous housework or yardwork, repetitive bending, or movements related to a specific occupation.
A few interesting facts about back pain:
Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.
Experts estimate that as much as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives.
Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
Chiropractic Treatment for Lower Back Pain
Chiropractors use a variety of methods to treat lower back pain. A common treatment for lower back pain is a spinal manipulation or an adjustment. In several studies, patients who sought chiropractic care for lower back pain improved more and were far more satisfied with their chiropractic care after one month, than those who had sought standard medical care.
After alleviating pressure and inflammation through treatment, our chiropractors work with you to strengthen the surrounding muscles in order to prevent problems from becoming chronic. Our staff and doctors may also advise you on exercises and stretches to reduce or relieve lower back pain.