Chronic Back Pain & Chiropractic Treatments

Pain is one way our bodies try to get our attention. When that pain is chronic, people often feel overwhelmed, depressed and hopeless. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2010, low back pain is the number one cause of disability worldwide. Many people who suffer with back pain also suffer from depression due to the impact the pain has in other areas of their lives. If you suffer from low back pain, it is likely you already know how debilitating it can be.

X-Ray of spine are often needed to determine most successful approach.

Can a Chiropractor be a resource for your pain-management plan? Generally speaking, when treating a back pain issue, physicians like to start with conservative and cost-effective approaches first. For many patients, this includes a visit to a Chiropractor. Patients report a decrease in spinal pain with manipulation — particularly with non-specific low back pain. Let’s look at some of the research.

“Patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors showed greater improvement and satisfaction at one month than patients treated by family physicians. Satisfaction scores were higher for chiropractic patients. A higher proportion of chiropractic patients (56 percent vs. 13 percent) reported that their low-back pain was better or much better, whereas nearly one-third of medical patients reported their low-back pain was worse or much worse.”

– Nyiendo et al (2000), Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

As of May, 2013 the Journal of American Medical Association recommends that patients with low back pain seek chiropractic care as a non-invasive/non-surgical way to manage low back pain.

Bottom line on chronic pain: it can exacerbate other health issues; including mental health issues. If you are one of the millions who live with prolonged back pain, a chiropractor may be a good option for you. Many patients have reduced pain and it is an economical option, as well as one that starts with the least amount of intervention. Your Chiropractor may also be able to give you lifestyle recommendations to reduce the strain on your back. Having a chronic condition means that in order to sustain a quality of life, each sufferer must find a way to navigate and diminish the moments that pain steals away.