Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common complaints that brings people to their doctor and chiropractor. According to Mayo Clinic most people will experience low back pain at least one time during their lives. (1) Back pain causes people to miss work, go to the doctor and take pain medication. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Americans spend approximately 50 billion dollars each year on the treatment of low back pain. (2)

Most low back pain is mechanical in nature, which means that it’s the result of some type of trauma or a disorder such as arthritis. Athletes have difficulty with low back pain as a result of sports injuries, poor flexibility or trauma during sporting activities. Athletes also experience pain from over-activity when muscles and ligaments can be injured.

Symptoms are often shooting or stabbing pains that are related to muscle spasms in the lower back. These pains come with movement or can occur without movement. Sometimes there is pain that radiates down one leg or both. You may find that you are more comfortable lying down, sitting or standing.

Most lower back pain is treated without surgery. In fact, many times it gets better without treatment. Non-surgical treatments include hot or cold therapy, which ever is most comfortable for you, as well as some rest, therapeutic exercises and some analgesics. Chiropractic care is an option that will help you determine body mechanics that are healthier and develop therapeutic exercises to help you reduce pain.

Once an athlete has experienced lower back pain, it’s important to prevent further injury. Combine aerobic exercises and therapeutic exercises to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Your core muscles are important to the prevention of lower back pain, both strength and flexibility. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the stress on your lower back and use proper lifting techniques when you are doing daily activities or lifting at the gym.

Good posture is important to avoid any future problems as well. Proper posture will keep your core strong and your lower back well supported during your daily activities.

References:

(1) MayoClinic: Back Pain

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/basics/definition/con-20020797

(2) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Low Back Pain Fact Sheet

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain/detail_backpain.htm

Resources:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeon: Low Back Pain

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00311

American Chiropractic Association: Back Pain Facts and Statistics

http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68

National Insitute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin disease: Back Pain

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_info/Back_Pain/default.asp