No Longer A Luxury – Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain
Low back pain treatment is no longer an option in today’s fast paced society. Recent research shows that adults have an 80% probability of suffering at least one acute low back pain attack in their lives – and that over 31 million people are suffering with low back pain at any given time. That’s not all – take a look at the list below.
Walking upright on two feet has advantages, but it also puts intense pressure on the spine, as well as on other muscles and bones. Add to this improper sitting, lifting, or reaching—and the normal wear and tear of working and playing—and you have the perfect recipe for back pain. That’s why back pain is the 2nd most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. In fact, some experts say, as many as 80% of us will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.
Back injuries are a part of everyday life. They can cause a sharp pain or a dull ache and can be accompanied by a tingling, numbness, or burning sensation. You may also feel weakness, pain, or tingling in your pelvis and upper leg—a condition known as sciatica. The spine is quite good at dealing with back injuries. Minor injuries usually heal within a day or two. Some pain, however, continues.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Among people seeking back pain relief alternatives, most choose chiropractic treatment. About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually. Of these, 7.7 million, or 35%, are seeking relief from back pain from various causes, including accidents, sports injuries, and muscle strains. Other complaints include pain in the neck, arms, and legs, and headaches.
The direct and indirect cost to society of lower back pain has been estimated to be approximately $50 billion dollars annually. In fact, lower back pain is the most common cause of disability in people under age 45, and of the $27 billion spent on all musculoskeletal trauma, $16 billion is spent in the management of low back pain, with more than half of that $16 billion being spent on surgical treatment.
