Back pain is one of the most common reasons hard-working Americans have to take time off from work. Even though making ends meet every month is a constant struggle, the body doesn’t always cooperate. Not only does back pain interrupt work-life and jeopardize employment opportunities, but it also hampers simple daily tasks and quality time with children and grandchildren.
Seeking relief, many Americans turn to copious amounts of over-the-counter pain medication, which may inadvertently aggravate medical problems. It’s only when that becomes ineffective and the pain has reached a level that can’t be ignored that many have to take more time off for a visit to the doctor’s office.
The truth is, back pain shouldn’t be normal. And often, pushing through the pain and suffering can do more harm than good. In fact, back pain might be a sign of a deeper issue.
Ignoring Back Pain May Exacerbate Deeper Issues
While we might believe that back pain is caused by overworking or engaging in specific repeated tasks, it can be caused by many things. Understanding the anatomy of back pain is key to getting to the root of your problems.
Some common causes of chronic lower back pain include:
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal discs break down through a loss of hydration.
- Spinal Stenosis
- Narrowing of the spinal canal, causing pain and compression of the nerve roots
- Trauma fractures
- Damage caused to vertebrae, discs, muscles or ligaments as a result of trauma or impact
A few less common causes also include tumors, autoimmune diseases, severe infections along with other causes that might indicate the need for a medical diagnosis.
Opioid Use and Back Pain
Ignoring or just living with lower back pain is likely to make your problems worse. However, many people avoid doctor visits because they are not interested in strong opioids that may open the door to addiction. According to government statistics, it is alarming to know that roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. And Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
So what is the best way to seek help and avoid the pitfalls of bad situations growing worse over time? High-quality chiropractic care may provide the answer you need.
Chiropractic Care: A Safe and Effective Alternative
In a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (reported by Harvard Medical School) researchers looked at the results of 750 active-duty military personnel who complained of back pain. Some were given medications and physical therapy. Others received up to 12 chiropractic treatments.
After six weeks of treatment, those assigned to receive chiropractic care:
- Reported less pain intensity
- Experienced less disability and more improvement in function
- Reported higher satisfaction with their treatment
- Needed less pain medicine
As an alternative medicine approach, chiropractic care has an excellent track record of success with millions of Americans every year. A good chiropractor will first take the time necessary to accurately diagnose the source of your pain and walk you through non-invasive treatment options that will not only provide immediate relief from your first visit but provide a thorough plan to manage your pain and improve the quality of your life.
Get to the Root Cause of Your Pain & Start Living YOUR Life Again
Rather than just throwing pills at your pain or brushing it aside as something everyone deals with, consider taking an approach that includes high-quality chiropractic care. When you’re ready to transform your life, Carlson Chiropractic is ready to walk this new journey of healthy relief with you. Don’t put it off.