When it comes to seeing your doctor for back pain, you may be tempted to wait out minor pains in the hopes that they go away. However, it is actually more beneficial for your health and wellness if you address any back pain you are experiencing while it is still mild and before it possibly turns into something more serious. There are many reasons why you might develop minor back pain in your daily routines and activities and a Cedar Park chiropractor can provide you with conservative, non-invasive approaches to provide you with lasting relief.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Unfortunately, back pain is incredibly common and can become debilitating when not addressed right away. Here are four common causes of back pain and when it’s best to seek treatment with your chiropractor.
Misalignments
Chiropractic care involves identifying and addressing misalignments of the spinal vertebrae. When vertebrae are out of place, they can put excessive pressure on nearby tissues, causing pain and even swelling. Misalignments can occur from poor posture, such as hunching over to work on your computer for hours at a time. You may also develop misalignments from too much pressure or stress on your back.
Muscle Strains
Muscle strains are also more commonly referred to as ‘pulling a muscle’. When you pull or strain a muscle in your back it can cause serious discomfort when you twist, turn, or hold yourself up for long periods of time. Muscle strains can occur because of overuse, like with too much lifting of heavy objects, or improper use, like with poor form or technique during exercise.
Inflammation
Strains, sprains, and overuse of your back muscles, tendons, and soft tissues can lead to inflammation. Inflammation can cause redness in the area and you might even notice it is warm to the touch. Inflammation your body’s natural response to an injury or infection, which can lead to swelling in the area. You may develop inflammation in your back from overuse, injury, illness, or even conditions like arthritis.
Arthritis
Arthritis refers to inflammation that occurs in your joints, causing stiffness and pain that may get worse with certain activities or as you age. There are many types of arthritis that can affect various joints in your body. Arthritis in your spine can occur when the cartilage in the joints in your spine eventually begins to break down.
Proactive Treatment for Back Pain
Chiropractic care offers a conservative approach to addressing mild back pain before it turns into something more serious. Before resorting to invasive procedures like injections or surgery, chiropractic is a more natural, gentle approach and can help manage and even alleviate back pain when caught early. Chiropractors utilize techniques to improve mobility in your spine and joints, as well as tight, stiff, or strained muscles. When you visit your doctor for back pain, you may prefer a less invasive approach like chiropractic for addressing your minor back pain that does not require medications with tricky side effects or procedures with long recovery periods. Your chiropractor will not only want to know where the specific pain is occurring, but will also want to assess your body’s spinal alignment, muscle tone, mobility, and flexibility. All of these factors contribute to a healthier functioning body.
Preventative Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is also incredibly beneficial in preventing future back pain, illness, and injury. This type of treatment and care involves utilizing the body’s natural healing abilities as well as improving strength and mobility. Your chiropractor can help you experience long-term relief from mild back pain and also guide you through preventative stretches, exercises, and lifestyle changes that will benefit you in the future. When you visit your doctor for back pain, it helps to understand how your daily routines may be contributing to the pain, from activities to nutritional habits. Chiropractors focus on each individual from a holistic perspective, taking into account how all these aspects work together so you can experience healthy functioning.
If you are looking for a doctor for back pain, Pro-Care Medical Centers in Austin, Cedar Park, and San Antonio have teams of chiropractors and primary care physicians who can address all varieties of back pain. You can expect a comprehensive approach to your treatment and care with convenient online appointment scheduling and transparent costs. Visit our website to learn more and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today!
