More than 3.7 million Australians have back pain or similar problems according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) two-yearly report card, Australia’s Health 2018.1 While 16% of Australians had back pain and problems in 2014–15, this gets even worse, rising to 26%, if you are over 55 years old.
With around 70-90% of Australians suffering from lower back problems in some form at some point in their lives,2 it is fast becoming a major public health concern. In addition to dealing with persistent pain, people with chronic back problems are also more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This greatly impacts daily activities and general outlook on life.3
While the burden of low back pain is ranked sixth in the world, it is ranked first in Australasia.4 With such a far-reaching impact, it is important to identify back problems and take steps to reduce its effect and try to prevent it.
What are Back Problems?
AIHW describes back problems as a range of conditions related to the bones, joints, connective tissue, muscles and nerves of the back.5 Commonly felt in the lower back area, back problems can also cause stiffness, soreness and inflammation. The pain itself may range from mild to severe, or from a dull ache to a sharp pain.6
General back pain is usually resolved within a few weeks or months but back pain that lasts for three months or longer is described as chronic.
What Causes Back Problems?
It is not always possible to identify the cause of back pain. Although pain from a direct injury (such as a sprain or strain) or a medical condition (like a slipped disc or sciatica) may be easier to identify, back problems can also result from lifestyle choices.
People who lead inactive lives and have poor posture are more at risk of experiencing back pain due to prolonged strain on the back and spine.
Help is at Hand
Back pain can be quite distressing but there is no need to suffer in silence. There are steps you can take to address back pain symptoms. Improvements, no matter how small, may help you feel like yourself again. Taking small steps towards better health and seeking professional advice can make a big difference in how you feel.
The focus of chiropractors is on correcting dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal and nervous system, and pain relief. Chiropractors work towards restoring and maintaining normal spinal function, and encourage patients to make the necessary lifestyle choices to achieve this.
Back Problems and Chiropractic
For back problems, chiropractors use a variety of non-surgical treatments, such as spinal manipulation or manual therapies. Chiropractors will assess your health and offer advice on how to manage the issue.
Chiropractors advise patients on self-management of back pain through exercise, diet and lifestyle modification. The chiropractor’s goal in the management of back pain is to support your current level of function, pain relief and minimising disability. Chiropractors work with other healthcare providers where needed.7
Visit your local ACA chiropractor for more information on how they can help improve your quality of life. Visit Chiro Can Help to learn more about everyday habits that could place stress on your spine, simple tips to improve your spinal health, and how ‘Chiro Can Help’.
For more information on maintaining a healthy spine, please visit the website of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) at www.chiropractors.asn.au