Back Pain

Understanding Back Pain

After respiratory disorders, the second most common reason patients seek help of the UK healthcare system is for back pain relief. 85% of people are disabled by an attack of back pain during their lives, and at any given time 7% of the adult population are suffering from back pain. Back pain is responsible for countless sick days from work, and is a source of total misery for sufferers. Fortunately there is much that we can do, both to treat lower back pain and give back pain relief, as well as to work to ensure we do not suffer from it again.

What is Back Pain?

Back pain is actually a whole range of different types of pain, felt in different parts of the back. It may be acute or chronic, depending on how long it lasts. The pain itself is either a dull ache, shooting or piercing pain, or a burning sensation. The pain may spread into the legs or feet, and may include ‘paresthesia’ (tingling with no apparent cause), and weakness or numbness in the legs (caused by radiation from the sciatic nerve). In medicine, we classify the origin point of the pain using the anatomical segments of the backbone or spine below the neck (neck pain itself is a different category). We therefore use the following words to describe where the pain actually comes from: middle back pain (thoracic), lower back pain (lumbar) and coccydynia (tailbone or sacral pain). The lumbar vertebrae area is the most common place for pain. This frequently takes the form of a nagging ache with a sharper pain associated with specific movements.

What are the Main Causes of Back Pain?

Most back pain symptoms are in fact not caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a disease, fracture or slipped disc. More often it is the way we lead our lives which is to blame. We tend to spend a lot of our time sitting down, either at work, in the car or watching TV. We also on average take less regular exercise than previous generations. All this can make our back more susceptible to damage, either through an accidental movement or injury. Our spine is supported by many muscles and these need to be kept in shape by leading an active life. Sitting down, especially ‘slouching’ can actually weaken the spine significantly.

Why is Early Intervention Important?

There is little doubt that our sedentary lifestyles and work habits are key factors in causing back pain. However, that does not mean we should just accept it. Putting up with pain is neither helpful to your long term health nor is it part of a happy lifestyle. It is important  that help and treatment is sought early. The earlier we can treat back pain, the more we can reduce the risk of developing chronic back injury and long term disability. So while some lifestyle changes may well be necessary, we can treat the pain to give significant back pain relief.

The Evidence

Studies over the years have repeatedly shown that Chiropractic has successfully given relief to both acute and chronic lower back pain. Chiropractors are trained not only to diagnose the causes of back pain but also to perform a course of treatment that will bring relief and lasting help to the patient.

Back Pain relief at Cornwall Chiropractic

We will recommend to you a specific course of treatment. This will take into account your specific condition and needs. Although we see many similar kinds of symptoms, everyone is different and will respond to treatment in a different way. This is why we need tov understand as much as possible about your lifestyle and activities. At Cornwall Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to treating all types of back pain – lower back pain, mid-back and neck pain. And we do this best with an individually customised course of treatment. Many of our patients have had great success with our back pain treatment – this is because of our individual approach.