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Back Injuries
 If
you're suffering from lower back pain you're not alone. More
than 80% of North Americans will at some time in their life
suffer from the disabling confines of lower back pain.
According to experts, lower back pain is the number one disability
culprit in workers' compensation
claims and accounts for more than $50 billion annually in
the US through medical care and lost production. In addition,
the latest research shows most lower back problems which cause
low back pain do not fully resolve without extensive treatment
and proper rehabilitation, contrary to previous beliefs.
The chiropractic doctor
is unique in the health care field in that much of the training
in chiropractic colleges is specifically aimed at identifying
and successfully treating and managing lower back conditions.
General medical practitioners generally lack adequate training
in this area and have not learned the skills necessary to
most effectively identify and treat most back conditions.
Many tissues can generate low back pain. Unfortunately, research
shows that the exact tissues causing low back pain cannot
be specifically identified in up to 80% of individuals. In
other words, we cannot single out the tissue(s) responsible
for the pain. These patients are said to suffer from "nonspecific
low back pain"; the specific cause of the pain cannot
be determined.
Common events leading or contributing
to the development of lower back pain include:
- incomplete rehabilitation of past injuries
- lack of proper and periodic lumbar spinal alignments
- presence of lumbar spine subluxations
- improper lifting techniques
- auto accidents
- improper workstation setup
- poor posture
- prolonged sitting
- prolonged use of non-ergonomically designed equipment
- excessive repetitive torsal motions
- exposure to vibratory forces (truck drivers, jack hammer
operators)
- scoliosis (lateral deviation of the spine)
- fallen foot arches and other foot abnormalities
- physical inactivity
- poor diet and nutritional practices
- smoking
Identifying The Cause
The first step in treating low back pain is to determine
what has and is causing the low back pain. Once the causes
and contributing factors are identified, a successful treatment
plan can be structured to eliminate the pain and achieve the
goals of the patient.
Proper Habits
and Techniques
Another key ingredient to a successful low back pain treatment
plan includes the learning of proper postural habits and other
techniques. Proper posture is a significant factor in the
health of the back and proper posture should always be practiced.
Techniques common to daily living and work also play a major
role in the development or lack of development of low back
pain. This includes proper lifting techniques, avoidance of
repetitive motions, avoidance of prolonged sitting, and much
more. We can teach you correct habits and techniques which
will protect your back from discomfort and injury.
How To Maintain
A Healthy Lower Back
Regular spinal checkups. Maintaining
proper alignment and functioning of the lower back through
periodic spinal adjustments minimizes the stresses to structures
of the lower back. Also, keeping the nervous system free from
interference ensures proper communication between the various
structures of the lower back.
Proper lifting and ergonomics.
Practicing proper lifting techniques and ergonomics are key
in preventing lower back injury at work and preventing future
recurrences of old injuries.
Regular exercise. Routine physical
activity keeps the heart healthy and keeps the spine and the
rest of the body strong and healthy. A minimum of 3 times
per week for 40 minutes should be your goal. Involve friends
and family, mix up the activities, keep it fun and stay consistent!
Proper diet and nutrition. Providing
your body with the proper fuel increases performance, reduces
the likelihood of injury and sickness, speeds recovery after
injury, and keeps you feeling good. If, like the rest of us,
you're finding it difficult to get all the nutrients your
body needs, it's probably time to supplement.
If you're suffering from low back pain, join the millions
of other individuals who have benefited from gentle, safe
and natural chiropractic care. Our treatments provide fast,
effective relief which not only eliminates pain, but can help
increase the performance and health of the entire body.
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