Low Back Pain
Back pain affects millions of people every year, and it’s one of the most common reasons why people seek medical help. Often referred to as an epidemic, back pain interferes with work, sports, social activities, and all aspects of daily life. Fortunately, chiropractic care can offer effective solutions for back pain sufferers. Doctors of chiropractic will diagnose the cause (disc, muscle, nerve, joint, etc.) and target the treatment to address the source(s).
Spinal Manipulation: A Primary Intervention
Spinal manipulation is a proven, safe, and effective method for most low back pain sufferers. Chiropractors like Dr. Shaye are the primary providers of spinal manipulation in North America, having undergone rigorous training to diagnose and treat back pain effectively.
Safe and Effective
Studies have shown that spinal manipulation is highly effective for back pain, with important mainstream studies [1] listing it as the primary intervention for acute low back pain that does not respond to self-care. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often recommended for low back pain, but research shows they offer little to no benefit. By contrast, chiropractic care is safe and effective for most patients. [2]
Rehabilitative Exercise: An Important Secondary Intervention
Whether it’s sitting (a habit some call “the new smoking”), unfitness, obesity, prior trauma, systemic diseases (autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis), or other causes of low back pain, being strong and moving properly takes time and retraining. Performance Chiropractic recognizes that for many patients, healing is a partnership between our efforts in the office, and the patient’s habits outside the office. When indicated, we’ll recommend postural retraining exercises for strength, flexibility, and healing to suit your unique needs and give you the best chance of success.
Other Natural Approaches
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a well-known and established form of integrative medicine used for centuries to treat many ailments, including low back pain. Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and facilitate healing.
Eastern descriptions of acupuncture refer to “Chi” or energy, and pain as a blockage of that energy that can be released via acupuncture. Western models of acupuncture refer to the “gate” theory of pain, in effect repatterning the nervous systems interpretations of pain. When acupuncture points are stimulated they may reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and diminish pain. Another benefit of acupuncture is that it can help release endorphins, natural painkillers that provide relief from low back pain symptoms.
Dry needling
This treatment involves the insertion of thin needles into the muscles and related tissues to deactivate trigger points, release tightness, improve circulation, and relieve pain. Dry needling is effective for treating low back pain when tight or knotted muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues are the primary causes of the pain. Dry needling can also increase blood flow, which can help reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.
Prevention Is Key
Prevention is an essential aspect of good “medicine.” Chiropractors are trained to advise patients on how to prevent back pain by improving their lifestyle and reducing risk factors. Patients can also take proactive steps to protect themselves, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active through physical activity and exercise.
Take the First Step
Don’t let low back pain interfere with your daily life. Contact Performance Chiropractic to book an appointment with Dr. Shaye today. We want to help you start living pain-free and returning to all the activities you love.
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Research:
1. Roger Chou, MD; Amir Qaseem, MD, PhD, MHA; Vincenza Snow, MD; Donald Casey, MD, MPH, MBA; J. Thomas Cross, Jr, MD, MPH; Paul Shekelle, MD, PhD; Douglas K. Owens, MD, MS. Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Joint Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Annals of Internal Medicine 2 October 2007: Volume 147 Issue 7, 478-491.
2. http://www.annals.org/cgi/eletters/147/7/478#39478
