Back pain is one of the most common health problems we face today. 75 million Americans will experience back pain each year. 80 percent of the adult population will have low back pain at some time during their lives. It is the most common cause of disability among the 30-50 year age group. Because these age groups are usually the most productive in the work force, the economic impact of low back pain is enormous.
While back pain patients comprise the second largest diagnostic group seen by medical family practitioners, the treatments recommended by these practitioners (drugs) are often found to be ineffective. A prominent medical researcher has suggested that family physicians consider referring their back pain patients for chiropractic care, as it has proven helpful for this disorder.
Low back pain generally is a mechanical disorder that needs suitable treatment. Chiropractic manipulation is just such a method. A growing number of low back pain sufferers are turning to chiropractic each year and are finding relief.
CAUSES OF BACK PAIN
There are many causes for back pain. The following represents some of the most common ones:
Stress and Tension: Stress and emotional tension can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Poor Posture: Poor posture-standing for long periods of time or sitting incorrectly-can cause back pain (so watch out while you’re at the office).
Physical Work: Low back pain is often associated with heavy physical work, lifting or forceful movement, bending or twisting, or awkward positions. This can be made worse with improper lifting techniques.
Daily Activities: Even healthy, normal activities can cause muscle sprains and strains, which can lead to back pain. Gardening, tennis, horseback riding, biking, and even golf can all potentially hurt your back.
Injuries and Accidents: Car accidents, slips and falls, sports injuries, and other mishaps can all cause back pain.
Weight Gain: Being overweight puts pressure and stress on the back, especially the low back.
Aging: Ligaments thicken and discs dry out with age. These age-related changes in the spine may lead to disorders that create pressure on your spinal nerves-meaning that you’ll have symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness.
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO CARE
We offer a unique and comprehensive approach to care for back pain.
Our primary treatment of choice for back pain is the chiropractic adjustment. A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, low force correction which re-aligns the vertebrae, restores normal joint function and reduces stress to the spine and nervous system.
Most patients who suffer with chronic back pain almost always have tight stiff muscles and inflexibility problems. To correct this problem, we design a flexibility and stretch training program that is designed to restore pain-free range of motion.
If the spine has been injured or if there is an old injury that has never been properly evaluated and rehabbed, we will often incorporate balance and stabilization rehabilitation to improve coordination and spinal structural integrity.
Ultimately, the strength of the spine is based on the strength of the supportive soft tissues (specifically the muscles). Just like the suspension cables that support a bridge (thus giving the bridge it’s strength), the muscles in your back give the spine it’s strength and durability. If one of these muscles has a weakness, it can lead to reocurrences of back pain. To remedy the problem, we do a functional evaluation to find weak areas. And then we prescribe strengthening exercises so you not only get out of pain, but you stay out of pain.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have been suffering with back pain, the next thing you should do is call us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stiffey. After you have scheduled your appointment, please download your new patient paperwork – right from this website. You can print the forms at home or work, fill them out (to completion), and bring them along with you for your first appointment. That way, when you show up, all the paperwork is finished and Dr. Stiffey can get straight to work to diagnose and treat your problem.
We look forward to helping you enjoy a pain-free lifestyle!
Call us today! 573-769-2400