Lower Back Pain
Low back pain remains the most common reason people seek Chiropractic services. We have been practicing Chiropractic in Arlington Texas for over 25 years and during that time we have seen seen the changes in typical job related activities. Work related activities are more commonly less physically demanding and almost all jobs now involve time at the computer. Back pain however remains the number one cause of missed time from work. In Global Burden of Disease 2010 the authors state that low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the New England Journal of Medicine states that 31 million people suffer from low back pain at any given time.
Chiropractic Care and Low Back Pain
Chiropractors have been treating low back pain with spinal manipulation for over 100 years. Most low back pain is mechanical in nature, which means that the cause of pain is from the musculoskeletal system. The bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments which make up the musculoskeletal system are not functioning properly or are injured. Chiropractic adjustments work to restore the proper function in the joints which helps the supporting and moving tissues associated with the joints to perform better and return to normal. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research in Acute Low Back Problems in Adults, Clinical Practice Guideline No.14, AHCPR Publication No. 95-0642 studied all currently available care for low back problems and recommended that low back pain sufferers choose the most conservative care first. They recommended spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for low back problems in adults. The Journal of the American Medical Association published and article by D. Goodman, A. Burke and E. Livingston. In the article they suggested Chiropractic care as an option for people suffering from low back pain. Chiropractic care should be your first choice for treating low back pain. Assessing Low Back Pain
There are many causes of low back pain. The most common cause of low back pain is injury or irritation. We often overwork the muscles of the low back working around the house, participating in sporting events or on the job. This can be as simple as muscle strain which resolves with rest or involve the joints, tendons and ligaments as well. We usually see people for back pain which has not resolved with rest and over the counter medications. Depending on many factors including age of the patient, length of pain, intensity of pain and the initiating factor of the pain X-rays may be indicated. X-rays are used to assess the condition of the boney component of the musculoskeletal system. History and physical examination of the involved area will lead to a diagnosis of the cause of pain. Treatment type, frequency and duration are dependent on the nature and extent of the problem. Certain problems can require referral to other practitioners for further evaluation and/or treatment. We often work in conjunction with Orthopedic surgeons, Neurosurgeons or general practitioners to fully care for our patients. The primary concern when treating patients is to properly assess and get them the most appropriate treatment for their condition. Treatment of Low Back Pain
Once a proper diagnosis has been made a course of treatment can be undertaken. Chiropractic adjustments are the primary component of treatment. Adjunctive therapy modalities may also be used during in office treatment. Electrical muscle stimulation to relax muscles, increase circulation, increase lymphatic drainage and provide some pain relief is often utilized. Heat or ice application depending on the nature of the problem and can be used with electrical muscle stimulation. Traction to help relax muscles, increase nutrients into the intervertebral discs and help with pain can be useful during care. These therapies may be used to compliment manipulative treatment. The second component of treatment involves activities outside of receiving treatment in the office. Recommendations for rest and/or the alteration of home or work activities are usually given. Over the counter or prescribed medications for inflammation or pain can be helpful. Home application of heat or ice can help decrease pain and promote faster recovery. Advice on improving the ergonomics of home or workplace activities is helpful for both speeding recovery and reducing to likelihood of a recurrence of the problem. Home stretching exercises to relax muscles and increase flexibility are recommended for the most efficient recovery. Specific exercises to strengthen areas of weakness can help to avoid future episodes of pain. The most successful treatment involves integrating in office treatment, home treatment, activity changes and exercises. |
Free Initial Consultation
Contact us at 817-784-2330 or with the form below to schedule an appointment for a complimentary initial consultation. Prevention
Preventing an initial episode of low back pain or a recurrence of pain after recovery is one of our primary goals is helping educate our patients. A sedentary lifestyle is one the most common causes of low back pain. Introducing activity to your routine does not have to be tremendously burdensome. The activity does not need to be particularly vigorous. Walking is one of the best activities to add to your day. Breaking up periods of sitting with short walks in the office or even standing and shifting weight from one foot to the other is helpful. Of course regular exercise is highly recommended. You should choose an activity that you enjoy which will help you to consistently perform it. We highly recommend resistance training. It can be free weights, weight machines, resistance bands or body weight exercises. Resistance training can be performed so that you also get cardiovascular exercise by keeping rest intervals short and moving briskly through your workout. Resistance training is very helpful in achieving weight loss. Regular stretching to improve flexibility helps prevent injury. Weight loss or weight management helps to decrease stress on your body. Sleep is a very often overlooked component to staying healthy and pain free. Proper nutrition to supply your energy needs and proper function of the body. Managing stress is not only helpful in decreasing the risk of back pain but also for your total health and well being. |