Is Your Job a Pain?

Backaches and sciatica image.

Did it ever occur to you that your job could be causing that pain in your back? And it doesn’t have to be a job that involves a lot of physical labor, such as heavy lifting, bending etc., either. In fact, chronic back pain is often far more related to psychological, rather than physical, causes.

Chronic back pain is the number one problem experienced in the workplace today. To illustrate:

  • The leading cause of disability in workers aged 19 – 45 is low back pain

  • Billions are spent each year because of back pain symptoms

  • Eight out of 10 people will experience low back pain in their lifetime

  • Low back pain is most likely to occur between the ages of 30 and 50

Studies have found that many people have feelings of anxiety or depression prior to experiencing low back pain. Other psychological work-related factors, such as job dissatisfaction, problems with a boss or co-worker, boredom and stress, have an impact on the way the body responds to the everyday demands of the workplace.

Workers sometimes feel that they have been wronged in some way, maybe they have been passed over for a promotion or they haven’t received the praise they deserve for a job well done. The resentment can show up as chronic low back pain.

A recent survey, conducted by the American Chiropractic Association, concluded that 80% of those suffering from chronic back pain would prefer a non-drug approach to treatment. However, most surveyed were taking pain medication to alleviate chronic pain symptoms. The survey also showed that over 64% would consider chiropractic care for their symptoms, yet only 13.8% were under active chiropractic care.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the debilitating effects of chronic low back pain, call our practice to schedule a consultation. Our drug-free approach to healthcare has proven successful with many patients with low back pain.

Dr. Lanning Asks some important questions of interest to McMinnville residents - Chiropractor McMinnville Dr. Lanning Asks...

Where do most McMinnville residents get their first vertebral subluxation?
Being born in a hospital is a common source of vertebral subluxation. Trauma from forceps delivery has been replaced with drugs, vacuum extraction, Cesarean section and births that are "scheduled" to fit the workweek routines of Ob-Gyns. That's why we recommend a chiropractic checkup for every McMinnville newborn.
What causes vertebral subluxations?
Chiropractors acknowledge three types of stress: physical, chemical and emotional. When the adaptive capacity of your body is compromised, weakened areas along the spine can become involved. Muscles tighten, spinal joints lock up and nearby nerves are affected. The purpose of chiropractic care is to find these areas and restore balance, alignment and motion.