Upright with legs and back straight

Upright with legs and back straight

Upright with legs and back straight

Good back care can greatly reduce the risk of developing chronic back pain. There are three main ways in which one can do this. First, a regimen of low-impact exercises are advised in order to increase muscle and core strength and flexibility. Some experts state that aerobic exercises, those that do not strain or jerk the back, are best, however, individuals should consult a health care professional for a list of appropriate exercises that are specifically targeted to strengthening lower back and abdominal muscles. The second way in which an individual can reduce the risk of developing chronic back pain is by maintaining good posture. While standing, ensure a neutral pelvic position by standing upright with legs and back straight, head facing forward, and weight balanced evenly. While sitting, try to keep knees and hips level and feet flat on the floor. Most importantly, keep shoulders back, and do not slouch. Lastly, one can reduce the risk of developing chronic back pain by taking proper precautions when lifting objects or people of any weight. One should keep the back as straight as possible and use the legs, rather than the back, when lifting, keeping feet apart with one leg slightly forward in order to maintain balance. When lifting, bend only at the knee, holding the weight close to the body and tightening stomach muscles so that the pelvis is turned in.  If something is particularly heavy, it is advisable to seek assistance. 

Preventative and self-help measures are often helpful, however, if back pain is chronic or severe, a chiropractor may use various methods to treat and relieve back pain. Chiropractors use hands-on manipulative therapies and other alternative treatments, the theory being that proper alignment of the spine will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. The main way that a chiropractor may do this, is through spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) to aid pain management and promote self-healing. This method often requires multiple visits over a long period of time, and at each visit, the chiropractor will apply pressure that may be abrupt or low force, and administered by the hands or a specially designed instrument in order to realign the spine and manage pain. While there has previously been some debate on the effectiveness of this treatment method, however, many (myself included), know from experience that spinal manipulation is extremely effective for providing pain relief. Many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling as a second way in which to treat and relieve chronic back pain, as being overweight is another cause of chronic back pain. A third method that a chiropractor may use when treating chronic back pain, is a rehabilitation or exercise plan, which often incorporates similar low-impact exercises to those that may be completed at home in order to reduce the risk of developing chronic back pain. As previously noted, such exercises are specifically targeted to strengthening lower back and abdominal muscles and may be assigned in conjunction with spinal manipulation methods. 

All chiropractic treatment of course, is based on an accurate diagnosis of the individuals back pain. The chiropractor should be well-informed of medical and surgical history, ongoing medical conditions, current medications, and lifestyle or environmental factors. My personal experience in chiropractic care was very positive, and with a treatment plan that involved spinal manipulation techniques, acupuncture, and a long-term exercise regime, I have managed to keep my pain at bay, allowing me to take part in activities and outings with my peers without the constant pain and stress of chronic back pain. 







Upright with legs and back straight

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