At one point or another we have all suffered from some sort of back pain, but what may be surprising is that 80% of Americans suffer from low back pain at one point in their life. It is so prevalent that it is one of the top reasons people seek medical attention. Lumbago also known as low back pain can be short term or it can be a part of your daily life.
As many studies show, the American population is increasingly living a very sedentary lifestyle. Low back pain may be the result of several factors, some very much preventable. So what are they?
- Obesity/Weight gain
- Bad posture
- Muscle weakness
- Inactivity or overuse/repetitive movements
- Improper form during exercise
- Incorrect body mechanics
As well as the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Disc Herniation
- Scoliosis
- Muscle strain
- Spine degeneration
- Movement or slipping of vertebrae known as spondylolisthesis
- Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint.
While many people opt to medication for much needed pain relief, there are other options to help alleviate and even correct the cause of your pain. Although surgery may be indicated in severe cases, it is not your only option. Your options include physical therapy to strengthen muscles, fitness sessions, chiropractic care, postural support equipment to correct and retrain posture and injection therapy without the use of steroids or narcotics. Don’t let pain slow you down as the most wonderful time of the year approaches!