Have you ever experienced a shooting pain in your back whether you are standing, sitting or walking? Your back pain may be caused by a variety of reasons. Injury or disease affecting any one or more of the structures in your back can often trigger an episode of pain. You may be able to avoid back pain by improving your physical condition and learning proper body mechanics. Back pain is no laughing matter; in fact, nearly everyone in their lifetime will suffer from some sort of back pain.

Chiropractors will primarily perform adjustments to the spine and other parts of the body to correct alignment problems and support the body's natural ability to heal itself. Not only will your chiropractor specifically treat the pain, but the treatment will also enhance general function and improve quality of life. You may be able to avoid back pain by improving your physical condition and learning proper body mechanics. Back pain is no laughing matter; in fact, nearly everyone in their lifetime will suffer from some sort of back pain.

Back Pain: What to Know

We have all complained of an aching back at some point in our lives, but as painful as it can be, the exact source of back pain is often difficult to identify or pinpoint. There are numerous possible pain producers including muscles, soft connective tissue, ligaments, joint capsules, cartilage, discs and nerves. Through everyday activities - exercise, lifting, playing a sport, etc. - these areas may be pulled, strained, stretched or sprained. Sometimes, small tears that occur in the outer layer of a spinal disc can result in severe back pain.

Many people even experience pain from an abnormal disc that may be degenerating, bulging or even herniated. The duration and severity of a single episode of back pain cannot be predicted based on the onset, location of pain, or even the initial severity. Back pain can be grouped into three general categories of pain: acute, chronic and recurrent acute.

Acute back pain typically subsides over a month or less as the back's irritated tissue heals with time. Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts for months at a time and is often less correlated to tissue damage or injury and may be the result of a more long-term spine condition or other related factors such as muscle weakness, body weight, and certain life stressors. Recurrent acute pain is intermittent, meaning it comes and goes from time to time and does not remain constant.

Back Pain Preventive Measures

You may be able to prevent back pain by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics. To keep your back healthy and strong:
*Exercise
*Build muscle strength and flexibility
*Quit smoking
*Maintain a healthy weight
*Stand smart
*Lift smart

You can seek advice from your chiropractor not just for when you are in pain. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to keep the spine in proper alignment, which can prevent as well as treat your injury. Regular visits to your chiropractor can help to prevent back pain from occurring. If you do experience back pain, do not way to visit your chiropractor. Pain is a sign that something is wrong and waiting to get treated can cause worsening of your condition.

Back pain can be debilitating and prevent you from performing your daily activities. Contact your chiropractor in Quincy today if you are experiencing any back pain. Your chiropractor will be able to prescribe treatment, as well as prevention methods.