Back pain is one of the most common symptoms of spinal distress. Around 80 percent of adults experience it in their lifetime. Often this stems from changes in the spine due to neglect, common everyday activities, and it can result from accidents such as falls or vehicle collisions. For some, this pain can be intense, and it will often continue unless you seek chiropractic intervention. Back pain treatment through spinal adjustments can provide relief while correcting the position of the spine.
If you are experiencing prolonged and/or intense discomfort in your back, call Heart & Hand Chiropractic today at 1-(970) 377-3557 or e-mail us online to learn more about how we can help.
Types of Back Pain
Back pain happens to both adult men and women equally, and its intensity can range from mild and constant aches to extremely sharp bursts. It can also trouble a person for longer periods of time, and is classified into three main categories based on its duration.
- Acute Back Pain lasting up to 4 weeks.
- Sub Acute Back Pain is one which can last from 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic back pain lasts longer than 12 weeks.
Some back pain, such as most back spasms, can resolve quickly. Studies suggest that in 20% of cases, sub-acute back pain can develop into chronic back pain.
Some Common Back Problems
Back problems can vary depending on their causes and the regions that they affect. Some of the most common back problems prevalent among people include:
Herniated Disc
Our spine is a complex arrangement of bones and discs. Discs are a jelly like rubbery cushion between the vertebral bones that provide flexibility and shock absorption in the spine. A herniated discoccurs when this jelly squeezes out through any cracks. It can cause a disturbance in nearby nerves and leads to numbness and lower back pain. This commonly occurs as a result of different accidents, such as those that cause whiplash.
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or disturbed, and in this case, patients tend to feel more pain while sitting. It can cause severe back pain, buttock, and/or in one of the legs. Patients commonly experience a tingling feeling from the buttock down into the limbs, and in some cases it also causes pain in the foot. Disc Herniation, as discussed above, is one of the causes for sciatica.
Poor Posture
If you spend a great deal of time sitting down, bad posture can be a contributing factor to your spinal misalignment. Posture pain normally starts from the neck and runs down the spine. As you switch positions or stretch, you may experience temporary relief. It’s important to maintain an upright posture and sit with support to your back.
Is Medication a Right Treatment for Spine Pain?
Although medications are used as a common symptom reliever, they aren’t a solution to the root cause of your back pain. Pain relief medications also carry side effects that can cause you further health related problems.
For instance, the first pain reliever generally prescribed by pharmacists is acetaminophen. However, some of the side effects associated with this include swelling in the tongue and throat, and breathing problems. Opioids are another type of pain relief medication, and not only do they have side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, and nausea, they’re also highly addictive.
Since medications can only assist with symptoms and they aren’t actually back pain treatment options, it’s better to seek the assistance of a chiropractor. Spinal misalignments that cause back pain are mainly mechanical in nature, and thus are best treated through spinal adjustments.
Consult a Chiropractor
Your lifestyle choices play a major role in causing – as well as relieving – your back pain. Together with posture adjustments, chiropractors can help you find relief.
Heart and Hand Chiropractic focuses both on the adjustment of the spine, as well as teaching you proper techniques to prevent further misalignment. We care about your overall health, not just treating your symptoms. If you’d like to come in for a free spinal screening, contact our Fort Collins office at (970) 377-3557 or message us online to schedule a visit.