Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain

Low back pain is experienced by an estimated 80 percent of Americans. The condition often comes and goes, which can leave people feeling frustrated and uncertain about when they will be able to resume their favorite activities that now cause pain. These frequently asked questions about back pain will help you understand its causes and the treatment needed in order to end the pain cycle for good.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain has many causes, including accidents, overuse of muscles, poor ergonomics, sports injuries, and falls. Women often develop back pain during pregnancy, as a result of the extra weight. Individuals who are obese or suffer from poor posture may be more likely to develop back pain. If you suffer from back pain, reflect on what you were doing before the pain developed, so you understand the potential causes.

How Can I Avoid Back Pain?

The impulse to avoid pain is natural. Once you understand the factors that may be causing your pain, you can look for solutions. Losing weight, improving posture, training your body, investing in an ergonomic workstation, and strength training can all play a role in reducing back pain. Again, it depends on the underlying cause of your back pain. If you slouch forward at your desk, no amount of weight loss will make you feel better because you spend eight hours straining your back muscles.

Can My Doctor Treat Back Pain?

If you experience back pain along with numbness, fever, muscle weakness or difficulty urinating, you should see your doctor as there could be an underlying infection requiring medical care.

For muscle stiffness, soreness, and mobility restrictions, a chiropractor may be a better choice. Chiropractors can adjust the back to restore the integrity and alignment of your spine, while recommending stretching and strengthening exercises to keep pain from coming back.

Conventional medical treatment of back pain often consists of medication. Medication can relieve pain, but will never treat the root cause. When you stop taking the medication, your pain will come back. Chiropractors find and treat the root cause of back pain to help you regain your full range of motion and wellbeing.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

While people worry that a chiropractor may crack their back, chiropractic treatments are actually gentle. Any cracking sounds free fluid and gas trapped between joints, restoring proper movement to the body. Chiropractic care is safe provided you see a licensed chiropractor. Compared with conventional medical treatment, which either uses drugs or recommends invasive procedure, many patients prefer the non-invasive nature of chiropractic care.

If you have been injured in an auto accident and have since suffered back pain, contact Utah Accident Clinic. Our chiropractors in Provo, UT will work with your lawyers to provide the documentation you need to get your treatment covered.

Does it Improve on its Own?

Back pain can improve on its own if the underlying cause is overuse or mild injury. Frequently, however, back pain lingers or comes and goes, causing frustration and physical pain. Now that you understand causes of back pain, treatment methods, and what to expect,  you can evaluate your options. Many patients decide it’s worthwhile to treat the condition to stop the pain and get back to full health.