Back pain is one of the most common issues affecting adults, yet it is often pushed aside. Most people resort to icing the area or taking medications for a few days until it goes away. But if left untreated, temporary back pain can lead to more serious, chronic back pain. There are options other than drugs or just ignoring the pain. Chiropractic care is an effective way to proactively treat and prevent back pain.
What you might not realize is how costly ignoring back pain can become, impacting you in ways beyond just physical discomfort. Check out what you might experience:
Financial burden: Doctor consultations, medications, physical therapy, and potential surgical interventions can add up significantly over time. Treating back pain early, when it's less complicated, can save you
Lower productivity: Persistent back pain can lower your productivity at work, at home, and in your exercise routine. Not only can this result in less income, your inability to perform everyday tasks around the house can be frustrating.
Emotional and mental toll: Back pain is annoying. And chronic back pain can affect your mental health in addition to possibly making you feel a little grumpy. Persistent discomfort can lead to unnecessary mental stress, anxiety, and depression. This is even worse for those who are avid exercisers. The disruption of your regular routine can also be a mental hurdle that's hard to overcome.
In addition to financial and mental strain, ongoing back pain can really put a damper on how you feel physically. Here are some ways your overall health can be affected by back pain:
Decreased mobility and functionality: Back pain often restricts your ability to move freely. Everyday tasks such as lifting, bending, and even walking can become burdensome and painful. This limitation may also prevent you from participating in hobbies and activities, including sports and fitness pursuits you once enjoyed.
Poor sleep quality: When back pain disrupts your sleep, it can lead to mental fogginess and difficulty making decisions.
New conditions appear: Ignoring seemingly minor back pain can lead to changes in how you move or position your body, often done unconsciously to avoid discomfort. By compensating for your back, you increase your risk of further injuries and dysfunctions, which could become chronic and require even more treatment. For example, if the left side of your lower back hurts, you put more strain on your right side which can result in more aches and pains in other areas of your body.
You might wonder when you should see a chiropractor for your back pain. While the answer varies from person to person, one thing is clear: it's much better to be proactive than reactive regarding your health. This is especially important if you're experiencing any form of back pain.
Addressing your back pain with regular chiropractic visits as soon as possible, rather than waiting to seek help, is the best way to find relief and prevent the problem from worsening. Ultimately, this approach can save you both time and money.
Additionally, preventative chiropractic care can enhance your mental health and overall quality of life. Regular neck and spinal adjustments can improve your posture, maintain flexibility, boost energy levels, and positively impact your mental well-being.
Some of the most common back treatments depend on the cause of the pain. Treatments vary based on whether it's muscular pain versus pain caused by spinal disc compression or bulging discs. Some of the most common treatments for back pain, after the chiropractor examines you, include:
Spinal adjustments alleviate spinal pressure by realigning joints and vertebrae to their correct positions. This is done by a chiropractor while you're lying down. The chiropractor is highly trained in where to put pressure along your spine to realign it. It can take several adjustments to get your spine to remain where it should. Periodic followup adjustments are helpful in keeping back pain away.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (e-stim) is helpful in relaxing muscles that may be too tight causing back spasms and pain. E-stim may be used alone or with other treatments the chiropractor feels will help relieve the specific back pain you're experiencing.
Cold laser therapy is low intensity, meaning the laser doesn’t heat up the body when used. When the laser is applied to the treatment area, affected tissues absorb the light. This causes blood to rush to the treatment area, helping the damaged cells to heal.
Spinal decompression is used when bulging or herniated discs are causing back pain. It relieves pressure on the discs, which reduces pain. It also allows more blood flow to the injured vertebrae, helping them to heal faster.
Lumbar traction is helpful when it's the lower back that's bothering you. Patients use the Back on Trac lumbar traction system for, nonsurgical stretching of the lower spine. During the decompression session, the patient sits in a comfortable chair while the spine is gently stretched and then relaxed over a period of 12-15 minutes. This is repeated a few times a week for three or more weeks to provide the most effectiveness.
Quite often a few of these treatments are used in a chiropractic session to get the best results. A treatment plan is created for each person depending on which part of the back hurts and the cause of the pain.
After seeing your chiropractor, it's important to maintain the benefits of the treatment by using some self-care techniques. These simple yet effective methods can help support your spine until your next visit.
Stretching and regular exercise are essential to chiropractic self-care as they help keep you flexible and strong. Focus on stretches that target the back, neck, and core muscles. Make it a habit to stand up, stretch both sides of your body, and move around every hour to avoid stiffness.
For optimal spinal health, focus on low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling. Strength training exercises, such as planks and bridges, can also help strengthen the core muscles around the spine.
Related blog: How Can Stretching Help Prevent Back Pain?
Poor posture can lead to various problems, including back pain and spinal misalignment. Whether sitting or standing, focus on keeping your shoulders back and your spine straight. When sitting, avoid slouching or leaning forward for extended periods, and keep your feet flat on the floor. When lifting, squat down and use your legs rather than bending over and using your back. Being mindful of your posture throughout the day and making adjustments as needed can make a significant difference.
Did you know that a balanced diet can help support spinal health? Eating nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein, ensures you're fueling your body with essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, which are vital for bone health. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation that may intensify back pain.
Staying hydrated also benefits the spine, as the spinal discs between the vertebrae are largely made up of water. Drinking enough water helps keep these discs healthy and prevents degeneration.
Managing stress and getting enough rest can also support back health. During sleep, the body—including the spine—goes through a repair process. Make sure to aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
Back pain can affect anyone. When it happens, it's best not to ignore it. If you're currently experiencing pain – whether it just appeared or it's been a while, request an appointment with our team located in Sterling Ridge in The Woodlands.