Sunday, December 27, 2009

Back Pain


The common perspective amongst individuals in the general public is that Chiropractic treats back pain. Yes! It is true that people who seek chiropractic care for back pain do yield great results. However, the fact of the matter is, their low back pain may have improved without chiropractic intervention. For some, general rest, acupuncture, or hot/cold packs may have had the same positive results. The important thing to know is that there is no cook book recipe or formula that is designed to be effective for every episode of back pain. As research advances so must our thought process in dealing with the condition. For years, the medical community has prescribed weeks of bed rest for the treatment of low back pain. Today however, we know that bed rest may tend to make the pain worse. We now understand that the quicker we get the connecting muscles of the spine active and balanced, the better outcome is expected in the patients.

Recent research has shown that eighty percent of all low back complaints are linked to the muscles, ligaments and disks. All of which leads to an abnormal load being placed on the spine resulting in an inflammatory process and degenerative changes or arthritis. Other conditions causing low back pain include herniated disks as well as unrelated disease in the back area, for example, digestive or kidney problems, or even cancer. From the multitude of causes for low back pain, how can we be sure of what treatment is most effective. No one knows exactly. Individuals take aspirin for relief of low back pain, yet do not know the effects or level of toxicity introduced by doing so. If there is a cheaper and less toxic approach to aspirin and surgery should that not be perused?

As mentioned earlier, chiropractic is not a treatment for low back pain. However, chiropractic patients experience great results in the relief of their low back pain from care. How is that the case? Simple! A healthier body adapts and functions better than a compromised one. When we do something good to maintain our health, the whole body responds as a whole. Such things as a good night's sleep and exercise are effective for decreasing low back pain, not because they are the treatments, but rather they are good things for the whole body. Chiropractic as well is good for the whole body. Get your spine checked regularly for subluxation and express health.