Chiros help with back pain.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for people missing work or going to the doctor and most people have experienced it at some point in their lives. Back pain affects the quality of your life and sometimes it can be so debilitating that you end up asking yourself “Will back pain ever go away?”

A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that in 2017–18, about 4.0 million people or 1 in 6 Australians (16%) had back problems. 

Have you experienced back pain before? Did you have trouble finding a back pain management solution?

Read on to find out more about back pain and how chiropractic treatment could help you regain a pain-free life again.

What is back pain?

Back pain is defined as physical discomfort occurring anywhere on the spine or back. The pain can range from mild to disabling. You can experience pain in your lower back, upper back, middle back or in multiple spots at the same time. The pain most associated with back issues, can be divided into three categories: 

  • Axial pain: occurs in a specific location and varies from sharp to dull
  • Referred pain: the location and intensity of pain can vary, and the source of the pain is unknown (for example, it could be a sign of kidney pain and you should contact a doctor to find out the exact cause of the pain)
  • Radicular pain: caused by compression and/or inflammation in the back

What Causes Back Pain?

Some of the most common causes of back pain are strains and sprains. This means injuries to the muscles, tendons or ligaments. This usually happens by lifting something too heavy, or with a bad posture. It’s actually not uncommon for some people to strain their back by coughing or bending over. Other causes are: bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis or osteoporosis.

 

Other risk factors when it comes to back pain are bad posture, age, lack of exercise and excess weight. 

Back pain could also be a symptom of COVID-19 – both a sign that you might have contracted the virus, and one of the symptoms experienced by 30.4% of people with long-Covid. However, experiencing low back pain or back pain in general doesn’t necessarily mean that you have contracted the virus.

What is a good way to relieve back pain?

Relieve Back Pain

There are a few safe back pain relief methods that you can try at home if the pain is manageable for you. 

  • Rest
  • Take a painkiller, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol 
  • Do gentle stretches
  • Go for walks 
  • Try alternating ice and heat 
  • Rub on medicated creams

What causes back pain in Females?

back pain in females

Back pain in women is usually associated with:

Pregnancy: back pain can be an early sign of pregnancy and it can last throughout the pregnancy. Floatation tank therapy and remedial massages can help with back pain management throughout the pregnancy.

During period: women can experience lower back pain – and sometimes severe lower back pain – during menstruation. 

After delivery: postnatal back pain is also common in women. It can sometimes be caused by lifting children incorrectly. 

Endometriosis: pain related to endometriosis can sometimes be confused with back pain. It can occur because the endometrial cells can stick to your lower back. The pain will be felt deep in your body, and not closer to the surface like regular back pain.

How do I know if my Back Pain is serious?

Depending on the severity of the pain, your body will probably tell you when it’s time to look for a doctor for back pain. Just like with sciatica, back pain can be acute or short-term or it can be chronic. Chronic back pain can last long-term and is serious because it can impact your health, mobility and quality of life for extended periods of time.

How Should I sleep with Back Pain?

If bad pain is affecting your sleep, there are a few sleeping positions that you can try that can alleviate the pain. One trick is to roll up a towel and put it under your pelvis when you’re lying down. Another option is to place a pillow under your hamstrings.

What exercises help with Back Pain?

Back pain usually occurs because of bad posture, or low core strength. Bad posture leads to slouching, forward neck and subsequently to back pain. Here are some exercises that can help you get back into shape, improve your posture and strengthen your core and spine.

  1. Stretch
  2. Build strong glutes
  3. Incorporate core exercises into your routine 
  4. Partial Crunches
  5. Wall sits

Can Chiropractors Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractic helping with back pain

Chiropractic therapy is one of the best treatments for back pain. Chiropractors use localised and specific manual therapies that are highly effective for the treatment of back pain, including pregnancy-related back pain issues. A chiropractor will also help you manage your back pain by creating an effective treatment plan and exercise routine that will shorten your recovery time.

What Should I look for in a Chiropractor for Back Pain?

A good chiropractor for back pain should have the experience, knowledge and tools at their disposal to provide you with the best care. At Paramount Health, our Chiropractors are complimented with  Sports recovery and Remedial Massage, and have at their disposal Floatation Tanks that can also help with managing acute and chronic pain. 

If you experience severe back pain you should seek the help of a professional. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse, book online now.