Nearly 80% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of lower back pain in their lifetimes. While this condition is prevalent, there are many ways to address the problem. If you have chronic back pain, here is what to know about what causes the issue and what chiropractors can do to provide you with relief.

Understanding Chronic Back Pain

Why Is Back Pain So Common?

There are several health trends that cause chronic back pain. For example, those who have sedentary jobs are more likely to develop poor posture, and in turn, place stress on the muscles and joints in the back. Rising rates of obesity is another potential reason, as excess weight puts pressure on the body’s skeleton and muscles. However, if you’re active, you might still develop chronic back pain.

Manual laborers will often experience muscle or spinal injuries as a result of improper lifting. Athletes, on the other hand, may develop back-related sports injuries if they fail to train or stretch properly. In other instances, chronic back pain may be linked to an underlying health condition. Osteoarthritis, for instance, can result in joint inflammation that promotes a pain response. Degenerative disc disease might also cause spinal issues that place pressure on sensitive tissues and nerves.

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

Specializing in the care of the musculoskeletal system, chiropractors understand how to assess symptoms and pinpoint the cause of chronic back pain—such as muscle tension, spinal misalignment, or nerve compression.

Depending on the cause, these doctors can offer a variety of non-invasive treatments that not only relieve pain but also promote healing to prevent symptoms from returning. Often, chiropractors will perform adjustments or spinal decompression therapy to gently manipulate the spine back into its proper alignment to reduce muscle tension and alleviate pinched nerves. Therapeutic massages can also reduce muscle tension. If the issue stems from posture or athletic problems, chiropractors may also recommend special stretches or physical therapy exercises to increase flexibility and reduce the risk of future injury.

When chronic back pain is disrupting your life, turn to Montvale Health Sport + Spine for comprehensive relief. Staffed by experienced chiropractors, this Montvale, NJ, clinic diagnoses and treats back and neck pain, as well as many other physical ailments. Understanding that every patient is different, these caring providers will address your condition through a personalized treatment plan, which may involve adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, therapeutic massage, and acupuncture. Visit this practice online to learn more about their services or call (201) 391-8282 to schedule a convenient consultation.