1deaz.com

It is estimated that one in four U.S. adults experiences some form of lower back pain each year, and this often incapacitating discomfort is also one of the leading reasons for booking chiropractic appointments.  Chiropractors have used multiple methods of treating lower back pain for more than one hundred years.

Whether active or sedentary, people engage in actions just about every day that adversely impact their body’s wellness, without even realizing it. Badly organized work stations, poor posture, long term sitting, improper lifting and repetitive or unbalanced torso movements are common actions that can wreak havoc with someone’s back.  Previous injuries, smoking, poor eating habits, automobile accidents, birth defects and physical inactivity can all contribute to pain as well.

The lower back is made up of lumbar vertebrae, discs between the vertebrae, joints, nerves and muscles. The L4 – L5 section of the spine is the most commonly injured area. The lumbar vertebrae lie directly between the pelvis and upper torso, and are constantly shifted, jerked around and tensed. With so many tissues and bones manipulated by daily life coupled with natural degeneration, it is no wonder that this area of the body is so frequently injured.

Sciatic nerve pain is yet another recurrent cause of lower back pain. The sciatic nerve, which is the biggest nerve in the body, runs from the lumbar region of the spinal column down through the buttocks and down the back of the thighs to just beneath the knees. Sciatica can be caused by herniated discs in the spine, or any other swelling or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This can be due to a misalignment of the spine, a herniated disc, pregnancy and childbirth, tumors, and even non-spinal health problems such as diabetes.

Because Chiropractors work primarily on the back and spine, their licensing process is heavily regulated. The educational and training program is long and arduous, followed by a minimum of two years of clinical practice under close oversight. Then they must pass the license testing before they can hang out their own shingle. In addition, in most states, chiropractors must complete hours of continued studies annually in order to maintain their license, and to keep up-to-date in cutting edge procedures and equipment that is available for their practices.

The doctors who emerge from this long process are competent in a variety of therapeutic techniques and are able to provide dynamic treatment programs to ease pain, particularly in the back and spine.

Most new patient meetings with a chiropractor start with a discussion about “where you hurt.” The doctor needs to make some type of diagnosis regarding your problem before therapy commences in order to protect against more injury.

The analysis process includes taking a total medical history, a physical exam, and possibly also a neurological assessment. Other diagnostic tests that might be recommended includes x-rays, MRI, CT scan and/or electro-diagnostic tests (nerve conduction velocity, electromyography). The results of these exams will help the chiropractor determine if spinal manipulations and other chiropractic therapies would be beneficial or contra-indicated.

With regular visits to your chiropractor, your progress will be evaluated and treatment plans adjusted to assuage your lower back pain, regardless of the cause. During this course of action the goal is to help your body restore itself and ultimately return your body to the properly functioning machine it is meant to be.

Reproduction permitted only when all active hyperlinks are included. 2011 All Rights Reserved.