How common is back pain?
Back pain is the leading cause of disability around the world, according to the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors. It can range from a sharp pain to a dull ache in your upper or lower back.
While back pain can go away on its own, many patients must take time off work, visit specialists, and even have surgery to alleviate chronic back pain. Up to 80% of adults experience some form of back pain at least once in their lives.
What causes back pain?
Your back pain may be caused by a number of different conditions or injuries, including:
- Arthritis
- Muscle strain
- Herniated disc (slipped disc)
- Osteoporosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Pinched nerve
- Fracture
- Accident or sports injury
- Poor posture
- Certain cancers
In some cases, back pain is related to other factors in your life. If you smoke, are overweight, wear high heels, or regularly lift heavy objects, you may be at risk of back pain in the future.
How is back pain treated at Cornerstone Acupuncture Institute?
The Cornerstone Acupuncture Institute utilizes natural remedies to alleviate back pain rather than opioids or invasive surgery. Some of the most common back pain treatments available at the team’s offices are:
Chiropractic manipulation
Also called spinal manipulation, this chiropractic treatment involves a combination of physical therapy, exercises, and massage therapy to adjust your spine.
During your session, the team applies pressure to a specific joint or area of your spine to maneuver it into the right place. This helps reduce pressure on your spine and alleviate pain.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy relaxes tension in your muscles and increases blood flow and circulation to help you recover from back pain.
Acupuncture
During your acupuncture session, the Cornerstone Acupuncture Institute team inserts thin needles into predetermined points on your body to redirect the flow of energy in your body. This helps alleviate muscle pain, reduce tension, and gives your body a chance to relax.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a massage in which your provider applies varying amounts of pressure on your hands, feet, and ears to balance the flow of energy in your body. This simple act relaxes your body and naturally helps reduce back pain.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can include a combination of stretches, exercises, massage therapy, and diet and lifestyle changes to help relieve your chronic back pain.
Invasive treatments aren’t your only option for treating back pain. For more information on alternative therapies, call Cornerstone Acupuncture Institute to schedule an appointment today.
