What People with Lower Back Pain Want You to Know
I really believe the people that I have known who have had extreme lower back pain would do it all differently if they could. And I think they would strongly recommend certain steps, not to take, to anyone who would listen.
They would tell you to take good care of your spine, to watch your weight, to not overdo work and to definitely not smoke.
I watched two relatives, both men, make their way through lower back pain, and successfully come out the other side. But it was tough. They were both fighters, hard workers, and people who never expected life to be easy. They had worked hard for many years, achieved a lot, and planned to enjoy the results. But they crossed into new territory when they found they could barely sit down, could barely move, could barely walk, and felt pain constantly in the lower back.
At that point a lot of things may have caught up with them. One had demolished a sports car at age 20 and was lucky to walk out of the hospital six months later. The other had played football in high school and then moved through the ranks in construction working seven day weeks and many hours.
The pain signals that took over their lives may have started with a lot of early history for both. Both had gained some weight, worked long hours, smoked, and never let anything stop them, until they hit the back pain issue. Both considered surgery but chose to see a doctor and then a chiropractor instead. Both were able to help and a plan was formulated that took some time and effort, but worked.
The Visit to a Chiropractor
Together, the doctor, patient and chiropractor worked with these men to find paths through their pain. The chiropractor started with the initial spinal adjustment to evaluate spinal health and pain. A complete medical history and full discussion of daily activities followed. The chiropractor’s goal is to seek to help reinstate normal routines and help to help relieve pain without using medication or surgery.
New diets, no smoking, and major changes to daily schedules were all discussed as both men made their way back to their lives. They also learned relaxation therapy, lost weight and really just refocused their lives. But it worked. One relative had to do extended therapy for six months, but then he could move freely without pain. Before he could barely sit down.
The other relative also went through months of therapy, learned new postures, and learned new ways to safely lift heavy objects. Before he could barely move. Afterwards he was able to play with his grandkids and take small trips. Overall the patient and the chiropractor work toward the end goal of returning to a regular life.
If you are experiencing lower back problems, or know someone who is, see your chiropractor now.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Charlie Day