If you're experiencing low back pain and don't know where to turn, you are not alone. Each year over 1/4 of America's adult population will experience back pain for 1 or more days. This has resulted in low back pain being one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. Low back pain not only accounts for many of Canadians missing work but also has far reaching effects on the Canadian economy. Money spent on low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions have steadily increased over the last 20 years with increases in opioid prescriptions, spinal injections, and surgical interventions. Many of which are not only expensive, but also been shown to be minimally effective. Not only does low back pain account for missed wages and poor productivity but increased medical costs also place a huge financial burden on the patient.
So where does chiropractic come in? When it comes to non-radicular low back pain (no radiating pain past the knee) the American College of Physicians recommends nonprescription and nonsurgical therapies first. These therapies include motor control exercises, manual therapies, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, yoga, and more..
Chiropractic adjustments when performed for the right conditions have been shown to have positive therapeutic effects. Not only are outcomes good, but using a multidimensional and even a multidisciplinary approach can reduce back pain and also prevent more expensive interventions.
However, chiropractors can perform additional treatments to get you feeling better as fast as possible. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we at Okanagan Integrative Health also perform a variety of techniques to get you moving and feeling your absolute best. These treatments may include:
- Manual Therapy
- Functional Exercise & Rehab
- Dynamic Cupping
- Flexion Distraction
- Traction
Chiropractors are experts when it comes to conservative care for musculoskeletal disorders. But there are also highly qualified experts in healthcare. Seeing the right chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist etc.. can help you take control over your low back pain.
Choosing the Right Provider
Research your provider before seeking consultation. Like any profession, there are a variety in types of chiropractors, physical therapists, medical doctors etc.. Spending some extra time finding a provider you can trust can improve your experience.
Qualities to look for in a trustworthy provider:
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Will spend a proper amount of time per visit to find a proper diagnosis and personalize a treatment plan.
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Use various forms of treatment such as chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and exercise.
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Are not hesitant to work with other specialties (chiro, physical therapy, md, etc..)
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Give you ways to manage your low back pain out of the office (exercises, posture correction etc..)
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Regularly treat low back pain
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Have further education or use techniques with such as DNS, MDT, SFMA
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Provide evidence or reasonable explanations for their procedures.
- Put YOU first
If you're looking for a chiropractor in West Kelowna to help manage your low back pain you've come to the right place. At Okanagan Integrative Health expect one on one care dedicated to helping you reach your goals.
Dagenais S, Caro J, Haldeman S. A systematic review of low back pain cost of illness studies in the United States and internationally. Spine J. 2008 Jan-Feb;8(1):8-20.
Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, Beroes JM, Mardian AS, et al. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2017 Apr 11;317(14):1451-1460.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-530.
Stochkendahl MJ, Kjaer P, Hartvigsen J, Kongsted A, Aaboe J, et al. National Clinical Guidelines for non-surgical treatment of patients with recent onset low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy. Eur Spine J. 2017 Apr 20;PubMed PMID: 28429142.
