At any given time, about 31 million Americans experience low back pain. Back pain prevents many people from working as well as engaging in everyday activities, and is the third most common reason for visits to the doctor. While most people can recover, for many low back pain becomes a chronic and sometimes disabling condition. With the growing body of knowledge and attention surrounding the dangers of prescription opiods and NSAIDs, non-drug approaches to treat chronic pain are stepping into the spotlight.

Spinal manipulation is a safe and effective non-drug spinal pain treatment. It reduces pain, rapidly advances physical therapy, and in most cases does not require bed rest. The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality recommended spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute low back problems in adults after an extensive study of all available forms of care for low back problems. In fact, one of the largest comparative effectiveness trials determined that chiropractic care contributes to greater pain relief and greater reduction in disability than medical care alone.

Tips to prevent back pain:

• Remain active, under the supervision of your chiropractor or physician

• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes

• Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine

• Work with your chiropractor to ensure your workstation is ergonomically correct