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Back Pain Relief from a Chiropractor in Orange County California

5th October, 2009 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Important information for anyone who has constant back pain? You are not alone. “Oh, my aching back!” Is a common complaint of many people and their numbers are growing. Chiropractic Care Orange County

Back pain, aches and lumbago affects 8 out of 10 people, according to Dr. Wayne Greathouse of Seaside Family Chiropractic. In some, the pain is a dull, constant ache while in others it may be sudden and sharp.

The San Clemente chiropractor said a sudden attack that lasts for a few days to a few weeks is called acute back pain. Back pain that lasts for more than three months is chronic back pain.

“Acute or short-term low back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute back pain is the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues. Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than 3 months. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine,” according to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Can it be treated? Most cases are self-limiting and disappear without any treatment. Most of the time all you need is some bed rest and a few over the counter pain killers. However, Greathouse said, “Persistent back pain or one that doesn’t improve after three days needs a doctor’s attention, especially if it follows an injury.”

“Most patients with back pain recover without residual functional loss, but individuals should contact a doctor if there is not a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation after 72 hours of self-care. Recurring back pain resulting from improper body mechanics or other non-traumatic causes is often preventable. Engaging in exercises that don’t jolt or strain the back, maintaining correct posture and lifting objects properly can help prevent injuries. Many work-related injuries are caused or aggravated by stressors such as heavy lifting, vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture. Applying ergonomic principles – designing furniture and tools to protect the body from injury – at home and in the workplace can greatly reduce the risk of back injury and help maintain a healthy back,” the NINDS concluded. Chiropractor in San Clemente