Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is recognised as one of the most common reasons for referrals to all doctors, and accounts for a large proportion of missed days at work. In fact, research suggests that up to 80% of people will experience back pain at some stage of their lives. While for some people back pain is little more than discomfort, for others it can leave them incapacitated. Many of the work-related injuries in the Newcastle region are to this part of the body.
While some cases of back pain originate from injury, accidents or conditions such as arthritis or fracture, the most common cause of back pain is stress to the joints and muscles of the back, which accumulates from day-to-day activities, such as:
~ poor posture
~ incorrect bending and lifting
~ sitting down for extended periods of time
~ sleeping incorrectly
~ twisting the body into an uncomfortable position
~ extended periods of flexing forward
Most people are prone to back pain, as the lower back area supports a lot of our body weight, and relies heavily on the strength of the vertebrae in our spine. If the spine is not in correct alignment, areas of weakness can develop, resulting in symptoms, and premature wear of the spinal structures. More serious conditions can eventually develop affecting nerves and discs which are far more difficult and time consuming to treat. Early detection and treatment is a well accepted approach to almost all health conditions. Any problem left too long, will always be more challenging to treat, but even spines with advanced arthritis or osteoporosis can still benefit from manual therapy. It is therefore important not to ignore back pain, even when it subsides within a few days. Symptoms such as minor aches and stiffness are usually an early indication of an underlying condition that can eventually develop into something more painful or chronic.
While many people look for medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin when they suffer from low back pain, these should not be considered first-line treatments. While medication may reduce the symptomatic pain, it does not treat the actual problem. This means that once the medication wears off, the pain usually returns. This will continue until the underlying mechanism driving the pain is addressed.
Chiropractic had consistently shown to be effective in relieving lower back pain in the long term, by addressing the deeper problems connected to the pain. By releasing tension in the joints and muscles, Chiropractors provide a safe, simple and efficient form of therapy for back care. Inner West Chiropractic Care can also recommend a course of exercise and general health maintenance, coupled with Chiropractic to ensure permanent alleviation of back problems.
There are some things you can do to help prevent relapses, or to minimise the severity of lower back pain. Some useful tips include:
1. Avoid sudden bending,
twisting or sharp movement
while in pain. This can
aggravate pre-existing
vulnerabilities to back
problems.
2. Maintain proper posture at all
times
3. Make sure that your
workspace is ergonomically
designed. This includes things
like a supportive chair, a
well-placed computer monitor
and a workstation layout that
does not require a lot of
twisting and turning
4. Purchase a good quality
mattress designed to support
your back while you sleep
5. Engage in regular exercise.
Even if you are suffering from
back pain, bed rest is often
not the most preferable
option
6. Low impact exercise such as
walking or swimming will help
the back muscles remain
active and loose
7. When exercising, ensure you
correctly warm up and cool
down every time
8. Wear comfortable flat or
low-heeled shoes
While some cases of back pain originate from injury, accidents or conditions such as arthritis or fracture, the most common cause of back pain is stress to the joints and muscles of the back, which accumulates from day-to-day activities, such as:
~ poor posture
~ incorrect bending and lifting
~ sitting down for extended periods of time
~ sleeping incorrectly
~ twisting the body into an uncomfortable position
~ extended periods of flexing forward
Most people are prone to back pain, as the lower back area supports a lot of our body weight, and relies heavily on the strength of the vertebrae in our spine. If the spine is not in correct alignment, areas of weakness can develop, resulting in symptoms, and premature wear of the spinal structures. More serious conditions can eventually develop affecting nerves and discs which are far more difficult and time consuming to treat. Early detection and treatment is a well accepted approach to almost all health conditions. Any problem left too long, will always be more challenging to treat, but even spines with advanced arthritis or osteoporosis can still benefit from manual therapy. It is therefore important not to ignore back pain, even when it subsides within a few days. Symptoms such as minor aches and stiffness are usually an early indication of an underlying condition that can eventually develop into something more painful or chronic.
While many people look for medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin when they suffer from low back pain, these should not be considered first-line treatments. While medication may reduce the symptomatic pain, it does not treat the actual problem. This means that once the medication wears off, the pain usually returns. This will continue until the underlying mechanism driving the pain is addressed.
Chiropractic had consistently shown to be effective in relieving lower back pain in the long term, by addressing the deeper problems connected to the pain. By releasing tension in the joints and muscles, Chiropractors provide a safe, simple and efficient form of therapy for back care. Inner West Chiropractic Care can also recommend a course of exercise and general health maintenance, coupled with Chiropractic to ensure permanent alleviation of back problems.
There are some things you can do to help prevent relapses, or to minimise the severity of lower back pain. Some useful tips include:
1. Avoid sudden bending,
twisting or sharp movement
while in pain. This can
aggravate pre-existing
vulnerabilities to back
problems.
2. Maintain proper posture at all
times
3. Make sure that your
workspace is ergonomically
designed. This includes things
like a supportive chair, a
well-placed computer monitor
and a workstation layout that
does not require a lot of
twisting and turning
4. Purchase a good quality
mattress designed to support
your back while you sleep
5. Engage in regular exercise.
Even if you are suffering from
back pain, bed rest is often
not the most preferable
option
6. Low impact exercise such as
walking or swimming will help
the back muscles remain
active and loose
7. When exercising, ensure you
correctly warm up and cool
down every time
8. Wear comfortable flat or
low-heeled shoes