Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months. It is not necessarily continuous, but it seems to always be there. 50 billion dollars a year is spent on the treatment of back pain in this country. It is one of the most common neurological complaints and can be debilitating if not treated properly.
The common sources of chronic pain include injuries that don’t ever heal completely, injuries to the nervous system and long-term diseases. The common denominator in all sources of chronic pain is the failure to completely heal.
There are two types of pain generally identified with back pain:
- Neuropathic pain – caused by damage to nerve tissue, usually associated with a sharp stabbing pain or burning sensation. Pinched nerves and herniated disks are good examples of neuropathic pain.
- Nociceptive pain – caused by injury or disease outside of the nervous system, typically defined as a constant dull pain or ache.
Chronic back pain can be a result of either type of pain. It is usually found in men and women between the age of 30 and 50, however lifestyle practices and injuries are also sources of any chronic or acute pain. Spinal degeneration and disc disease, which will bring on chronic pain, does increase with age though.
The onset of this kind of injury can be a life altering experience. Daily routines or chores that are normally taken for granted and completed without effort, become exercises in pain and frustration. For some, simply getting out of bed in the morning has become a monumental task.
While prescription medicine is common for those who suffer from chronic pain, neither it nor standard medical procedures can typically ease the suffering. Temporary relief may be found for a little while, but the pain will continue in various intensities. This type of injury is debilitating and has the ability to cause depression. Studies have shown that depression is nearly four times more likely in people who suffer from chronic back pain.
Doctors of Chiropractic may differ on their techniques and theory of pain; some using modern explanations from neurology and orthopedics, while others apply Palmer’s theory of subluxation. However, all chiropractors use spinal adjustments for the treatment of pain. Chiropractic is extremely effective in the treatment of chronic pain that is associated with an injury that affects the nervous system. This type of treatment is also effective in re-introducing normal function to the muscles, joints and vascular system. This will assist in eliminating the root causes of chronic pain.
Most Doctors of Chiropractic will supplement the treatment of chronic pain by using other therapies, such as trigger point therapy and massage. They may also use nutrition and suggest a regimen of vitamins, minerals and other supplements to strengthen the overall treatment.
An October 2005 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) shows that the costs of chiropractic and medical care for treating chronic low-back pain are comparable. However, chiropractic care produced significantly better results.
2,780 chronic low-back patients received treatment from 60 chiropractors and 111 medical doctors. The results of chiropractic treatment showed higher pain relief and satisfaction with the care and lower disability scores than that from medical care.
There have been several cost-effectiveness studies internationally that have favorably compared chiropractic to medical care. This was the first to compare low-back treatment costs and outcomes within the structure of the American health care system.
When used together, chiropractic and these other related therapies are extremely effective treatments for pain. There are no drug side effects, no surgery or other high-cost medical treatment. Patients dealing with this issue may find chiropractic just the right therapy for long term pain management, and perhaps even the elimination of pain.
For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.
