It is estimated that 80% of people in the Western World will experience a significant bout of low back pain (LBP) at some stage in their lives for a period of two weeks or longer. So regardless of the risks most of us will come to understand what having LBP is all about.
Chronic LBP will last much longer and may range from very mild to debilitating. There are various risk factors that increase the likelihood of chronic LBP.
Risk factors that you cannot change include:
- Being middle-aged or older
- Being male
- Having a family history of back pain
- Having had a previous back injury
- Being pregnant – a woman’s back is significantly stressed by carrying a baby
- Having spine problems since birth (congenital spine problems)
Risk factors that you can change with lifestyle changes or chiropractic care include:
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Frequent long periods of sitting, lifting heavy objects, bending or twisting, repetitive motions, or constant vibration (such as using a jackhammer)
- Being overweight. This may be related to increased load on the spine or due to general lack of muscular conditioning
- Having poor posture. For every 2-3cm the head moves forward, doubles the load on the cervical spine (neck)
- Being under stress. Stress and other emotional factors are believed to play a major role in low back pain, particularly chronic low back pain. Many people unconsciously tighten their back muscles when they are under stress.
- Depression – especially if you are unhappy in your work environment
- Using medicines long-term that weakens bones, such as corticosteroids
Dr. Steve Hodal is committed to providing high-quality, individualized chiropractic care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments that are tailored to each patient’s individual needs, allowing them to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Contact us to know more about
this disorder or Book Online.