What is the number one reason someone sees a doctor?

The Mayo Clinic states that skin conditions are the #1 reason people see a doctor.  

The second reason people see a doctor is for low back pain. 

60 - 80% of adults in the U.S. have low back pain.  

The third and fourth reasons are for heart and lung conditions.  If you are one of the 60-80% you know that low back problems can really debilitate you.  Your spine moves with the rest of your body.   It affects every movement and can keep you immobile for long periods of time. Even reaching to lift a glass or write the back muscles are engaged.  

You may lose a lot of time at work and time with your family and friends because of pain. When you think of low back pain, you may think of an older person, but back pain is the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old!  Every year about 13 million people go to the doctor because they are experiencing back pain. This is a serious problem.  

Back pain causes approximately 2.4 million Americans to be chronically disabled and another 2.4 million temporarily disabled. 

What are the signs and symptoms: for low back pain?

• Tenderness
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Pain that spreads into the buttocks or legs
• Having a hard time standing up or standing in one position for a long time
• Discomfort while sitting

How does spinal and back pain happen? 

Most people who come into my office with low back pain describe the injury occurring from a strain from lifting, twisting, or bending.  One thing that a lot of people may not know is normally not a one-time occurrence.  It is frequently caused by chronic bad posture and long hours of sitting.  

With all the start up jobs popping up,  people sit for long periods in front of a computer.  Smartphones with texting is common and sedentary lifestyles are on the rise.  There are rare cases of low back pain that can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection, a rheumatic or arthritic condition, or a tumor but most of the time it is a musculoskeletal issue and can be helped with proper posture, exercises and lifestyle changes.

Many people under the age of 40 can experience a ruptured or bulging disk.  This happens when the middle of the disk leaks out when there is pressure or a tear of the disk that is between each vertebra. 

Tip: Don’t ignore your body’s signals: 

You may have had a twinge or a pull that went away and ignored it.  Well, that is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.  In time, your body will force you to take care of this problem by putting you in pain and interfering with your life.

What are the Risk factors for spine or low back pain? 

1. Age (we get tighter when we are older) 

2. Smoking

3. Becoming overweight

4. Depression

5. Sedentary lifestyle

6. Physical labor (repetitive movements) 

So what can help if you are experiencing Low Back Pain?  

Chiropractic is the best course of treatment for low back pain.

According to a comprehensive review conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, chiropractic care was determined to both relieve pain and restore function.  Chiropractic care is effective for acute and chronic low back pain. 

Why are chiropractors so successful with back and neck pain?

Because we guide your body to its proper position and the stress is taken off the problem area, allowing for inflammation to go away and your body heal naturally. Chiropractic has great success with back and neck pain!  We understand body posture and movement.  

Here is the list of ailments people see a doctor for in the United States:

1. Skin disorders; 

2. Osteoarthritis and joint disorders; 

3. Back problems; 

4. Cholesterol problems; 

5. Upper respiratory conditions, excluding asthma; 

6. Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder; 

7. Chronic neurologic disorders; 

8. High blood pressure; 

9. Headaches and migraines; and 

10. Diabetes. 

Chiropractors can help with all of these issues by having you incorporate healthy lifestyle changes and keep your body moving properly.  You don’t need to suffer with back pain our San Francisco, CA Chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office can help!