Back pain: the signal you should not ignore

Do you suffer from back pain? You’re not alone. Unfortunately, its common – one in six Australians suffers from back problems. These problems can affect all areas of your life causing difficulty with everyday activities like bending, lifting and getting out of bed. You may also experience mental distress and difficulty working.

How does back pain happen?

In simple terms, back pain is discomfort felt in the region between your neck and hips, and can result from different causes and have various effects on your body.

Back pain can originate from the bones, discs, ligaments, muscles, joints or nerves in your back. Sometimes, its referred pain from other sources like menstrual pain or irritable bowel syndrome. Other times its due to underlying conditions like arthritis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, kidney stones or osteoporosis. Often, its linked to mechanical issues in the spine.

When should you seek help?

If you’re struggling with back pain or discomfort, reach out. It’s an indication that all is not well. A professional assessment will help identify the cause. From there, we can discuss treatment options and advice or, if needed, further assessment or referral.

There are also ‘red flags’ – signs that many indicate a serious problem that should not be ignored. If you have any of these, book a consult promptly:

• Pain or weakness in one or both legs
• Numbness in the leg or saddle area
• Trouble controlling your bladder or bowel
• Recent trauma like a car crash, fall or knock
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Pain that persists for six weeks or more
• Rest, including sleep – doesn’t help.

While it may appear that the pain has occurred suddenly, back pain can actually manifest long after an issue first develops, sometimes even years later. Therefore, discomfort serves as a reminder to assess the health of your spine.

As Chiropractors we understand back pain very well. We use a hands-on approach to assess your body, spine and health. We may evaluate your range of motion, muscle strength, nerve function, balance, coordination and posture. We’ll identify any problems with your spinal, muscle, nerve and joint function.
Together, we’ll decide on a treatment plan. This can include adjustments to your spine or other joints, strengthening or stretching exercise, and lifestyle, postural and movement advice. We will work with you to help reduce or eliminate your pain and improve your function.

While back pain is common, it’s not unbeatable. It’s a signal from your body telling you something is wrong, much like the oil light warning in a car. Listen to your body. Seeking professional care can set you on the path to a healthier, pain-free life.

Call us on 8374 4033 or book online.