Low back pain is the largest cause of disability worldwide. Roughly 30% of the US population suffered from at least one episode of low back pain this year and costs over $100 BILLION in medical costs and lost productivity. Unfortunately, many people still don't know the best way to handle low back pain. If you or someone you love suffers from low back pain, show them this helpful guide to low back pain and how best to address it.
1.) Know when it's (actually) an emergency
If you are having numbness around your inner thigh and genitalia or difficulty going to the bathroom or unconsciously going to the bathroom you could have a condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome and you should seek emergency medical help immediately. Luckily, this condition is relatively rare. The vast majority of people suffer from non-emergency low back pain and should NOT present to an ER as a first resort. Instead, they should present to a principled chiropractor. Chiropractors are the only profession that specializes in spine and neurological health and are trained to identify and fix spinal misalignments which can be resulting in pain, loss of function, and lasting degeneration.
2.) Chiropractic care vs. Medical Care for low back pain
Chiropractors identify and address the underlying cause of your low back pain and loss of function and seek to restore proper alignment. This often results in less pain, better function, and a more resilient spine. This is why seeing a chiropractor first has been shown to decrease the need for more aggressive medical approaches such as drugs, injections, and surgery which only cover-up the symptoms and are much more costly in the long-term.
3. What about massage, acupuncture, physical therapy?
Additional therapies can be beneficial, however none of them address the underlying misalignments to the spine. This is why seeing a chiropractor first is the best option. Your chiropractor will know when additional therapies are required and be able to provide you with a quality referral to a qualified healthcare provider.
Dr. Nathan Servey D.C. is located at Power of Life Alternative and Holistic Health in Victoria, MN. To make an appointment, call 952-443-9000.