Chiropractic care has long ranked among the top choices for people seeking relief from lower back pain but new studies show that Chiropractic care is not just a good choice but the number one choice for alleviation of back pain and an extremely effective way for many patients to avoid surgery.
According to a new study by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, patients who chose chiropractic care drastically reduced their odds of surgery, especially for those under the age of 35, women and Hispanic patients. While more than 40% of patients who consulted a surgeon for back pain treatment ultimately had a surgical procedure, only 1.5% of patients who first consulted a Chiropractor proceeded with surgery; 1.5%.
Almost everyone experiences lower back pain at some point and back injuries make up the number one most prevalent occupational injury in the US today with approximately half of all working Americans reporting back pain symptoms. According to the American Chiropractic Association, back pain ranks as one of the most common reasons for missed work days and Americans spend a whopping over $50 billion each year on back pain! Not only are those injuries costly, but many times also require long-term treatment options. There are many possible causes of lower back pain including overuse, strain or injury, aging, herniated disc, arthritis, illness and even genetic disorders.
The back is made of many bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, and spinal manipulation has proven to be a safe and effective treatment option. Chiropractic doctors are experts in the workings and care of all the structures that make up our backs and as such, can offer the most thorough, non-invasive and effective treatment for back pain. Even Consumer Reports lists Chiropractors as the number one treatment option for lower back pain due to several factors including disappointment in general physician’s treatment, aversion to drug therapies and most importantly, very helpful hands-on treatments received by Chiropractic doctors.
There are ways to prevent back pain as well, among them:
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.
• Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
• Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
• Maintain proper posture.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
• Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
• Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
• Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
• Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.
If you or someone you know are suffering from persistent back pain, consult a physician and make an informed decision about your care. To find out more about how chiropractic care may benefit you, schedule a consultation today with Dr Ellis and his team at the Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center or with a Chiropractor near you.
I just moved to a new area, and I am hoping to find a good chiropractor. I was doing some research, and I’m so glad I found your site. With your advice, I will hopefully be able to prevent the need for a chiropractor so often. Warming up, cooling down, and wearing good shoes are probably the most important preventative measures to any injury. Thank you for your thoughts.