Back pain, what is it?

Back pain (BP) is an extremely common cause of pain and disability. Moderately severe BP, unlike many other pains throughout the body, can essentially make every normal daily activity difficult and uncomfortable. It makes getting up from a chair, turning over in bed, getting in and out of a car, walking, putting on shoes and many other activities difficult. Our back is necessary for almost every activity we do throughout the day.

Mayo Clinic has estimated that 80% of all Americans will experience at least one bout of significant BP during their lives. In June, 2014, the British Medical Journal’s review of “The Global Burden of Low Back Pain: Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study” stated: “Out of all 291 conditions studied in the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study, LBP ranked highest in terms of disability…LBP causes more global disability than any other condition.”

Low back pain is extremely common and can cause us to miss out on much of what we enjoy in life. Time is lost from work, from activities and sports that we enjoy, and can keep us from even the most basic forms of caring for ourselves.

Some of the numerous causes of BP include sprains and strains that can occur when we put too much stress on the muscles and ligaments throughout the back. Sprains and strains can result from a singular lifting, from automobile or sports injury as well as from repetitive strain when similar activities are repeated over and over again. This can include activities we frequently perform at our job or at home. Disc injuries are another common cause of BP. Discs can rupture putting pressure on nerves or on other tissue in the back that cause pain. Discs also wear out over time. Disc wear and arthritis frequently cause BP. Anything that causes or puts abnormal stress or strain on the muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, discs or nerves can cause BP.

Chiropractors have effectively provided low back pain relief for over a century. Chiropractic treatment frequently includes spinal manipulation, massage, exercise instruction and physiotherapy such as ultrasound and muscle stimulation. Contact us today for more information!