Back Pain Treatment at Fit For Action

It’s a rare adult who never complains of back pain. Although back pain can occur anywhere in the spine, the low back is the most common site patients report. Back pain can have a variety of causes; back pain treatment varies according to the location and cause. Chiropractic care is often helpful. Here are some basics on the topic, courtesy of Fit for Action, your Cooper City chiropractor.

Back Pain Causes

Back pain can be caused by injuries or trauma, poor posture, degeneration or congenital problems. Even when an acute injury triggers the pain, degeneration is often an underlying cause in the older adult. As we age, the discs between the vertebrae become less flexible. The discs can also protrude into the spinal canal and put pressure on the spinal cord. However, injuries can happen to people of any age, and poor posture is another issue for young and old. Back pain is rarely the result of a tumor, but once it does become painful, the tumor is usually well advanced.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Pain can occur anywhere in the spine. Thoracic (upper) back pain may cause pain in the area of the shoulder blades. Low back pain often hurts in the small of the back and down into the hips. Low back pain is also more likely to be accompanied by pain, numbness or tingling down the legs. If a disc actually ruptures, it can affect the function of the arms, legs, bowels or bladder. There may be a genetic component for back pain, as back problems do seem to run in families. Other risk factors include obesity, poor posture, poor body mechanics, pregnancy and smoking. Older people are often less active, which results in weak core muscles and increases the risk of injury.

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Conservative therapy is usually recommended initially for back pain treatment. Rest, heat and cold therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are typical. Chiropractic care can be valuable if there is a misalignment on the spine. Massage helps correct muscle spasms and increases flexibility. A chiropractor can also analyze your posture and body mechanics, or recommend corrective exercises. Other possible recommendations from a chiropractor: dietary changes to decrease inflammatory foods and supplements for optimum musculoskeletal and nervous system nutrition. Current research indicates that surgery should be the last option for back pain.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you have back pain or other musculoskeletal issues, please contact Fit for Action at 954-432-5775. We offer extended hours to help meet your scheduling needs, and even Saturday hours (by appointment only). You can find many chiropractic services and back pain treatment from your Cooper City chiropractor. We treat patients of all ages at our office, located at 9469 Sheridan Street in Cooper City, FL.