Back pain is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society.  It is the second most common reason for missed work, second only to the common cold.  It costs employers millions of dollars each year in missed work. 

Back pain can come from different sources.  It usually involves a lack of proper function in the muscles, nerves or vertebrae.  Over  time the lack of proper  function continues until an injury occurs.  In the work place, this is known as microtrauma.  An area weakens to the point where it can no longer function.  This is when the back goes out.  Many people think that the back ‘goes out’ for no reason.  In reality, it is years of dysfunction and damage that eventually lead to the back going out.

Another common misconception is that back pain is from a tight or pulled muscle.  If this is the case, the pain will improve significantly in seven to ten days.  There can also be nerve involvement where the pain travels to other areas, such as the legs.  There may also be a numbness or tingling that can occur with or without pain.

Rather than try to diagnose and treat yourself, I recommend that you leave it to the experts.  Chiropractors are the most qualified to diagnose and treat back pain.  Instead of medicating the pain, a chiropractor will find the cause of the pain.  This is done through a consultation, a complete orthopedic and neurological examination and x-rays if necessary.  Once the cause is located, treatment is designed to provide a solution to get rid of the cause of back pain.  A chiropractor is  checking the function of the muscle, and the nerves.  They are also looking for any restriction in movement of the spine.  The treatment consists of removing restrictions through chiropractic adjustments or manipulation.  This improves movement, circulation and increases nerve function.  Treatment should also consist of releasing tight muscles, also known as knots or spasms.  This could be done through myofascial release or trigger point therapy.  As the muscles begin to loosen, it is imperative to stretch and strengthen them through exercises.  The exercises are important as some of these will strengthen the core.  These are the muscles that surround and protect the spine.  Strengthening the core significantly reduces the chances of having back pain in the future.  The treatment should address all of the components previously.

There are many things that can cause back pain.  The best recommendation that I can give is to find a physician who can find the  cause of back pain.  There are many people in today’s society taking over-the-counter and prescription medications for back pain on a regular basis.  This does not have to be the case.  Covering up symptoms with medications ignores the underlying cause and delays the healing process.  Back pain is not something that you have to live with.  Finding the cause and getting treatment that allows healing is an excellent solution.  It does take a little time.  Sometimes the best solution is not always the quickest solution but may lead to a more permanent resolution.

Call Spinal Correction Center of Richmond to schedule a comprehensive exam at (804) 740-PAIN.