More than eighty percent of all people will suffer from low back pain in their lifetime. The area that is most effected by pain is the lumbar spine which happens to carry the most weight due to it's bio-mechanical position against gravity. The most common instances of low back pain can be caused by poor lifting techniques, obesity, and poor postural positioning and ergonomics.

It has been said that the majority of lower back pain resolves itself within fourteen days, based on a study that was done ages ago. What this study does not mention are the factors that were not taken into account, showing a skewed proportion since many people did not finish the study. These people were then considered cured of their symptoms, which is most likely false. Yet, these finding set the standard for back pain treatment in North America.

The chiropractic adjustment continues to be the most vital thing a chiropractor can provide to help the body heal itself. The symptoms of low back pain, neck pain, and headaches can be included in what these adjustments are used for. The spine is analyzed a series of specific pressures are applied to increase range of motion and remove spinal pressure and increase alighment of the spinal column itself.

A form of therapy called, spinal manipulation, is the application of controlled force to a joint, moving it beyond the normal range of motion. It is used by chiropractors to reduce pain, increase mobility, and restore biomechanical and anatomical relations between spinal segments to facilitate rapid recovery. Spinal manipulation therapy can prevent the onset of a chronic disorder associated with immobility which results in successful recovery especially if combined with exercise and good body mechanics. Chiropractic treatment takes approximately 3-6 weeks to treat patients with nonspecific and uncomplicated low back pain and up to 10 weeks for those with more severe cases.

The outcomes of clinical research done on chiropractic patients showed that the people who received treatment from a local chiropractor were more satisfied than the group who was treated with western medicine.

According to a survey, chiropractic treatment received the highest percentage of patients having 59% who were highly satisfied compared to any other treatments, including physical therapy (55%), acupuncture (53%), massage (48%) and treatments from specialists (44%) and primary-care doctors (34%). It was found that hands-on treatments are very helpful with the patients suffering from low back pain.

Low back pain may be common, but each patient has their unique experience with their pain. It is appropriate to use biopsychosocial measures to individualize treatment than to use a "one size fits all" approach. Multiple efficacious treatments also introduce greater opportunity for choice which may bring a positive outcome for a patient's treatment.

If you have any concerns or need help with lower back pain, see your local chiropractor. If in Seattle and are in need of a chiropractor please call: Queen Anne Chiropractic Center 1905 Queen Anne Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 (206) 282-8275 http://www.queenannechiro.com