Don’t spend the weekend in bed!
Back pain can be pretty scary when it it strikes you hard. Incredibly painful, sometimes immobilizing, and often elusive with regard to the cause, it also affects as many as 80% of Americans during their lifetime.
I’ve spent the past 21 years specializing in the diagnosis and resolution of back pain, back dysfunction, back and spinal rehab, neurological disorders, and poor human function and healing.
Back pain is a prevalent condition that can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes of back pain include:
Muscle or ligament strain: Poor posture, overuse, or sudden movements can strain or sprain muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to back pain and discomfort.
Herniated or bulging discs: The discs that cushion the vertebrae can rupture or bulge, putting pressure on nerves and causing pain.
Arthritis: Inflammation in the joints of the spine can cause back pain and stiffness.
Osteoporosis: The bones in the spine can weaken and become more susceptible to fractures, leading to pain.
Spinal stenosis: The spinal canal narrows, causing compression of the nerves and leading to pain and numbness.
Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine can cause back pain and discomfort.
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the joints.
Poor posture: Sitting or standing in an improper position can put stress on the back muscles and lead to pain.
Vertebral Subluxation: Misalignment and restriction of the spine that leads to pressure on the nerves that control, regulate, and heal your body. This condition limits healing while simultaneously disrupting function and even causing pain.
Dr. Lou
The best non-invasive solutions for back and neck pain are as follows:
Chiropractic care: Chiropractors can use spinal manipulation techniques to alleviate pain and improve spinal alignment. Chiropractic is the third largest healthcare profession after medicine and dentistry in the United States. Chiropractors are the preferred non-invasive back pain specialists worldwide.
Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help relieve back pain and reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves the use of fine needles inserted into specific points in the body to alleviate back pain and improve overall well-being.
Mind-body therapies: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may contribute to back pain.
Physical therapy: A trained physical therapist can design an exercise program to help reduce pain, increase flexibility, and strengthen the muscles in the back.
It’s important to note that the best non-invasive treatment for back pain will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. A healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
Dr. Lou has been in private practice in Portland, Maine since 2003.