Fewer People Of Color Receive Back Pain Care
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lower back pain is the leading cause of disability globally. Yet, new research cited in the Journal of General Internal Medicine indicates that only one-third of American adults who suffer from this potentially debilitating condition seek chiropractic care to help manage – and even heal – their afflictions. Furthermore, researchers have determined that people of color and people of limited economic means are far less likely than wealthier, white peers to seek chiropractic care.
The lead author of the study, who is the Director of the Program for Integrative Medicine and Health Disparities at Boston Medical Center, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, notes that “Chiropractic care and physical therapy are among the best options we have for treating low back pain, and can help reduce reliance on treating pain with opioids and other pain medications.. Guidelines released during the study period went from recommending these approaches as second line treatment, after other treatments fail, to first line treatment to be used before traditional pain medications… (yet) most Americans with back pain are not receiving this type of care,”
How A Chiropractor Can Help With Back Pain
If you are suffering from back pain, know that seeking chiropractic care is an opportunity that is worthy of your consideration. As an experienced back pain doctor – including those who practice at AmeriWell Clinics – can confirm, every patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Yet, the following are a few of the things that you can likely expect, should you opt to seek chiropractic care for your pain.
A chiropractor will likely begin by assessing the root cause of your back pain. This involves a thorough examination, which may include analyzing posture, performing spinal alignments, and possibly X-rays. Understanding the source of the pain is crucial for effective treatment.
One of the primary techniques used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation or adjustment. This procedure involves applying controlled pressure to the spine to realign vertebrae, which can relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and improve the overall functioning of the spine. This can lead to a reduction in back pain and an increase in mobility.
Oftentimes, back pain is exacerbated or even caused by poor posture. Chiropractors can offer advice and exercises to improve posture and ergonomics, especially for people who sit for long periods or have labor-intensive jobs. Chiropractors also often recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles that support the back. Strengthening these muscles can help prevent future back pain or reduce the severity of current pain.
Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to pain management, addressing the body as a whole rather than just focusing on the area of pain. This approach can lead to more sustainable and long-term relief. Through a combination of spinal adjustments, personalized treatment plans, lifestyle advice, and a holistic approach, chiropractic care can provide significant relief for those suffering from back pain. It’s a safe, effective, and natural way to not only treat back pain but also to address the underlying causes and prevent future occurrences.