(1888PressRelease)
May 02, 2007 - Back pain can be one of the most debilitating injuries to the body because the back is used in virtually every movement you make. It is also one of the most common reasons for a visit to a physician. According to the American Chiropractic Association, as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some point in their lives. Also, every year an estimated 50% of working Americans have back pain symptoms.
Dr. Matt Ehrhard, D.C., an expert chiropractor and owner of Broadway Relief and Wellness estimates that over $50 billion is spent each year on back pain. The reason for this is that back injuries are so common and the back plays such an integral role in mobility. "There are many causes of back pain, but many times it occurs from a strain of the back muscles and ligaments. Some other common causes include: ruptured disks, joint irritation, obesity, arthritis, and even stress," said Dr. Ehrhard.
There are ways to prevent back pain before it starts. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is perhaps the most effective method of prevention. This includes a good diet, exercise, daily stretching, walking and sitting with correct posture, and sleeping on a mattress that minimizes curving of the spine.
Dr. Ehrhard recommends medical care if back pain symptoms do not show improvement after two to four days. Also, he warns that while pain medication may provide short term temporary relief, it is not the solution to the problem. He said, "Many times patients will take pain medication instead of seeking care and end up prolonging or even worsening their injury. Treatment should really be sought to properly diagnose the cause of back pain and to more effectively treat it."
More and more medical professionals are referring patients to chiropractors for treatment and diagnosis of back pain. Chiropractic can treat back pain by using spinal manipulation. According to the American Chiropractic Association, spinal manipulation reduces pain, decreases medication, and rapidly advances physical therapy.
