What is low back pain?
Low back pain is the most common reason people see a chiropractor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, low back pain is the second most common cause of disability in the world and accounts for more than 10 percent of all physician visits in the United States.
Low back pain can refer to any type of pain that occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back). This includes:
Acute low back pain: This refers to sudden, short-term episodes lasting from days up until weeks or months at most
Chronic low back pain: This refers to an ongoing condition lasting more than four weeks
Who gets low back pain?
Low back pain is common, especially among people who work in jobs that require a lot of bending and lifting. It's also common among people who sit for long periods of time, such as drivers and office workers. Low back pain is more common in people over age 50.
Is it safe?
Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment for low back pain. Chiropractors don't prescribe or administer drugs. They also don't use surgery or other invasive treatments to treat their patients. Chiropractic treatments are drug-free, non-invasive, and gentle enough to be used on children as well as adults or pregnant women. Many people who have been told by their doctors that there is nothing more that can be done for them with regard to their low back pain find relief through chiropractic care.
What causes low back pain?
Low back pain can have many causes. The most common are:
Overuse: repeated strain on the same muscles and joints, particularly from lifting or twisting.
Poor posture: not standing or sitting with your body aligned correctly can cause muscle fatigue and eventually pain over time.
Injury, such as a fall or car accident, which may cause muscle spasm and trigger points (areas of tenderness in muscles).
Age: as we get older, our bodies become less flexible and more prone to injury because of decreased range of motion in certain areas, such as the neck and low back. This can result in chronic pain if you don't take care of yourself by stretching regularly and exercising regularly (greater activity will keep your muscles strong).
Other causes include hormonal changes during pregnancy; stress; trauma; infections like pinched nerves caused by arthritis; cancer-related tumors pressing on nerves; anxiety disorders—all these conditions put pressure on the spine that results in lower back problems!
How do chiropractors treat it?
There are several ways chiropractors treat low back pain. First, they'll perform an adjustment to the spine, which is when they apply a controlled force to a joint in order to improve range of motion and decrease irritation or inflammation. The doctor may also recommend massage therapy and exercises to help improve posture.
They can also provide healthful lifestyle advice such as eating well and exercising regularly to help maintain a healthy weight. They'll teach you how to manage stress and encourage you to minimize activities that may have caused your low back pain (such as repetitive lifting).
Chiropractors can help reduce stress and improve overall health too.
Chiropractic care can help reduce stress and improve overall health too. A chiropractor is trained to treat the whole body, including the nervous system. This is why it's possible for them to help with a variety of other conditions that might be related to your back pain.
Chiropractors may also be able to offer tips on how you can reduce stress in your life and learn ways you can use exercise or meditation as natural methods of relaxation.
Be sure to schedule a visit with Dr. Grady right here in Wichita, Kansas to help you with your spinal health!