Finding long-term cures to back pain can be neverending. Just when you think you have finally found relief a little pang returns and soon you’re laid out on the couch rubbing on ointments and taking pills hoping for just a few moments free of agonizing discomfort. Back pain is one of the main reasons that people visit their doctor, second to only the common cold. And for people under the age of 45, back pain is the number one reason that they report being unable to complete physical activities.
For a long time, many people thought that expensive and invasive surgeries were the only way to their pain. However, at Performance Spine and Sports Medicine, a non-surgical orthopedic institute in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, their team of doctors strive to empower each patient in controlling and treating pain, injury or dysfunction with a non-surgical collaborative approach.
Their secret to insuring relief is by using a five-step plan designed to pinpoint problem areas and find solutions without sacrificing other parts of the body:
- A complete diagnosis of the problem that combines specialized computer tests like X-rays, ultrasounds and electromyography to analyze the back and locate major problem areas. The computers allow for complete coverage of the injured area without causing any further discomfort to the patient in the process.
- A plan is created that is specially designed to cater to your needs. This includes scheduling treatments with specialized doctors, physical therapists and nutritionists because it takes more than just a general physician to treat your pain.
- Not all chiropractors are the same, and enlisting the help of someone underqualified can worsen your pain. With this plan, you would work with a specialized chiropractor trained in the most advanced spinal technology. One popular technique used is spinal decompression, which works by slowly and gently stretching the spine, taking pressure off compressed discs and vertebrae.
- Physical therapy is a large part of the healing process but you should only perform exercises that will address your problem, not useless ones that may endanger your progress. A main component to achieving lasting results is strengthening the core of the body. The back needs support to hold it up, and without your back and abdominal muscles, your spine will literally flop over. A spine that is not supported will lead to poor posture and more back pain. The basic reason for strengthening the back is to give it more support when doing everyday activities like walking, standing or running.
- Learning about important nutrients can enhance the results of any therapeutic program, heal the body, promote weight loss, and help with performance. A number of everyday foods increase your stamina and strengthen your muscles.
While most people may try only a combination of one or two of these steps under the direction of their general doctor before hitting a plateau, this five-step method offers treatment from all angles. After completing the program at Performance and Spine Medicine, patients reported a significant change in their level of discomfort. In six weeks, two out of every three people were able to report relief, and within three months of starting the program, nine out of 10 people felt back to normal.
For more, see this video from the Performance Spine and Medicine Institute.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
