Everyone will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. That risk is increased for some more than others depending on factors such as genetics, poor posture, diet, exercise, work habits, sleep, stress levels, and injuries. Some will experience severe back pain, while others may experience minor aches and pains – a weary sign that there are underlying issues.
So one day you’re working out at the gym, or pulling weeds in your garden, playing with your kids, loading groceries, or maybe you just woke up one morning and started experiencing back pain. So what’s next? You might ignore the problem hoping it will go away. In many cases, the problem is not fixed and becomes worse, or the symptoms subside temporarily but another episode of pain occurs and is worse than the initial. Others will be proactive and choose to seek professional care. Many people will seek attention from their MD, only to be prescribed pain medications and later referred to an orthopedic surgeon for an MRI or X-ray and likely surgery.
Chiropractors (DC) are experts in back pain and all musculoskeletal issues. They are able to physically identify the source of the problem and treat it naturally and safely, without the use of prescribed drugs or surgery. Of course, there is a time and a place for medication and referral to an orthopedic surgeon in certain cases and your chiropractor will know when to refer you.
So next time you or a someone you know experiences an episode of back pain, or neck, shoulder, knee, foot, or any musculoskeletal injury, seek the help of a chiropractor first and here’s why:
- 94% of patients who receive spinal manipulation by a chiropractic physician had a 30% reduction in low back pain in week 4 of treatment. Only 56% of patients who received prescribed medication by their medical doctor had a 30% reduction in low back pain in week 4 of treatment. Source: Schneider M, et al. Spine, 2015.
- 0% of chiropractic physicians prescribe opioid painkillers. Instead, they are skilled in using the most conservative treatment methods before referring to riskier and more invasive treatments such as drugs or surgery. Source: Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2015. NBCE.
- The likelihood of surgery for workers with back injuries whose first point of contact is a surgeon or MD is a frightening 42.7% versus the 1.5% of those whose first point of contact is a chiropractic physician. Source: Keeney et al (2012) Spine
- Conservative Care is Cost Effective. Low back pain care initiated by a chiropractic physican (DC) is 20% less than low back pain care initiated by a medical doctor (MD). Source: Liliedahl et al (2010) JMPT
Through chiropractic treatment and adjustments, you and your chiropractor can work towards relieving back pain or any musculoskeletal injury.
Have questions or interested in seeing a chiropractor? Give our Santa Clara office a call at 408-248-8700 or click here to schedule your appointment. We thank you sincerely for choosing Restoring Health & Wellness Center!
