What causes back pain?
Your lower spine, also known as the lumbar spine, supports the weight of your upper body when you're standing or walking.
The constant pressure, plus weak core muscles or standing in awkward positions, can throw your vertebrae -- the bones that make up your spine -- and vertebral discs -- cushions between the vertebrae -- out of alignment. The slipped discs and misaligned vertebrae can rub against your nerves, causing pain and muscle spasms.
What are the risk factors for back pain?
You’re more likely to suffer from back pain if you are:
- Older
- Overweight or obese
- Pregnant
- Wearing backpacks (applies to children)
- A manual laborer or regularly do heavy lifting
Some other risk factors for back pain include:
- Sprained or strained ligaments and tendons
- Spinal discs that have herniated or degenerated
- Tumors
- Infections
- Kidney stones
- Osteoporosis
- Family history of back pain
What is the difference between acute and chronic back pain?
If you injure your back while playing sports, lifting something heavy, or by falling, you have what’s called acute back pain. This pain arises suddenly and may resolve on its own within a couple of weeks. If your back pain lasts for longer than 12 weeks, though, you have chronic back pain.
How can chiropractic relieve my back pain?
Because so many variables may be involved in your back pain, Dr. Abercrombie treats each case differently. However, most back pain involves spinal misalignments that manual or mechanical manipulations can correct.
After diagnosing the causes of your back pain, Dr. Abercrombie may choose from a variety of effective therapies, including:
- Chiropractic manipulation
- Relaxation techniques
- Trigger point therapy that releases tension in the areas where you feel pain
- Corrective exercises to strengthen muscles that maintain spinal health
- Nutritional advice, including tailor-made supplement plans
- Active Release Techniques® that release muscle tension and re-educate muscular structure
- Physical therapy to restore mobility
Will I need back surgery?
Dr. Abercrombie’s goal is to train your spine into perfect alignment and teach your body to heal itself without surgery or drugs.
When your spine is aligned, your body functions optimally and pain is relieved without the need for either drugs or surgery. That's why Dr. Abercrombie doesn't advocate using pharmacological drugs that mask the symptoms of pain, or surgery that may end up causing more damage than it repairs.
If you need relief from back pain, call Dr. Abercrombie’s dedicated team today or use the online booking form to schedule an appointment.
