Health Watch: Back Pain 101- By Dr. Victor St John DC & Dr. Tracey Reeb DC

In my last blog I talked about heavy backpacks and an increase in back pain seen in kids. Did you know that eighty percent of adults will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives? Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Most cases of back pain are mechanical in nature or non-organic; meaning—not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture, or cancer. Here are some ways to recognize the difference between simple low back pain and back pain that maybe a little more involved.

What Causes 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 back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements can create intense pain in your back. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain even more. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss. Most often back pain will stem from a strained muscle, or ligament in the back. These very minor injuries usually heal within a few days. Some pain, however, continues. Sometimes a painful injury or disease changes the way the pain signals are sent through the body, and, even after the problem has gone away or is inactive, the pain signals still reach the brain. It is as if the pain develops a memory that keeps being replayed.

Can Back Pain go away
by itself?

Until recently, researchers believed that back pain would heal on its own. We have learned, however, that this is not always true. A recent study showed that when back pain is not treated correctly, it may go away temporarily, but will most likely return. It is imperative to receive proper treatment, so that the pain and dysfunction does not return.

How Can I Prevent
Back Pain?

• Don’t lift by bending over. Instead, bend your hips and knees and then squat to pick up the object. Keep your back straight, and hold the object close to your body.

• Don’t twist your body while lifting.

• Push, rather than pull, when you must move heavy objects.

• If you must sit for long periods, take frequent breaks and stretch.

• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.

• Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic, DO, MD, or Physical Therapist

• Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities.

• Maintain proper posture.

• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

• Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.

• Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.

• Work with your human resources to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct.

What Should I Tell My
Doctor of Chiropractic, MD, PT or DO?

Before any treatment session, tell your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Pain goes down your leg below your knee.

• Your leg, foot, groin, or rectal area feels numb.

• You have fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, weakness, or sweating.

• You lose bowel control.

• Your pain is caused by an injury.

• Your pain is so intense you can’t move around.

• Your pain doesn’t seem to be getting better quickly.

Top 10 Back Breaking
jobs

In a recent informal survey, the following occupations were found to cause the most stress and strains on the muscles of the back.

10. Auto mechanics

9. Nurses

8. Delivery drivers

7. Firefighters/EMTs

6. Shingle roofers

5. Farmers

4. Police officers

3. Landscapers

2. Construction workers’

1. Heavy truck and
tractor-trailer drivers

By Dr. Victor St. John DC & Dr. Tracey Reeb DC

www.studiocitychiropractor.com

The information and recommendations appearing on this page are
appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for a diagnosis by
a specialist. For specific information concerning your health condition,
consult your Doctor of Chiropractic, MD or PT.