6 August 2017
 Categories: , Blog

In Australia, 1 in 6 individuals suffers from back pain, with the problem affecting people of all ages. Whether the pain is mild or severe, the chances are it'll have a negative effect on your life, resulting in less mobility, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating at work. If you're examining taking a natural approach to your problem, you may wish to consult a chiropractor. In addition to addressing the pain, they'll provide advice that keeps it at bay.

Where does lower back pain come from?

In most cases, your lower back pain arises from a soft tissue injury or a mechanical cause. Soft tissue injuries may arise through incorrect overuse of certain muscles, which often comes from poor posturing during work activities or even exercise. A mechanical injury, such as the strains of or damage to ligaments, may occur during accidents. In some cases, you may damage one of the discs in your spine, which can slip out and place pressure on one of the nerves that transmit pain signals. As pain arises from a number of sites and injuries, it's often difficult to determine what the cause is even with high-tech imaging techniques such as MRI.

How do chiropractors help?

Chiropractors begin the healing process in the same way as many medical professionals do, which means taking a history of where and when the pain started, as well as any factors that relieve it or make it worse. Some may also use an x-ray to look for factors such as 'subluxations', which are problems that affect the joints that allow a free range of motion. Once your chiropractor is confident they have an accurate diagnosis, they'll either adjust or manipulate the area using specialist techniques. For example, adjustments may involve arm thrusts that realign your spine, while manipulation involves performing gentle movements that manipulate the spine.

Why choose chiropractors over conventional medicine?

While conventional medicine has its place in lower back pain treatment, chiropractors confer certain advantages. For example, they're not likely to use medication, which means there's less chance of drug dependence, withdrawal, or medication overuse headaches. Additionally, their approach involves encouraging your body to heal itself, which means you're taking the natural route to reducing your pain. Your chiropractor will also work alongside you to address contributing factors, such as your posture, which may see the problem re-emerge within weeks or days. 

Through a combination of passive movements and ongoing advice, you can address lower back pain and reduce the risk of it returning. Contact a company like Advanced Chiropractic Clinic for more information and assistance.