According to the literature, 80 percent of Americans will suffer from some type of low back pain at a point in their lifetime. It’s the second leading cause of a visit to the primary care office. (The leading cause is flulike symptoms.) Low back pain results in a large amount of money spent on worker’s compensation and time off. We often hear about friends, family members, and coworkers who go to various doctors to seek treatment. Rarely do we think it’s going to happen to us. It isn’t until we least expect it—it might be when we wake up one morning or even when we’re out on vacation.
What’s the first thing most people do when they’re feeling general low back pain? They pick up the phone and call the primary care physician. The doctor will probably prescribe some medication (anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, or pain medication), usually without doing any form of imaging. They might also make a recommendation related to activity. My opinion might be a little biased, but I think the primary care physician’s role is the hub who makes recommendations about who to see. They see patients with everything from the common cold to a broken bone.
On the other hand, chiropractors are trained in biomechanics, anatomy, and neurology. If you’d ask me for a 30 second elevator pitch about what we’re are good at, I’d say neck and low back pain. (It’s a no-brainer.) We specialize in biomechanical and musculoskeletal disorders of the spine, specifically related to low back pain. Chiropractors are a great place to get started. I just think it makes the most sense for people with low back pain.
When a patient comes into our office, we’re going to take them through an initial assessment and examination to make a determination of what the problem is. We’ll find out what’s causing their low back pain. Once we have a diagnosis we can make appropriate recommendations from there. There are many occasions in my clinic when I’ll make a recommendation back to the primary care physician or for some form of imaging like MRI or X-ray. That way I can make a better diagnosis and determine exactly what’s going on.
Most importantly, we’re able to get started with treatment. Medications are a good first line of defense for low back pain. Research has shown that manual therapy and manipulation are two very effective tools in managing low back pain. In addition to that, we can give some recommendations related to exercise, stretching, and working on the core. The goal is to get you back to where you were as quickly as possible.
That’s why I tell people that a chiropractor is a great person to start with if you’re feeling low back pain. Imagine what your primary care physician’s sign-in sheet looks like. There’s probably more than 50 people on the list with your name. The physician might not be able to spend as much time with you as they’d like. Chiropractors, on the other hand, will make a comprehensive exam. We’ll still make a referral to the primary care physician, neurosurgeon, orthopedist, or imaging specialist if necessary. Most importantly, we’ll administer treatment and suggest exercise, activity modification, and some self-management strategies.
If you’re seeking relief from low back pain, contact us online today or give us a call at (918) 743-3737.
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