Simple ways to alleviate back pain

Few health problems are as prevalent as back pain. The American Chiropractic Association says that 50 percent of working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. Bone and Joint Health Canada states that as much as 80 percent of people experience back pain at least once in their lifetime. Back pain can be so significant that it results in a loss of function that impedes daily activities. In fact, according to the 2015 Global Burden of Disease report, back pain is the single leading cause of disability in most countries. Back pain can be a complex issue. According to data complied by TheGoodBody.com, only one in 10 people learns the primary cause of their pain. That’s because many things, including muscle sprains or joint irritation, can contribute to back pain. Other factors that may contribute to back pain include arthritis, stress, obesity, or diseases of the internal organs. Each of these issues can make it challenging to uncover the culprit behind back pain. Ruling out degenerative diseases can be a first step in treating back pain. Doctors also may ask their patients about their level of physical activity. Doctors may want to know if patients suffering back pain engage in activities involving repetitive movements to determine if their back pain can be traced to these activities. Some common factors contribute to back pain, and addressing these issues may bring about relief. • Strengthen core muscles. Poor muscle tone, especially in the back and abdominal muscles, may result in back pain. Engaging in activities that strengthen the core can help strengthen the area, offering more support to the back. A doctor, physical therapist or fitness instructor may guide you in exercises, such as planks or abdominal crunches, that can strengthen the core. • Get up and move. A sedentary lifestyle can be a major contributor to back pain. Nearly half of Americans who experience back pain are desk workers who spend the majority of their time sitting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Qi Spine, a clinic that gathered data from 1,300 people who said they deal with spine-related pain, found that half the participants with sedentary jobs had lower back pain. Standing, moving around and taking breaks from the desk can help alleviate pain. • Lose weight. The spine is vulnerable to effects of obesity. Extra weight in the abdomen may pull the pelvis forward and strain the lower back, states the American Obesity Association. Losing weight can reduce that strain on the lower back, thereby reducing pain. Back pain is a frequent complaint and compels many people to visit their doctors. Exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening core muscles can go a long way toward keeping the back healthy and pain-free.

Non-invasive & precise

The main form of treatment chiropractors deliver is called an adjustment – a noninvasive procedure consisting of a precise directed movement to help relieve pain and discomfort, and restore range of motion. Some chiropractors may also use other therapies such as:

• X-ray

• LASER

• acupuncture

• massage

• heat

• ultrasound

• shock-wave therapy

• traction

A chiropractor is authorized to make a direct referral to any medical specialist for consultation and/or treatment when appropriate.

Why would you see a chiropractor?

Some of the common conditions people see a chiropractor for include:

• conditions of the spine and extremities (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nervous system)

• back pain (thoracic, lumbar and sacral)

• neck pain (cervical spine and related structures)

• headaches and migraines

• chronic and acute pain syndromes including myofascial pain syndromes

• whiplash and auto accident injuries (see our MVA information)

• strains and sprains

• repetitive strain injuries/joint conditions, including shoulder, hip and knee arthritis

• work or sports injuries (see our WCB information)

• anterior chest wall

• gait assessment and analysis

• general health and well being

• nutrition, therapeutic exercise, lifestyle and ergonomic counselling and recommendations

Treatment goals

• Acute and chronic care

• relieve pain

• reduce muscle spasm and inflammation

• increase flexibility

• restore function and range of motion

• treatment plan appropriate to specific individual

• return to normal activities of daily living as quickly as possible

• Rehabilitation

• increase strength

• increase and maintain flexibility

• stabilize

• Prevention

• correct postural habits and modify

• ergonomic modification

• minimize recurrences

• lifestyle and nutritional considerations

Chiropractors: MSK experts

Doctors of chiropractic (chiropractors) are spine and musculoskeletal (MSK) system experts specifically trained to diagnose the underlying cause, treat and recommend options to relieve pain, restore mobility and prevent reoccurrence so people can lead healthy active lives. The MSK system is comprised of:

• bones

• muscles

• cartilage

• tendons

• joints

• connective tissues

• nervous system As experts in spine and MSK health, chiropractors can also:

• recommend exercises

• give you information about nutrition and a healthy diet

• give you information about general health and staying as healthy as possible For more information, see Chiropractic Treatment.

Highly educated

In Canada, chiropractors must:

• complete at least seven years of post-secondary education, including a four-year academic program at an accredited chiropractic college

• treat patients in a supervised clinic setting during their final two years of education Additionally, to be a chiropractor in Alberta, doctors must:

• pass national Clinical Competency Examination

• maintain professional competency through approved seminars and courses

Highly regulated

Being regulated means that chiropractors in Alberta must obey all legislative requirements set by the government for all health care providers. Other health care providers that are regulated include nurses, dentists, medical doctors and optometrists. In Alberta, the Health Professions Act ensures all regulated health care providers:

• are educated and trained to national standards

• practice within a defined scope of practice

• adhere to strict Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics

• hold liability protection/coverage

• meet continuing competency standards

• are accountable to a regulatory organization The Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors is entrusted with administering the requirements set by government in the Health Professions Act (legislation) for all chiropractors.