Back Care Tips, Chiropractic Expertise, Healthcare, Healthy Aging
Back Pain: 3 Ways Chiropractic Care Can Help Canadians
Back pain affects millions of Canadians annually and it’s the leading cause of disability globally.
When your back hurts, simple everyday tasks like getting in and out of a car, putting on a coat, picking up a child, sitting at a desk, or standing for periods of time may become difficult or unmanageable.
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to back pain, including:
- Aging
- Stress
- Injuries via work, sports, or recreational activities
- Lifting heavy loads
- Pregnancy or menopause
How can Chiropractic Help?
If you experience back pain that lasts more than a few days, consult a chiropractor for an assessment. They’ll recommend a course of treatment specific to you.
Most people respond well to treatment and are able to get back to their regular activities faster.
Here are three common treatment techniques chiropractors use to help you become pain-free:
1. Soft Tissue Therapy
This is where your chiropractor works to relax and treat tight and sore muscles. There are a variety of ways to bring relief to muscles when they are the source of pain, such as manual release therapy (stretching the muscle while applying pressure), trigger point therapy (applying direct pressure on the area of the muscle that is most tense), or instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy (using a tool to apply gentle pressure and sweep over the area).
2. Manual Therapy
When a joint isn’t moving as well as it should, your chiropractor may utilize this treatment technique to help regain motion within a joint. This can be accomplished through joint mobilization (slow, gentle stretches of the affected joint) or manipulation (a quick, but gentle, movement that stretches the joint).
3. Exercise Therapy/Self-Management
Your chiropractor will be able to provide simple exercises that you can do at home to help with your pain and to help prevent it from coming back. They will also be able to provide you with mobility resources, safe lifting techniques, tips for good posture, and other strategies you can incorporate into your day to prevent re-injury.
Connect with a Chiropractor Today
When it comes to back pain, many Canadians choose to just “tough it out.” But, ignoring any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing can actually make your condition worse.
It’s important to treat not only the symptoms, but also the cause. If back pain is affecting your ability to get through the day and keeping you away from your favourite activities, please consider chiropractic care.
DISCLAIMER: No information from this document is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consultation with a chiropractor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem. The CCA recognizes that research and data is constantly evolving. Please use this information in conjunction with the best available evidence.