Determining If You Need A Doctor For Your Back Pain
Back pain is more common than you may think. In fact, it is the second most common reason people visit their doctor and one of the most common reasons for missing work.
What Causes Back Pain?
Sports injuries and accidents can cause back pain, but sometimes even the simplest movement, such as tying your shoes, can result in pain. Back pain can be complicated with factors such as arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and even psychological stress.
Minor injuries typically heal within a few days. However, in some cases the pain persists. Often times, the fear of further injury prevents the injured person from being active, which in turn, can result in the pain lasting longer.
Will the Pain Go Away on Its Own?
In the past, researchers believed that over time back pain would “heal” itself. However, a recent study showed that when back pain is not treated, it may go away on its own initially, but it is likely to return. In fact, the study showed that more than 33% of people who experienced low-back pain, had the pain for more than 30 days. Five years later, only 9% of those people remained pain free. *
How Can I Prevent Long-Term Back Pain?
· Don’t bend over to lift objects. Instead, squat, by bending your hips and knees and keeping your back straight, to pick up the object. [youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiQJVD5lcds”]
· Avoid twisting your body while lifting.
· When moving heavy objects, push them, rather than pulling them.
· Exercise on a regular basis. An inactive lifestyle contributes to lower-back pain.
If your back pain lasts for more than a few days, you should see your chiropractor. Dr. Charbel is an affordable chiropractor in Indianapolis, who can tell you if your pain is the result of poor biomechanics and/or an injury. Many of the patients at our affordable chiropractic clinic feel improvement after only a few treatment sessions.
If you’ve been dealing with back pain for too long, in the hopes it would heal on its own, call our chiropractic health center today.
* Hestbaek L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Engberg M, Lauritzen T, Bruun NH, Manniche C. The course of low-back pain in a general population. Results from a 5-year prospective study. J Manipulative Physiol There 2003 May;26(4):213-9.
About Integrated Health Solutions
Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.