Statistics and Facts about Back Pain

Back pain severely impacts approximately 31 million Americans a year. It's a pervasive problem that plagues many people without fail. It's one of the biggest reasons why people go to visit a chiropractor.

Some statistics about back pain:

• According to the Global Burden of Disease, low back pain is the leading cause of disability internationally.
• In any given year, approximately 50% of Americans in the workforce have experienced low back pain.
• Back pain is the second most common reason for visiting the doctor and one of the most common reasons for missing work.
• Most back pain is musculoskeletal and does not result from an infection.
• Americans spend an identifiable $50 million a year on back pain between medication and doctor's visits as well as over-the-counter remedies.
• Medical experts estimate that approximately 80% of all Americans will experience back pain at least some point in their lives.

What causes back pain?

• Mechanical issues such as sprained ligaments, strained muscles and ruptured disks.
• Arthritis
• Poor posture
• Long hours at an ergonomically incorrect work station.
• Obesity
• Psychological Stress
• Kidney Stones
• Blood Clots
• Infection (in rare cases)

Chiropractic Manipulation as Treatment

Chiropractic manipulation is a safe, effective treatment for back pain. It reduces the need for medication and increases the effectiveness of physical therapy. The chiropractor may do a combination of manual manipulation, massage and heat in order to reduce inflammation. Over the course of a few months of treatments, you'll have a healthier back. Contact Backsmart Health Chiropractic to start today.

Here's some other tips that you can use on your own to prevent back pain:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get regular exercise
• Avoid best rest and long periods of inactivity
• Always stretch before exercising to avoid injury
• Maintain proper posture, especially when working at a desk
• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well.
• Do not sleep on poor mattresses. Use a mattress of medium firmness to best accentuate the natural curve of your back.
• Lift using proper posture - with your knees and not your back
• Quit smoking. It impairs blood flow to the spinal tissue.
• Work with your doctor to ensure that your work station is ergonomically correct

If you have any questions about the above methods of prevention, you should ask your doctor or chiropractor. Always ask if you have questions about your treatment, as just doing it on your own without proper supervision could cause additional injury.

Statistics and Facts about Back Pain