POSTED: 08/04/2024
Health
Author: Dr. Matthew Alch (Chiropractor)
As a chiropractor with years of experience under my belt, I’ve come to understand deeply why back pain is more than just, well, a pain in the back.
Back pain can be all consuming and really stop you in your tracks. It can range from that persistent niggle all the way to excruciating pain that immobilises you.
Through my practice, I have seen firsthand the extensive impact that back pain can have on my patients' lives, as well as the transformative power of chiropractic care in addressing this widespread issue.
The burden of back pain
Back pain is an epidemic of sorts, affecting individuals across a wide spectrum of ages, professions, and lifestyles. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study as published in The Lancet, back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor and a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Here are some of the key findings from this study:
- Back pain is identified as one of the most common reasons for disability and doctor visits worldwide, affecting people across all age groups but with a higher prevalence in adults aged 35-55 years.
- It consistently ranks as a leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs), which measures the burden of living with health loss due to diseases and injuries.
- The burden of back pain is felt worldwide, with high prevalence rates reported in both high-income and low-income countries, making it a global health challenge.
- The economic impact of back pain is substantial, including direct costs related to healthcare expenditures (such as medical treatments and procedures) and indirect costs due to lost productivity and absenteeism from work.
The reasons behind its prevalence are as varied as the individuals it affects, ranging from acute injuries and overuse to chronic conditions and poor posture. However, the impact on quality of life can be enormous.
Beyond the physical discomfort, back pain carries a heavy psychological toll. It can lead to stress, depression, and a feeling of helplessness, particularly in chronic cases where the pain becomes a constant companion. The inability to engage in daily activities, work, or enjoy leisure time can strain relationships and diminish overall well-being.
How chiropractic care may help
Chiropractic care may be one of the more effective treatment options when it comes to musculoskeletal cases of back pain. The chiropractic adjustment aims to help by improving joint range of motion, improving movement and flexibility, reducing feelings of pain, and boosting your overall performance.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have evaluated the combined results of multiple studies on chiropractic care for lower back pain. A Cochrane review updated in the last few years concluded that spinal manipulation provides similar levels of pain relief and improvement in function to other commonly used interventions for short-term relief of chronic low back pain.
Additionally, as published in the BMJ, patients who saw a chiropractor as their initial provider for low back pain had 90% decreased odds of both early and long-term opioid use.
As a chiropractor, my approach goes beyond merely addressing the symptoms. I aim to identify and treat the root cause of the pain, which often lies in the misalignment of the spine and the subsequent impact on the nervous system and musculoskeletal health.
Here are some of the ways a chiropractor may be able to help:
- Treating lower back pain
- Helping to reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches
- Neck pain
- Sciatica and referred pain
- Scoliosis and other postural conditions
- Bulging discs and pain association with disc injury
- Sports injuries
Restoring alignment
The core of chiropractic care lies in spinal adjustments or manipulations. These adjustments help restore proper alignment to the spine, which may alleviate pressure on the nerves and muscles, leading to pain relief. By correcting these misalignments, we may be able to address the source of the back pain, providing you with pain relief and improved movement.
Prevention and education
A significant part of my role as a chiropractor is to also be an educator. By teaching patients about the importance of posture, proper lifting techniques, and the benefits of regular physical activity, we can help patients be more aware of back pain triggers, hopefully preventing future occurrences.
Key points
While back pain is definitely a significant health burden, you can get help. Through chiropractic care and other manual therapies, there is a path forward and treatments available. Not only to alleviate pain but to address its underlying causes and improve overall health and well-being.
If you’re struggling with musculoskeletal back pain, why not consult with your local health practitioner to discuss the different ways you may be able to address it.
Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Dr. Matthew Alch (Chiropractor) has been practising with Sydney Spinal Care since late 2002. Matthew graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and a Masters of Chiropractic. He is a member of The Chiropractors Association of Australia and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
