Many of us will experience back pain in our lifetime. Back pain is very common, and luckily it can resolve on it's own over time. What about when it doesn't get better? What about the times that you literally can't get to work in the morning because the pain is so bad? Hopefully that's never the case, but in today's blog we'll cover some economic impacts of back pain, how we can help prevent it, and tips on who to see for your pain.
It's hard to believe, but statistics show that back pain accounts for more than 264 million lost work days in one year—that’s two work days for every full-time worker in the country. (1) I don't know about you, but I think every day counts when it comes to putting food on the table and paying the bills!
Now, more than ever, I think people are realizing how lucky we are if we have a job and a paycheck. We can't always control things, like a global pandemic, but we can control our actions. Having healthy and proactive habits can go a long way when you're trying to get by in these crazy times. Make sure you are physically and mentally healthy, so you can take on whatever life throws at you. Be able to bend, but not break!
Many times you can manage things on your own, but sometimes it's a good idea to see a professional about it. If it's increased anxiety or depression, don't hesitate to reach out to loved ones or a therapist. If it's physical pain that isn't getting better, get in touch with a Chiropractor or PT. We're trained to help in these scenarios and less invasive compared to medications or surgery.
In my office, there's been an increase in patients with severe muscle tension due to stress or new workplace ergonomics. With soft tissue therapy we can help to alleviate the muscle tension. With rehab exercises and teaching proper breathing, we can help improve their posture and decrease stress.
Lastly, as we are seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases this winter, it's important to consider where you go for treatment. Back pain is the third most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, behind skin disorders and osteoarthritis/joint disorders. (2) Instead of heading into your family doctor or urgent care, consider seeing a Chiropractor. We are portal of entry doctors, which means you do not need a referral to see us. An ethical chiropractor will evaluate your symptoms and then make the decision to treat you or refer to another specialist if necessary. This saves you the hassle, expense and risk of exposure from going into places like the ER or Urgent Care.
Take care of yourselves, be kind to others, support local small businesses, and have a safe and happy holiday season!
-Dr. Henly
*All info in our blog posts are general info and not meant to replace a proper diagnosis or treatment for your specific condition.*
References
The Hidden Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Americans, United State Bone and Joint Initiative, 2018.
Sauver, JL et al. Why patients visit their doctors: Assessing the most prevalent conditions in a defined American population. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Volume 88, Issue 1, 56–67.
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