You may know that you have a back problem plaguing you, but you may not know exactly what is wrong. There are countless problems that can happen with the back and spine. However, there are very common issues we see all the time in-office and specific treatments to help with those back problems. Here are a few of our most popular back treatments for pain, neuropathy, stiffness and more!

 

Common Symptoms of Back Pain

Did you know that the back is one of the areas of the body most commonly injured? The risk for injury grows with age and will also depend on your lifestyle, exercise, nutrition and chronic conditions. The American Chiropractic Association reports that pain in the lumbar spine—or lower back—is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. It’s the most common reason that workers take sick days. At least ½ of working Americans have reported having various types of back pain while on the job. Most back problems will manifest pain—sometimes chronic—on a daily basis.

 

Back conditions and back problems lead to symptoms such as:

  • Pops, cracks or noises when you move that weren’t previously there
  • Pain that is either better or worse after resting or exercising
  • Stiffness around the spine or in the muscles near the spine
  • Back spasms that can make it difficult to stand, move or sit
  • Neuropathy symptoms such as numbness, tingling or chronic pain
  • Stiffness in the spine, back or neck
  • Inflammation that happens in the back that is either visible or felt (or both)

 

Most Common Causes of Back Problems

Every patient will be different, so the cause of their back problems may be different as well. One of the most common causes of poor back health is the presence of a degenerative disorder (such as arthritis) or a disease. If you have arthritis, it is the first factor in poor back health we would look at because it is so common in our patients.

 

However, injuries are also very common with the back and spine, as an injury could happen from simply turning the wrong way. If you stand up and twist as you stand, you could herniate a disc. Major back problems can come from more major events such as whiplash sustained in a car accident. They can even come from activities such as gardening because your back is in a specific position taking force for a long period of time.

 

Some patients will have a disc tear or injuries from overuse in athletics or exercise. Others will have trigger points built up from stress or pressure. It all depends on the patient. Other common causes of poor back health or back pain include vertebral fractures, scoliosis, whiplash, spinal stenosis, pregnancy, and car accidents. No matter the cause, there are great ways to avoid back problems in the first place.

 

Methods to Avoid Back Problems

It’s easier to avoid health issues if you know the right tips to avoid them. Here are a few we suggest to have a healthy back. These tips coincidentally help you to have a healthier body overall:

  • Eat a nutritious diet. Countless chronic conditions (including aches and pains) are caused by a lack of nutrition. Lacking just one vitamin can lead to detrimental health problems. Over time, those turn into chronic health problems. You can get back problems such as weakness, atrophy, slow healing, neuropathy (nerve damage) and more if you don’t eat plenty of protein, vitamins, minerals, water, fruits and veggies.
  • Stay active. When muscles aren’t used, they atrophy. This can happen in 2 weeks or less. If you want to avoid back problems, getting enough exercise is key. The American Heart Association recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. That can even be walking!
  • Correct your posture. Lower back pain can be attributed to how you’re sitting and standing each day. Stand with equal weight on both feet and sit with a pillow behind your back or with proper back support.
  • Stop tobacco and alcohol products. Both lead to nerve damage and chronic illnesses.
  • Learn proper technique. Exercises and sports lead quickly to injury and back problems if you don’t know how to properly lift weights, turn or do specific moves.
  • Seek chiropractic help. When the back and spine are properly aligned, it can help you to have better form, fewer back problems and a reduced risk for back problems.

 

Improper lifting, posture, poor shoe support and poor diets can all contribute to poor back health, but there are many other factors as well. Come in for a consultation to help determine the causes and healing treatments for your back problems. You can do that by calling Spine Correction Center of the Rockies today at (913) 732-0087!