The Growing Issue of Back Pain

The Growing Issue of Back Pain

The Growing Issue of Back Pain

As of 2012, the United States Census Bureau has declared that there are approximately 313.9 million people residing in the United States. The American Chiropractic Association has indicated that 31 million Americans experience back pain at any given time. That is comparatively 10% of Americans who are experiencing pack pain at any given time, and experts estimate that around 80% of Americans will suffer from back problems at some point in their lives. For such a prevalent societal concern, few people are familiar with this particular health matter. Many people are unaware of the causes of back pain, nor are they familiar with possible treatments. Some cases of back problems do not create serious conditions; consequently, people experiencing symptoms are not heavily concerned. However, if not treated, back problems can cause life-lasting consequences.

63% of all Americans are currently in the labor force. Of that 63%, approximately half of working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. The reason back pain is very common is because the back itself is simply just an arrangement of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, each being something that can be easily injured. For example, a bone breaking is not something uncommon, nor is a pulled muscle. An injury to a bone, joint, ligament, or muscle in the back region therefore will cause back pain. One common way people injure these components of the back is through improper form while exercising. Today especially, obtaining a gym membership is extremely common amongst communities, and an increasing number of gyms are opening up across the country. Exercising and working out has become a routinely part of daily lives, and therefore, exercise is slowly climbing to a frequent factor as to why people experience back problems. Improper form while lifting can injure the joints and muscles in the back. As a result, people who exercise using poor technique will be more prone to endure symptoms relating to back pain.

Another common way people cause back problems is by sitting. Now, sitting by itself is not a dangerous activity. However, sitting for long periods of time without getting enough movement is threatening. In today's society especially, modern technology has eased people's daily lives, thus requiring them to exert less energy throughout the day. This can slowly develop into a major back concern because the discs located in one's back cushion one's vertebrae in the spine. However, these discs have poor blood supply and circulation. By spending so much time sitting, either from driving, or eating, or even reading, one's discs is deprived of the proper nutrition, thus leading to stress in the back. While sitting, one's back muscles are not being used; this leads to weakening back muscles and quicker aging joints.

One way someone can ensure that he or she does not experience back pain in the future is to exercise properly. Exercises that don't strain the back increase strength and endurance, thus allowing back muscles to function better. Also, by exercising, one makes it easier to maintain a healthy body weight, hence lowering the strain on the back. Exercise also increases flexibility, which makes it more unlikely for one to injure his or her back from sudden jolts.

Another method to avoid experience back pain is to maintain proper body posture. By keeping a neutral pelvic position, one can the amount of stress placed on the back. While standing, using a low footstool to place a foot on diminishes the load on the lower back. While sitting, placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of one's back helps to maintain its normal curve. Also, even if one is required to sit for a long duration, one should attempt to move around in order to stretch the back. The back is a muscle, and like every other muscle in the body, a lack of stretching can produce a painful stiffness.

Lastly, it is important for one to focus on their sleep habits. The average person spends approximately one-third of their day sleeping. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the back while in bed by using a mattress and sleep positions that support the back. Whereas softer may appear more comfortable, firmer mattresses will benefit the back more since firmer mattresses will support the spine's curve better. Mattresses may also dent or tear after time, so it is relevant to be using a mattress that is in useable condition. People looking to avoid back pain should avoid sleeping on their stomach at night since this position will put the most strain on the joints. Additionally, stretching upon waking up can help prevent injuries in the future.

Because back pain is common across the U.S. and the rest of the world, chiropractors have developed several methods to alleviate pain. One of the more common methods used is a tactic called spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation involves adjusting and massaging the spine or nearby tissues. Another method used is something called mobilization. The goal of this technique is to stretch the muscles and joints in the back by engaging in low velocity manipulation in those areas. A third approach that chiropractors will take to treat back pain is the activator method. This involves using a device called the Activator, which delivers a force to the spine, with its objective being to restore motion to the targeted vertebrae or joint.

Back pain has become a growing issue amongst people all over the world. Currently, in America, it has become the fifth most common reason for hospitalizations and third most common cause for surgery. Since its prevalence in society keeps increasing, it is important that people are aware of its gravity and take the appropriate measures discussed in this essay to prevent or treat this obstacle.




The Growing Issue of Back Pain

More Articles

Location

map

Phone: (907) 451-7246
Fax: (907) 451-7244

308 Old Steese Highway Fairbanks , AK 99701

Hours of Operation


Monday to Friday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday
Closed

Sunday
Closed