Back Pain - Am I At Risk?

Are there risk factors for back pain? And, if there are, what can I do to keep myself healthy and well? Your chiropractor can help answer these questions and more.

One primary risk factor relates to exercise. Everyone has heard, "if you don't use it, you lose it". If you're not exercising regularly, your back muscles are deconditioned and much more susceptible to injury - the strains and sprains we're accustomed to calling "back pain".

Muscles get stronger when they're required to do work. Also exercise helps "train" the soft tissues around a joint - the ligaments and tendons - these supporting structures "learn" how to withstand mechanical stresses and loads without becoming injured. Basically, when you exercise - when you do any kind of exercise - your body gets "smarter" and you're less likely to get those annoying back problems.1

A related risk factor is weak abdominal muscles. When you were a kid, at some point one of your gym teachers probably told you to "suck in your stomach". Actually, it turns out that was pretty good advice. Your abdominal muscles support the muscles of your lower back. If your abdominals are weak or if you're not using them - letting them hang out and droop instead of keeping them activated - your body weight has to be held up by the muscles of your lower back. They're not designed to do that - they're designed to move your spine around. And eventually, these lower back muscles will give way under the excess strain. The result is a very painful lower back injury.

There are many easy-to-do exercises for your abdominal muscles. The key is to actually do them - and do them after you're finished doing the rest of whatever exercises you've scheduled for that day. How often? Three times a week is plenty. Abdominal routines are quick - no more than 10 minutes. And, remember to use your abdominal muscles throughout the day. Imagine your abdominals are being pulled in and lifted up. This is not a "tightening" - your thought should be "activate". Your body will know what to do, once you've started adding consistent abdominal training to your exercise routine.

Risk factors for back pain may also be found in your personal and family medical history.2,3 During your initial visit your chiropractor will ask you about accidents and surgeries you've experienced, and discuss any important elements in your family history. For example, surgery to remove an inflamed galllbladder or appendix or to repair a hernia may result in weakened abdominal muscles. A motor vehicle accident or a fall from a height may have caused injuries that healed with soft tissue scarring.

Learning about potential risk factors and taking appropriate action will help ensure a stronger, more flexible, and healthier lower back.

1Jones MA, et al. Recurrent non-specific low-back pain in adolescents: the role of exercise. Ergonomics 50(10):1680-1688, 2007
2Cherniack M, et al. Clinical and psychological correlates of lumbar motion abnormalities in low back disorders. Spine J 1)4):290-298, 2001
3Plouvier S, et al. Biomechanical strains and low back disorders. Occup Environ Med 2007 (in press)

Locations

Find us on the map

Office Hours

After Hours call (715) 824-2040

Plover Office

Monday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Powers Chiropractic offers friendly service in addition to more comprehensive adjustments than a traditional chiropractic establishment. The results are noticeable and often quickly felt after a visit or two. Definitely a business worth trying!"
    PB
  • "My daughter is 15 years old. She is in volleyball; she is very active. She runs and jumps on the trampoline. She is in volleyball and an active Sports person. I brought her to Dr. Powers because her spine is curved somewhat, she has bad knees, and flat feet. Since she has been coming here, she is also learning a lot and he is very thorough with her and explains how this goes with that, and that's why this is occurring. She really likes him, and we will keep coming here for future appointments as it helps her a lot.Keep up the great work.YMI enjoy coming here. Dr Powers is very comprehensive and explains everything, and I learn so much when I come here for my appointments. My back, neck, arm, groin, and ankle were in so much pain and thanks to him and his assistant it is getting better. I wish he was able to be my primary doctor and I will continue to keep coming to Future appointments so I continue to feel better. Thank you guys! Dr Powers and Terri... You are amazing!!"
    BM
  • "does a good job. very nice person"
    Brittany H.
  • "I was in a car accident in November that left me with back and shoulder pain. After going to see Dr. Powers I felt so much better, I could feel the difference before walking out of my appointments. He tailors his treatment for what works best for you and gives you great tips and advice to help you heal. I would recommend him to anybody!"
    Amanda M.