Lower back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010. Around 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.
Lower back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010. Around 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time.
The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries, car accidents, and slips and falls can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—such as picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain.
Maintain a healthy diet and weight. Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest by staying active. Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities. When lifting, make sure you lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and definitely do not twist when lifting. Maintain proper posture at all times. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. You may also sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a safe and effective spine pain treatment. It reduces pain, decreases medication, rapidly advances physical therapy, and requires very few passive forms of treatment, such as bed rest. In fact, The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research—a federal government research organization—recommends spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for lower back problems in adults.