Low back pain is a major health issue. It affects over 80% of the working population at some point in their life, second only to the common cold as a cause of lost work time. However, as a patient at Apple Creek Sports Medicine Centre back pain doesn’t have to hijack your sick days.
What causes low back pain?
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 low back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements, for example picking up a pencil from the floor, can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate low back pain.
What will a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor will first take a medical history, perform a physical examination, and may use laboratory tests or diagnostic imagining to determine if treatment is appropriate for your low back pain.
The treatment plan may involve one or more manual adjustments in which the doctor manipulates the joints, using a controlled, sudden force to improve range and quality of motion. Many chiropractors incorporate soft tissue therapy to the surrounding muscles, exercise and rehabilitation, or acupuncture treatment into the treatment plan. The goals of chiropractic care include restoration of function and prevention of injury in addition to back pain relief.
If low back pain hits you this year don’t suffer through the pain, we are here to help you feel better. Contact us at Apple Creek Sports Medicine Centre to schedule an appointment and we will get you back on track to feeling your best.
Dr. Livia Chiarelli, B.Sc(Hons), DC