If you had to guess what the leading cause of missed work days would be, what would you guess? I would imagine that most of us would take a shot at being sick, or staying home with sick kiddos. How many would have guessed that back pain is the most common reason to miss work? In fact, not only is it the most common reason to miss work but it is the second most common reason for visiting your doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. It’s estimated that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. The purpose of this article is to give information, and options for those suffering with back pain in Shakopee.
So, what options are out there to help treat and manage back pain? When trying to alleviate back pain, or fix the issue we need to first understand what is causing the pain. Your back is a 
complex structure with bones, muscle, ligaments, and nerves. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disc, and irritate joints. Anyone of these, or a combination can lead to your discomfort or back pain. Your local chiropractor is a great place to start, no one has more training on examining, diagnosing, and treating your back pain then a chiropractor.
What kind of treatment options are out there for back pain? A chiropractor can use a large array of different treatment options to help get you out of pain. First off, a chiropractic adjustment has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to help treat and fix a back issue. An adjustment can help back pain on so many levels including: decreasing pain, decreasing swelling, increasing range of motion, and putting the bone back into the correct position. Chiropractors also can use different modalities depending on condition that can help which can include: traction, flexion distraction, active rehab, electric muscle stim, ultrasound, graston, and manual muscle work.
Other tips to help prevent or minimize back pain:
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight
- Remain physically active
- Make sure you have an ergonomically correct work station
- Keep proper posture
- Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity or bed rest
- Adapt a proper stretching routine
By putting in place some of the tips listed above, and addressing some of the issues you presently have with your chiropractor most people can lead a life without pain or discomfort. If you have any questions related to your back pain, or would like to set up an initial consult give us a call at (952)456-6611 or visit Brooks Chiropractic Website for more information.