When it comes to low back pain, essentially every aspect of your daily life is affected. Low back pain interferes with work, recreational activities, interacting with your children or spouse, driving and more. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Persistent low back pain should not be ignored, even if it “comes and goes.” While short-term low back pain may only last a few days or a few weeks, if left untreated, low back pain can become more serious.
Low Back Pain Symptoms Can Be Deceiving
Most back pain is due to a mechanical failure of sorts in your back, often a result from some sort of trauma, such as a sport injury, car accident or stress on the spinal bones or tissues, or as a result of a disorder, such as arthritis. However, as we age, bone strength, muscle tone, and muscle elasticity decrease. Our discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility, which decrease the ability to cushion the vertebrae. So as we age, things we used to be able to do easily, now can cause back issues. For example, when lifting something heavy or stretching to reach something, injuries can take place, such as strains, sprains or muscle spasms. Whatever the cause, it is important to quickly see a specialist to diagnose the problem.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain
Proper diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination, review of your personal and family medical history and in most cases, X-ray imaging of the site of the back pain. In most cases, treatment involves reducing inflammation and restoring strength and functionality to the back. Most low back pain is treatable without surgery. In fact, a chiropractor uses very conservative, gentle, yet effective techniques to alleviate low back pain without using painkillers, which simply mask the problem.
No matter the cause, low back pain should be dealt with swiftly so that it does not progress into a much worse condition. Call Epic Healthcare & Physical Medicine today to schedule a consultation. You don’t have to just live with the pain or hope it simply goes away on its own. It usually won’t. You owe it to yourself to feel better and get back to a pain free life!