Causes for Back Pain: Why Is Your Back Hurting?

80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Of that 80%, 5% of them will end up with chronic back pain. If you are one of the eight in ten people experiencing upper or lower back pain, you aren’t alone. And there are options to find relief from the pain.

At Cornerstone Chiropractic and Spine Center in Hiram, GA, we see patients with all sorts of causes for back pain. They range from an injury to a long-term illness. We are well-versed in treating back pain and can help you! Call us today at 770-439-7765 to schedule your appointment. Or keep reading to learn more about back pain and the benefits of chiropractic care.

Most Common Back Pain Causes:

A myriad of things leads to back pain. We’ve compiled the most common causes below:

Sprains or Strains

A sprain or strain can happen from a fall, an accident, sleeping in an odd position, or turning quickly. Some people with this type of injury are more sensitive than others and can experience it many times throughout their lives. A chiropractor can help to realign the spine after a sprain or strain to promote internal, natural healing.

Arthritis

600,000+ adults and 300,000 children have arthritis. It is a very common disease that causes people a lot of pain. Back pain is a common side effect of having this disease. Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Many patients with arthritis find relief in chiropractic care.

Herniated, Ruptured, or Bulging Discs

A disc is a cushion between the vertebrae in the spine. Sometimes, the disc can herniate, rupture, or bulge, which can cause much pain. This is because when a disc isn’t in its natural position, it presses on a person’s nerves. These types of injuries are found on scans or X-rays. Chiropractic care can aid in the healing of this type of injury.

Inflammation

Many medical conditions and diseases can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to back pain. Inflammation is sometimes caused by a poorly managed disease, so back pain for people with inflammation can last for a long time. Others may do everything doctors instruct and still deal with inflammation. Luckily, chiropractic care can help your body to reduce inflammation. When a spine or other body part is realigned, it promotes self-healing.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disorder where the bones in the spine become brittle and weak, causing breakage. A break can become very painful for the person with the disorder. They often have a limited range of motion. Chiropractic care can help a person experience less pain while improving their range of motion and their quality of life.

Symptoms of Back Pain

Unfortunately, back pain isn’t always localized to just the back. Oftentimes, the pain can radiate and cause pain in the buttocks, neck, legs, and abdomen. It also isn’t always present, coming and going at the most inconvenient times for most. Other common symptoms are listed below:

• Pain while bending down or lifting something (even small items)
• Aches while sitting, standing, or lying down
• Stiffness in the spine that may get better with movement
• Numbness going down to your legs and feet
• Weakness in your back, legs, or feet

Of course, some symptoms indicate a much larger issue and require immediate medical care. Those symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling that does not go away
• Severe pain that can’t be relieved
• Trouble urinating or incontinence
• Fever
• Unintended weight loss
• Immediate back pain after an accident, fall, or injury

It’s critical you seek emergency care if you experience those symptoms.

Risk Factors for Back Pain

While people of all ages and demographics can experience back pain, some risk factors make some more prone to it than others. The following factors increase a person’s risk of back pain:

• Age
• Excess weight
• Using improper lifting techniques
• Not exercising
• Medical conditions and diseases
• Smoking
• Mental health disorders

The above factors do not mean someone will definitely have back pain, just that they are at a higher risk for developing the pain. People at higher risk can take preventive measures to decrease their risk, such as exercising, treating their medical conditions, losing weight, and using proper lifting techniques.

How Chiropractic Care Relieves Back Pain

Chiropractic care combines several healing methods to create a holistic treatment plan that treats the root of the issue and the person as a whole. Chiropractors do not simply treat symptoms. Read more about the options many chiropractors use to create a treatment plan below:

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation, or an adjustment as most people call it, is a core option for most treatment plans. When the body is working correctly, it can focus on healing. Spinal manipulation relieves pressure, causing less pain for patients.

Nutrition Counseling

Some chiropractic offices offer nutrition or lifestyle counseling. This is to ensure you live a healthy lifestyle that will maximize the possible results from our treatments. Reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet are all essential to maximizing chiropractic care.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a key component of chiropractic care. When the muscles are massaged, tension is released and pain reduced. This is especially beneficial after an adjustment or manual therapy. Massages increase blood flow, helping to speed up the healing process and restore flexibility.

Manual Therapies

Manual therapies are additional types of treatment options. These can include trigger point therapy and myofascial release. These therapies are designed to release tension in the body, focusing on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Call Cornerstone Chiropractic and Spine Center in Hiram, GA Today!

Are one of the above causes for back pain bringing you down? You don’t have to live in pain! Chiropractic care is a proven treatment for many types of back pain, including lower back pain. Cornerstone Chiropractic and Spine Center are here for you and taking on new patients. Call our office today to ask about our new patient special and to schedule your appointment!