Back pain is not fun at any time. It is also a big problem for our healthcare system and economy in general. It is one of the major causes of disability in the United States and here in San Diego. The following are some important facts about back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association also referred to as the ACA.
One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain, and that’s just for the more easily identified costs. Experts estimate as much as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives. Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic-meaning they are not caused by serious conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
There are two different types of mechanical stress that can cause lower and upper back pain. The first is a blatant injury to the spine. This can be anything from an auto accident, sports injury or slip and fall. This cause of back pain is easy to understand in its entirety.
Damage to your spinal column causes injury to the soft tissues such as the ligaments, muscles and discs. This is why the first step is to make your home, work area and automobile as spine safe as possible. Home and work should be kept uncluttered and organized so you do not slip and fall. This is especially important in the evening, when lighting may be too low. A seatbelt that includes both a lap and shoulder harness should always be worn while driving and your headrest should be checked and adjusted to your height to minimize damage from a crash. If you are in a car accident, you should be examined by a doctor trained to handle these types of injuries to the spine. Chiropractors in San Diego are well-trained in the diagnosis and treatment of car accident injuries.
Back pain caused by the trauma of car accidents and falls is obvious. What’s not obvious is the other type of mechanical stress: MICRO-TRAUMA. Micro-trauma is a small amount of bad force applied to your back or spine. This small amount of bad force does not seem to be a big deal and usually does not cause pain or discomfort right away, but over time, micro-traumas add up and can cause major problems. An example of such a micro trauma is incorrect posture – either sitting, standing or sleeping. Either one of these three, over time, can ruin the structural integrity of your spine and cause major pain. That’s why tip #2 is to make sure you have the proper bed and chair and always keep good posture.
If you need advice on any of this, Advanced Body Therapeutics, a San Diego Chiropractor center are experts and can help you. And you should try not to stand, sit or lay in one position too long. Motion is important – when in doubt, change your position! Prevention of lower back pain is one of the most important things you can do in your life to keep you going. Minimizing both big and small stresses on your spine is one important way to accomplish this goal.