An estimated 31 million Americans suffer from low back pain every single day. For some, the pain is a minor annoyance, for others, it is completely debilitating and life-altering. While many people struggle with how to treat and address back pain, there is good news. In recent years, chiropractic care has been proven to help alleviate back pain altogether. No more drugs, no more fitful nights of sleep. At Premier Injury Clinics of DFW, we help individuals living with acute or chronic back pain get back on their feet. We offer a wide range of drug-free services that aim to provide patients with natural relief from back pain that lasts. It is our goal to find the root of the problem and go from there.
Today, chiropractic care effectively treats various disorders of the nervous system and musculoskeletal systems. Given the fact back pain affects so many people, it is no wonder we treat these conditions more frequently than any other. To live a happy, healthy, and full life, you need your back. It is a part of the body we often take for granted until something goes wrong or pain shows up. Only then do we truly realize what an important role the back plays in day-to-day activities.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain
The lumbar spine, or lower back, is one of the most intricate parts of the body. It is a complicated structure of interconnecting bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves, all of which work together to provide you with strength, support, and flexibility. When any part of the lower back is compromised, it may lead to injury or pain. Generally speaking, most acute back pain occurs as a result of injury to the muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs. Back pain symptoms range from slightly annoying to severe and can happen suddenly or slowly – even coming and going – over time. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Dull or aching pain in the back
- Stinging or burning pain that moves from the back of the thighs up through the back. This pain can even reach the feet or lower legs
- Muscle spasms or tightness in the back, pelvis, and hips
- Pain that worsens after standing or sitting for a prolonged period
- Difficulty standing up, walking, or going from sitting to standing
While people can suffer from back pain of any kind, low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Back pain is also the most common cause of missed work and one of the main reasons people go to the doctor.
Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Back Pain
Believe it or not, your lifestyle plays a major role in back pain. To keep your back healthy and avoid injury or pain, it is important to adopt healthy habits, such as exercising, stretching, and maintaining good posture. Making slight adjustments to your everyday life can prevent future problems and keep you pain-free as you get older. Here are some tips and ways these lifestyle changes can alleviate back pain:
- Eat well and maintain a healthy weight – Paying attention to what you eat, exercising, and staying fit is one of the top ways to avoid back pain.
- Focus on keeping your back muscles strong – One of the leading causes of back pain is weak back muscles. In many cases, people injure their back from lifting heavy objects or doing hard work that puts stress on their back.
- Stretch your back muscles – Simply exercising isn’t always enough. Stretching your back muscles is important for staying flexible and avoiding any unnecessary back problems down the road. These stretches don’t take long and can come in the form of yoga or some other type of exercise.
- Maintain good posture – Posture is key to a healthy back. If you work on the computer, make sure you have a good chair and desk.
- Learn how to properly carry your bag or purse – A heavy bag on one shoulder is another common cause of back pain. If possible, leave your purse at home, or learn how to carry it in a way that will protect your back.
Be proactive and consider the above to maintain a healthy back. If you are suffering from back pain and aren’t sure what to do, please contact Premier Injury Clinics of DFW to learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care.
