Your spinal column is made up of 24 flexible vertebrae which are stacked up like a pile of donuts. Running through this column is a cable of nerves which is called your spinal cord. The nerves which come out of your spinal cord transmit messages between your brain and the rest of your body. If these nerves become compressed or irritated, the message they transmit is "pain". Between each vertebrae is a disc which acts like a shock absorber. If a disc flattens or bulges it can irritate the nerve. This is often referred to as a herniated or "slipped" disc.
Another possible source of back pain is the facet joint of the vertebrae. They allow for proper spinal motion. If these joints are not moving correctly, symptoms can occur. People with chronic back pain tend to utilize their muscles differently, substituting the wrong muscles for lifting tasks. This can accelerate spinal degeneration or create wear and tear. Lower back pain is the leading cause disability in adults aged 30 to 50.
Treatment Options:
- Bed Rest - Studies show that bed rest alone does not improve back pain and may hinder recovery.
- Drugs - Drugs may offer temporary relief from the pain but they do not treat the underlying cause.
- Surgery - Although necessary in some cases, many surgeries do not relieve the pain or the pain reoccurs within a few years of the operation.
- Chiropractic - Chiropractic offers a safe, effective treatment for back pain, directed towards the source of the pain and not just pain symptoms. Many studies have proven the effectiveness of chiropractic for back pain and patients often report a higher degree of satisfaction with their chiropractic treatment.
