Back Pain and Nutrition
I have been in practice for over 37 years and have treated thousands of cases of back and neck pain. One thing I have observed is there is no shortage of people who experience back and neck pain on a regular basis. In fact, according to data from the website Statista, in 2017, 54% of adults report experiencing back or neck pain for at least 5 years. 49% of adults say they are “prone” to back pain and over 55% say that when an episode occurs, they treat it themselves.
The causes of back pain are many and varied. Stress is a big, big factor in the incidence of back pain. There may traumatic causes like strains and sprains, slips and falls, accidents and other injuries. Vertebral subluxation – misalignment of the bones of the spine – is another major cause of back pain. Poor posture habits, being overweight, and poor spinal hygiene, i.e. not lifting properly, poor ergonomics with the computer station, texting/smart phone use and poor driving position. Sometimes pain can be referred to the spine from another part of the body. For example, it’s not uncommon for someone with thyroid issues to also experience neck pain. Or problems in the gall bladder can cause upper back pain. All of these can be a factor in back pain but there’s another reason for back pain that is often overlooked – nutritional issues.
Over my years of practice, I have become more and more convinced that nutrition and diet play a huge part in the incidence of back pain. In my office I practice chiropractic as well as nutrition. I have some patients who only do chiropractic and are not interested in nutrition. I have other patients who only do nutrition and others who do both. My personal observation is that my chiropractic patients who also do nutrition get better quicker and experience fewer and less intense episodes of back pain. I first noticed this many years ago and as I studied it more closely, I became more convinced that almost ALL instances of back pain have some degree of underlying nutritional factors. Even cases of strains and sprains may have a nutritional component that allowed the strain or sprain in the first place. Acute low back pain is often associated with digestive disorders like constipation. Vitamin C deficiency has been associated with herniated discs. Mineral deficiencies affect tendons, muscles and ligaments and can cause pain.
The bottom line is this: anything can cause anything. When trying to uncover the cause of back pain, especially chronic back pain that’s been present for a long time, it is important to address the nutritional status of the patient. When I begin working with a new chiropractic patient with back pain, I always am on the lookout for any underlying nutritional issues. I’ve learned the hard way, if the nutritional issue isn’t handled, then the chances of completely alleviating the back pain is less.
Do you suffer from back or neck pain? Maybe you’ve even been to the chiropractor or doctor but are still having pain. If so, I suggest you call our office and make an appointment for a FREE consultation. This allows you and me the chance to discuss your case and can help determine whether or not you are a candidate for a nutritional evaluation. There is no fee and no obligation to continue care. Call today at 501-842-1004.