There tends to be a knowledge gap between the abundance of research versus patient beliefs concerning low back pain (LBP).
Our profession is in a unique position within the healthcare system to solve this problem—one patient at a time. Evidence-based chiropractors are the conduit to spread credible information about MSK diagnoses to help patients change their longstanding beliefs. Your practice and profession benefit from reversing the myths commonly associated with LBP. Reach out to a chiropractor in Victoria BC to see how they can help you today.
Patients “Think” About LBP
Having back pain means you will always have weakness in your back (49.3%),
LBP will get progressively worse (48.0%)
Resting is a good idea (41.4%)
X-rays or advanced imaging are required to get the best medical care for LBP (54.2%). (Hall et al. 2021)
What We Know About LBP
Too much rest slows recovery. (2)
Medication is minimally helpful. (3)
Increased activity improves recovery. (4)
Imaging is not helpful for a diagnosis and often leads to a worse prognosis. (5)
Results Of Poor Patient Education
Many patients suffer from a lack of credible knowledge surrounding the treatment of LBP. A poor understanding of LBP leads to inappropriate therapies to patients, ultimately resulting in frustration. Everyone loses when patients receive care that is divergent from clinical practice guidelines. (1)
Less than 20% of patients receive evidence-based information and advice, and over-prescription of imaging and opioids is common.
The overuse of imaging and faulty patient education can form negative beliefs and expectations surrounding LBP.
Negative beliefs about back pain will influence clinical outcomes.
Low Back Pain
Involuntary spasms in your lower back? A dull throbbing ache? Shooting pain down your leg? You are most likely suffering from low back pain (LBP). If you’ve never had low back pain, chances are you will at some point in your life. Just check these statistics:
Low Back Pain Causes
Low back pain is a complex condition with multiple contributors to pain, including physical, social and psychological factors. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity and being sedentary are associated with the occurrence of low back pain as well.
Our backs play a supportive role for our bodies – at rest and in motion. Extra bodyweight puts greater demand on our spines and other joints. Research shows that a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) increases the risk of suffering low back pain. With growing rates of obesity, Canadians are increasing their chances of developing low back pain.
In addition, we are more sedentary than ever before. In industrialized countries, 75% of workers sit for long periods of time. Prolonged sitting may negatively affect your muscles and joints and lead to deconditioning (decline in physical functioning), fatigue and stress on the spinal discs causing pain in the lower back. In an effort to combat sitting, newer products such as standing desks, have been increasing in popularity. However, recent research produced at the University of Waterloo also found that standing desks may lead to lower back pain as well.
The key take away message as discussed by Daniel Viggiani, lead author, is that regardless of whether you are sitting or standing at work, make sure to move around and shift your posture often as static posture can be detrimental.
Responses to the Low Back Pain Epidemic
Low back pain has also been one of the key drivers for opioid prescription. With increasing awareness of its risks, limited efficacy and potential for misuse, emerging evidence has suggested that medication should not be the mainstay in the treatment of low back pain. Instead, recent guidelines recommend self-management, manual therapy, physical activity and psychological therapies. There is a shift in placing less emphasis on pharmacological and surgical interventions in the care of low back pain.
Canadian chiropractors are trained to assess and diagnose back pain, as well as offer comprehensive treatment plans for other regions of the body as well. A chiropractor addresses all contributing factors of low back pain, such as joint dysfunction, injury, ergonomics, exercise and overall health and then develops a customized program to relieve pain, increase mobility and get you back on your feet. Chiropractic treatment is a drugless and non-invasive treatment option.
How Chiropractic Expertise Can Help Low Back Pain
Chiropractic treatment relieves low back pain using effective clinical tools like manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, exercise, patient education, modalities (i.e. laser) and rehabilitation. Extensively trained in spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), chiropractors are proficient in providing specialized care which has been proven effective in reducing pain, improving function, and decreasing the chances of low back pain becoming a chronic condition.
Come see a chiropractor in Victoria BC today, and join the other 4.5 million Canadians visiting their chiropractor each year!
References
https://chiroup.com/insane-facts-about-low-back-pain/
https://chiropractic.ca/
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Dr. Mike Hadbavny
Chiropractor, Sports Sciences Resident RCCSS(C)
If you are interested in learning more about how chiropractic care can be effective for your particular condition or health goals, contact Dr. Mike Hadbavny at 250-881-7881 today to make an appointment and discover the many benefits of seeing a chiropractor in Victoria BC. Contact us today.
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