Are you ready for yet another article on low back pain? I’ll try to keep it interesting for you with some facts that most people don’t know. It is a fact that 60 to 80 percent of adults will suffer from low back pain at some point in their life, and low back pain is one of the top ten reasons why adults present to emergency rooms. Of those who suffer from low back pain, in up to 10 percent that pain will become chronic, meaning it doesn’t go away. Another interesting fact is that back symptoms are the most common cause of disability for persons under 45 years of age. It is also known people who smoke, are obese, depressed, and anxious or have high stress jobs have a higher incidence of low back pain.
Many of the pain sensitive nerve endings in the spine are in the facet joints. These are the interlocking joints above and below each vertebra that allow for movement of the spine. The normally smooth adjoining surfaces can become irritated, rough and swollen, producing pain. The Chiropractic approach to treatment involves restoring the proper movement and function of these joints. Now, the painkillers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medication can produce temporary relief of symptoms, but do nothing to treat the cause of the problem. Most back injuries are not the result of a single activity or exposure to heavy lifting but instead are related to repetitive motion. Injuries that are the result of lifting or a single incident can be more of a “disc” problem. These are more complicated than sprains and strains of the joints, but are still effectively managed by chiropractic care. Disc injuries can irritate the nerves that exit the spine and travel down your leg, more commonly known as “Sciatica.” Disc bulges and herniations may require more aggressive management.
However, if you jump straight to a surgical option without trying other treatments first, its difficult to go back. Even if your pain is from a failed low back surgery syndrome, you may still get relief with Chiropractic treatment. The bottom line is the treatment you are receiving should be helping. If not, another opinion should be sought.
For more information on your low back problems contact the valley’s only Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist, Dr. Ron Cappi of BKP Chiropractic and Rehabilitation at 661-259-2211.