Low back pain is a common condition comprising a major health problem worldwide. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is estimated at 60% to 85% (1) with an estimated cost between $20 and $50 billion dollars each year - in health costs, lost workdays, and decreased production (4). Back pain is inevitable and will eventually affect almost everyone at some point in their lives -- the question is when?
Spinal Manipulative Therapy for the Low Back
The Manga Report overwhelmingly supported the efficacy, safety, scientific validity, and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic for low back pain (3).
Approval is also seen with the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), an organization strongly in favor of manipulation as the primary delivered care to patients with acute low back pain. Among other things, back pain can be caused potentially by motor vehicle accidents, falls, poor lifting technique, sports injuries, and "overuse" syndromes, such as those with desk work.
Most backs hurt because they are out of shape, not due to damage or disease. Recovery and sustaining relief depends on staying active. The key is to stay positive. Degeneration of the spine is a normal process of aging and is known as the "silver hair" of the spine; however, joint dysfunction (locked up joints) can potentially promote accelerated degenerative progression.
Solution
Back pain, in most cases, can be dealt with successfully, assuming the right procedures are undertaken. For those patients with an objective to get better, bed rest should not be an option (2). This is the old way of thinking and does not embrace the new age of rehabilitative care. Adopting an active care role and determining goals and objectives is essential.
At Aquarius Chiropractic, we personalize your care, formulating effective diagnosis and treatment strategies beginning with the identification of the underlying causes and contributing factors as they uniquely pertain to you. Patients are treated according to their specific needs, goals and objectives. This may involve treatment at Aquarius Chiropractic alone, or may involve treatment in conjunction with another health professional. Take control of your pain, knowing that we are fully committed to providing quality non-surgical drug-free care.
References
- Elders LA, Burdorf A. Prevalence, incidence, and recurrence of low back pain in scaffolders during a 3-year follow-up study. [Journal Article] Spine. 29(6):E101-6, 2004.
- Lively MW. Sports medicine approach to low back pain. [Journal Article] Southern Medical Journal. 95(6):642-6, 2002.
- Manga P, Angus D, Papadopoulos C, et al. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic management of low back pain. Ontario, Canada: Kenilworth Publishing, 1993.
- Palmieri NF, & Smoyak S. Chronic low back pain: a study of the effects of manipulation under anesthesia. J of Manipulative and Physiol Ther. 25(8): e8, 2002.