Having an achy back can be troublesome, especially if your role entails plenty of labor. It could result in extreme discomfort, moodiness, decreased productivity levels and increased susceptibility to accidents and traumatic injuries. Thankfully, you have various ways to keep your spinal column in good shape with the help of proven remedies like chiropractic in Decatur and simple lifestyle adjustments. Find out how you can manage your symptom or back-pain-causing condition in our discussion.

#1. Know Your Risk Factors

The first and most underrated tip to keeping back pain at bay when you are always busy at work is to assess your risk factors. Find out what specific things might affect your overall health or leave you prone to developing back pain. Here are a few examples:

Genetics 

Do you have relatives with hereditary conditions like lumbar disc disease and ankylosing spondylitis? If yes, you are more likely to develop back pain than the average Joe.

Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions 

Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and other conditions can aggravate back pain. It would help to get diagnosed with these diseases or disorders so you know how to care for your body.

Aging 

As the body ages, the muscles, connective tissues, bones, cartilage, and intervertebral discs also gradually wear down. Unfortunately, this leads to flexibility loss and significant pain and discomfort.

Smoking 

Tobacco and nicotine-containing products impact the quality of your intervertebral discs. So, it would help to eliminate this habit or find a healthier alternative.

Work-related injuries

Repetitive motion injuries, poor lifting techniques, and excessive muscle strain due to manual labor can affect your spinal column and the tissues attached to them. Poor posture can also compromise the alignment of your vertebral bones.

#2. Trace The Root Cause 

Another essential but underrated tip to include in your back pain care plan is to trace its root cause. Does it have something to do with a previous injury? Is it related to spinal misalignment or poor posture? It might also result from a potentially dangerous disorder or disease. Below is a short list of the common back-pain-causing problems that physicians, therapists, and doctors of chiropractic in Decatur often encounter:

Muscle spasms 

This can occur due to various things, including dehydration during a long work shift, excessive physical strain, and emotional distress.

Ruptured or broken down discs 

Besides aging, the intervertebral discs can break down or rupture because of certain conditions like degenerative disc diseases and disc herniation. Sometimes, work hazards can amplify the impacts of such diseases, leaving you struggling with intense back pain.

Vertebral subluxation 

Spinal misalignments can result from various things. These include previous accidents, overextension of the neck during a sporting event, and poor sitting or standing posture. When one or more of the spinal bones shift away from the body’s central axis, the other spinal bones follow. This can lead to tensed muscles, stiff joints, compressed nerve roots, and impaired brainstem function.

Sciatica

Did you know that about 40 percent of American adults develop sciatica or irritated sciatic nerve? This form of neuropathic pain causes a burning or searing sensation on the hips, buttocks, and lower extremities. When left unresolved, it can also lead to a numbing or tingling sensation and muscle weakness.

Fibromyalgia

As a complex neurological disorder, fibromyalgia tends to cause a myriad of health mishaps. Unfortunately, the symptoms include intense backaches, tender spots all over the body, and heightened pain and pressure sensitivity.

Pregnancy

A growing child can cause the spinal bones to shift away from their normal position. The spine has to compensate for the additional weight on the front side of the body, so the muscle tense up, and the bones can sometimes dislodge or fuse with the others.

#3. Find Out If You Should Call For Emergency Care

While backaches are generally harmless, there are instances when patients need to seek emergency care. If you experience any of the signs listed below, we highly recommend calling your doctor or 911 right away:

• Sudden weight loss
• Unexplainable fever
• Body weakness and loss of muscle coordination
• Trouble holding your bladder
• Physical deformities along your spine

#4. Make Necessary Adjustments At Work

Because back pain can sometimes worsen during long work hours, it’s essential to know a few helpful techniques to relieve your symptoms. Some examples of the things you can do include the following:

• Stretch in between long work shifts
• Practice safe lifting techniques
• Avoid twisting your body when carrying or picking items
• Modify repetitive tasks to prevent muscle strain and joint inflammation
• Wear supportive shoes, especially if your job requires standing for long hours
• Strengthen your core muscles to limit the risks of injuries
• Improve your working area (investing in ergonomic furniture, adjusting the screen, etc.)

#5. Take advantage of Chiropractic in Decatur

Back pain should never take over your life and spoil your happiness. We recommend chiropractic in Decatur, especially if you have grown weary of other remedies or techniques. Your pain and discomfort may stem from postural imbalances along the upper cervical spine. An Upper Cervical doctor can check your spinal bones and see how far they might have shifted because of your underlying health concern or previously sustained injuries.

The adjustments can release pressure buildup in the spinal column, attached muscles, and spinal nerve roots. It can also help you manage risk factors for back pain-causing conditions like sciatica and fibromyalgia. Find out if Upper Cervical chiropractic applies to your situation by  contacting us.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. O’Brien, call our Decatur office at 404-370-8050. You can also click the button below.