A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association recommended something chiropractors have been saying for years; before resorting to surgery less invasive measures should be tried first. One of their recommendations included chiropractic care saying that surgery is usually not needed unless other more conservative measures have failed. In my practice I always tell my patients the least invasive therapy should be tried before resorting to more risky procedures. Surgery caries many risks and doesn’t guarantee results. Chiropractic on the other hand has been proven safe and effective for relieving low back pain and does not carry the same risks as a undergoing a major surgery.
The article gives a brief description of the anatomy of the spine starting with the spinal column that protects the spinal cord and nerve roots that come out between each vertebra. They describe how discs lay between each vertebra as act a spongy shock absorbers that help cushion the forces that travel through spine on a daily basis. The authors go on to describe the layers of muscle and ligaments that support the spinal column and aid in supporting posture and giving the body flexibility. They continue by discussing some of the causes of low back pain including strain of muscle and bulging disc that can put pressure on the nerves that exit between the vertebra.
The article concludes by saying exercise and good posture and go a low way in preventing back pain. I would agree that prevention is a far easier way to deal with low back pain and exercise and good posture are a great place to start. However another important step would be to have your spine checked by a chiropractor who has been extensively trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and nerve problems before they become a problem. So whether you are in pain or just want to prevent pain please give us a call today and find out how we can help you!
In Health,
-Dr. Ben Heun
