Consumer reports recently surveyed over 14, 000 people who had back pain with in 12 months of the survey. They were asked to share their experiences on treatment. Over 20 different approaches were looked at for satisfaction. The survey results showed that hands on chiropractic manipulations were tops with a 59% highly satisfied positive response. Followed by physical therapy at 55%, and acupuncture with 53%. Physician specialist care received 44% and primary care doctors received 34%.
This review highly favors a more hands on approach to dealing with back pain. In my opinion, too many people wait till their pain is intense before seeking treatment. The advise that most back pain will work it’s way out with out any analysis or treatment is too symptom based as opposed to a functional and structural approach. There is usually a functional, structural or postural problem which is underlying and should not be ignored. Some one that is losing range of motion, core stability or developing poor posture may be pain free till they have a stressor trigger an episode. By that time spinal problems like disc disease or degeneration can be advanced. So it is always a good idea to have your spinal function and posture checked by a qualified specialist. This can be a chiropractor , therapist or medical doctor that is trained in looking at spinal mechanics. What is your experience in dealing with back problems?
There are some simple components of having a good functional spine, and realize that I said functional spine which is what we want to have.
ReplyDeleteThe simple components are: Alignment, Stability and Movement.
You need to have good vertebra alignment (posture)in all positions. This is true whether you are standing, sitting, bending, etc.
You need good core and spinal stability. If you have to bend and lift something your spinal and extremity muscles must fire in the proper pattern and they should be stable enough to perform the task. Alot of people with unstable spines injure themselves when they try a task their body is not stable enough to complete. An example would be someone who can barely support them self in a bent position trying to bend over gardening all day.
You also need a certain degree of movement or range of motion. Many people loss their movement patterns way before they experience any pain. A good example is when someone begins to have difficulty turning their head when they are pulling out of a driveway. It might not be painful but there is a definite loss of function which can lead to a future problem. Do you have any of these specific problems? Next we will identify how you can check these.