Back pain is a common problem experienced by over 80 percent of the world’s population. Most people try to mask their pain with over-the-counter pain relievers and simply attempt to live with the pain, which sometimes can be debilitating. 

Unfortunately, back pain is a serious matter that should be addressed as soon as possible. If not, it could lead to greater problems, including chronic severe pain that disrupts one’s ability to perform daily functions. In fact, back pain is one of the world’s leading causes of disability. 

Even mild back pain should be faced and treated to resolve any issues now and in the future. This article will discuss common myths surrounding back pain and suggest a long-term, natural solution to back pain. 

Will I Always Be On Prescription Pain Medication for Back Pain? 

Prescription pain medication is often prescribed for back pain issues; however, it really is only a temporary solution. Taking medication only masks the pain, whether it’s over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen or if it’s prescription pain medicines. Pain relievers work in various ways to hide the pain signals from your brain, either directly in your brain or through your nerve receptors. 

If taking pain medication is your only response to back pain, then you will need to continue taking those pills indefinitely, because you aren’t doing anything to remove the source of the pain. Continue reading to find out what natural, holistic option can treat your pain and reduce your need for prescription pain medication.

Is Surgery the Only Option for Back Pain? 

When pain becomes debilitating, the next step is often surgery. While some back surgeries are minimally invasive with only minor incisions, often back surgery is a major procedure.

For instance, a diskectomy involves the full or partial removal of a portion of a vertebra to access a ruptured disk. For spinal stenosis, a laminectomy may be performed. This procedure involves removing the bone that covers the spinal canal in order to relieve nerve pressure. Your situation may require the fusion of two disks or implanting an artificial disk. 

Before resorting to surgery, which could come with serious risks, continue reading to learn about a non-invasive, long-term solution.

Does Back Pain Get Worse With Age?

While it’s true that bones and muscles can deteriorate over time, it’s possible to reduce the effects of aging. The wear and tear associated with aging happens slowly over time and most likely isn’t the cause of your back pain. Rather, pain concentrated in your back is probably caused by poor habits and lifestyle choices. 

Prevent back pain by taking charge of your life, regardless of your age. Stay active and hydrated. Choose an anti-inflammatory diet. Also, practice good posture while sitting and standing to help maintain proper spinal alignment. 

Is Restricting Motion the Best Way to Avoid Back Pain?

People tend to think that limited physical activity can prevent back injury and even stop further pain once it has started. However, that can’t be further from the truth. 

A sedentary lifestyle with restricted motion – be it daily movement, stretches, or exercises – can cause the back and spine to become deconditioned. This can create more chronic pain and stiffen your muscles and joints. 

To prevent a stiff back and to ease back pain, it’s best to remain active. Daily stretches, yoga, or just a brisk walk through the neighborhood can do wonders for your back and your mindset.

How Can I Relieve Back Pain Naturally?

Back pain could be caused by any number of things, but the source boils down to some malfunction in the spine’s bones, discs, nerves, muscles, or other components. 

While medications may temporarily relieve pain, it only masks the pain without treating the source of it. Surgery takes it one step further by addressing the actual cause of the pain; however, it can be dangerous and may not even remove pain entirely. So what other option do you have for chronic back pain? 

One natural, long-term solution to back pain is chiropractic care. This practical, holistic method treats the pain at its source and lacks the dangers associated with surgery. 

Upper cervical chiropractic care, for instance, can treat back pain caused by the misalignment of the atlas vertebrae. This uppermost bone in the spine is susceptible to becoming misaligned due to its free-moving nature. 

If the atlas isn’t properly aligned, the body feels it and experiences side effects directly related to the issue, such as stress in the back muscles, pressure on the spinal joints and discs, and soreness in the spinal nerves. 

Your chiropractor can use gentle and effective methods of realigning your spinal bones, naturally returning them to their proper positions, which will ease any back pain you may have been experiencing. 

Chiropractic treatment also works for lower back pain and pain centered in the middle of your spine, along with other issues within the body. If you’ve been experiencing back pain – whether it’s a new problem or one you’ve been dealing with for some time – then schedule an appointment online or call us today.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person advice or care from a medical professional.