Low back pain treatment depends upon the patient's history and the type and severity of pain. The vast majority of lower back pain cases get better within six weeks without surgery. While sports injuries or accidents (sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured disks, and irritated joints) cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements, such as picking up a pencil from the floor, can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss.

In conjunction with chiropractic care, there are several other common elements that are vital in the course of effective low back pain treatment.

> Rest. Stopping activity for a few days allows injured tissue and nerve roots to begin to heal. However, more than a few days of rest can lead to a weakening of the muscles. Weak muscles have to struggle to adequately support the spine. Patients who do not regularly exercise to build strength and flexibility are more likely to experience recurrent or prolonged lower back pain.
> Heat and Ice. Heat and ice used alternately helps relieve most types of low back pain by reducing inflammation.
> Medication. A wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications are available which help reduce the symptoms of lower back pain. Many reduce inflammation, which is often a cause of pain, while others work to inhibit the transmission of pain signals from reaching the brain. Each medication has multiple unique risks, possible side effects and drug (or food or supplement) interactions, which need to be evaluated by a physician.
> Exercise. Exercise is a key element of almost any lower back pain treatment plan. A plan will typically include three components: aerobic conditioning, stretching, and strengthening. The goal is to build a stronger, more flexible spine. Low impact aerobic exercises, such as walking or swimming, helps bring oxygen to the soft tissues in the back to promote healing.
> Chiropractic Adjustment (Manipulation). This will help improve spinal function by decreasing pain and inflammation to increase range of motion and physical function.

Patients should get a diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of their lower back pain and seek appropriate treatment.

There is another non-invasive, non-surgical low back pain treatment option available--the DRS Protocol? It is a form of low back pain treatment for patients suffering from chronic and severe disc conditions, utilizing a "whole patient approach." Success rates with the DRS Protocol?have helped patients who have not responded to traditional methods of treatment to achieve their goal of living pain free and avoid the risks of addictive medications and painful, invasive surgery.

Following a thorough examination by a doctor of chiropractic, a course of low back pain treatment will be customized uniquely for you. Call McKim Chiropractic today or go to http://www.mckimchiropractic.com for more information and to schedule an appointment. Our licensed and certified staff is happy to help the residents of Boise, ID, Nampa, ID, and Caldwell, ID, take the first step on the road to recovery.