Many patients with back pain wonder how to prevent their pain from worsening or recurring. The answer may be simpler than you think.
A recent literature review included an analysis of 20 scientific studies that tested various interventions for preventing back pain including exercise, patient education, training in safe lifting methods, stress management, and more.
Exercise was the only intervention tested which consistently produced substantial relief. In one study, active patients had 127 fewer sick days than inactive patients. Most exercises focused on strengthening back and abdominal muscles.
Exercise is a critical component of chiropractic care. A combination of chiropractic adjustments and exercise significantly relieves back pain for many patients. Your chiropractor can help develop a safe, effective exercise program to prevent and reduce pain.
Research suggests that chiropractors can more effectively help patients prevent recurring back pain compared to medical doctors. Since they are trained back pain specialists, chiropractors can also help you spot the first signs of underlying conditions like arthritis or neuropathy, so you can take steps to avoid additional symptoms. Additionally, regular check-ins with a chiropractor will ensure you maintain proper spinal alignment to reduce your risk of injury from everyday activities, sports, or work.
To learn more about natural back pain relief and prevention, contact our office today.
Cifuentes M, Willetts J, Wasiak R. Health maintenance care in work-related low back pain and its association with disability recurrence. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011; 53(4): 396-404.
Bigos S, Holland J, Holland C, Webster J, Battie, Malmgren J. High-quality controlled trials on preventing episodes of back problems: systematic literature review in working-age adults. The Spine Journal 2009; 9: 147-168.