Young Adults' Hard Work May Lead to Mid-Life Back Pain

Back pain is a global problem. Most adults will experience back pain during their lifetime, and according to the World Health Organization, low back pain is one of the top 10 worldwide contributors to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) with a prevalence of up to 70 percent of all adults in industrialized countries. There are myriad causes for low back pain, and the origins are usually multifactorial. But a new study from Finland suggests that strenuous labor while young may result in low back pain later during mid-life. The study also highlighted radiating low back pain in particular as a common outcome of heavy physical labor early in life. As new research improves our understanding of the origins of back pain, we can better manage and eliminate this painful and costly condition. Back pain (particularly low back pain) is one of the most commonly treated ailments by doctors of chiropractic, who not only treat back pain but also help their patients prevent future occurrences. With new research on the effects of strenuous labor early in life on mid-life back pain, this even further emphasizes chiropractic care's focus on patient education through teaching proper techniques and form for lifting and moving through strenuous work. Chiropractic treatments provide a holistic approach to resolving pain from the source, combining non-invasive treatments such as spinal manipulation with a host of other regimens including nutrition, exercise, massage, and more. While many patients simply mask their pain with medications, this type of treatment does not treat the source of their symptoms, and can lead to serious consequences from long-term medication use. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is a safe and effective method of both resolving and preventing low back pain throughout all stages of life.