Spine-health.com defines Chiropractics as “a health care profession dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system and/or musculoskeletal system with a unique focus on spinal manipulation…”
But what is the most common reason people go to their Chiropractor? That’s right, back pain! This common type of pain may have started suddenly, or perhaps developed more gradually without any obvious cause. But the effect is the same: you’re hurting, you can’t sleep and you want relief.
With chronic and acute back pain affecting almost every individual in some form or another at some point in their lives it’s no surprise that it’s one of the top reasons people visit their health care practitioners.
Back Pain Facts
• Back pain is very common and almost half the adult population in North America reports low back pain lasting for at least 24 hours at some time in the year.
• It is estimated that four out of every five adults (80%) will experience back pain at some stage in their life
• Back pain affects almost everyone at some point, and the sheer number of people affected makes it a very costly condition, both on the individual and society.
• The number of people with back pain increases with advancing age, starting in school children and peaking in adults of 35 to 55 years of age.
• Up to 10% of people with acute back pain will develop chronic back pain. These chronic patients have considerable discomfort and account for approximately 80% of healthcare costs.
What Might Be Causing Your Aching Back
• Previous pain, obesity and smoking
• Physical factors such as heavy physical work, frequent bending, and lifting
• Repetitive work, and staying in the same position for too long
• Stress, anxiety, depression, job satisfaction, mental stress.
The Social Impact of Back Pain
• Back pain, in particular persistent back pain, can have a significant impact on people’s lives. It frequently reduces their quality of life and adversely affects their family and social relationships.
• Nearly 5 million working days were lost as a result of back pain this year. This means that on any one day 1% of the working population is on sickness leave due to a back problem.
• Back pain is one of the main reasons for long term sickness. In manual labour jobs, back pain is the number one reason.
• Nearly 40% of back pain sufferers consulted their General Practitioner for help, and only 10% visited a alternative medical practitioner (chiropractors, osteopaths, and acupuncturists).
• When experiencing back pain it is very important to stay active. Bed rest could make the problem worse.
• Physical exercise can be a very effective method to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with back pain.
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