Waier Practice - Müllerstr. 27 - Munich

Christian Waier

M.Sc. Chiropractic & alternative practitioner

Back pain

Many people have back pain. Pain in the upper, middle or lower back is one of the most common side effects of our modern civilization.

With the help of chiropractic, many causes of back pain can be treated very well conservatively - i.e. without surgery.

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Chiropractic treatment

Article overview

Causes of back pain
Back pain - a widespread ailment
Treatment
Frequently asked questions
A man clutches his back in pain

Causes of back pain

Why do people suffer from back pain more often today than in the past?

The most common causes of back pain are[1][2]

  • Muscle tension and tightness caused by incorrect posture, lack of exercise or overloading. This is the most common cause of acute back pain.
  • Herniated discs, where the nucleus of a disc protrudes from the disc and can press on nerves.
  • Osteoarthritis (wear and tear) of the spine, which occurs particularly in older people.
  • Incorrect loading of the spine due to heavy lifting or other overloading.
  • Overweight, as it leads to an unfavorable load distribution on the spine.
  • Infections or tumors in the spinal cord area, which are rare.

Why do people suffer from back pain more often today than in the past?

  1. Changing physical demands due to the modern world of work and technological progress. Many professions today require more sedentary work in front of screens than physical work used to.[1] This puts more strain on the back.
  2. Increase in stress and mental strain. More stress can promote back pain, as the back is a stress indicator.[2]
  3. Lifestyle changes such as more inactivity in leisure time and an increase in obesity.[3] Lack of exercise and obesity put a strain on the back.
  4. Demographic change. The ageing population means that there are now more people who are more susceptible to back pain due to the ageing process of the spine.[4]
  5. Awareness among the population. Today, even minor complaints are perceived more as an illness and clarified by a doctor than in the past.[5]

Treating back pain

There are various ways to treat back pain, of which chiropractic is a good option.

Chiropractic care is a gentle and alternative way to treat chronic pain and reduce back pain.[1][2]

Chiropractic therapy includes manual techniques such as mobilization or manipulation of muscles, joints and connective tissue.[3] Gentle exercise and relaxation exercises are also generally recommended[4].

Before starting treatment, the exact cause of the back pain should be clarified in order to determine the most suitable therapy for the individual case. This is usually done in a personal initial consultation with the practitioner.

Frequently asked questions about back pain

In the case of acute back pain, there are a few things you can do yourself to alleviate the discomfort.

Anyone who is unsure or has prolonged or worsening pain or an accident may be the cause of the pain should seek help as soon as possible.

In addition to visiting your family doctor or going to an emergency room, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for back pain.[1][2]

Chiropractors can use targeted manual techniques to remove blockages and misalignments in the spine, which can lead to pain relief. [3][4]

Chiropractic can also help to find and eliminate the causes of back pain.[5][6]

Chiropractic can relieve back pain in various ways:

  • Targeted manipulation and adjustment of the spine can release blockages in the spinal column that cause pain.[1][2]

  • Movement restrictions are eliminated, which improves mobility and reduces tension.[1][2]

  • Acute back pain can be relieved in the short term by gentle movements and loosening the muscles.[3]

  • According to studies, a combination of chiropractic and conventional medicine leads to better results in pain relief compared to conventional treatment alone.[4]

Chiropractic takes a holistic approach and focuses on the function of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.[5] Regular treatments can help to reduce or completely eliminate back pain in the long term.[6]

Back pain can be triggered by many different causes. In addition to frequent tension, pain can also be triggered by wear and tear or accidental injuries.

Depending on the cause of the back pain, you can do the following yourself:

  • Take an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen or diclofenac to relieve the pain.[1][2]

  • Apply heat, e.g. with a hot water bottle, a cherry stone cushion, a heat plaster or a terry towel heated in a water bath.[3][4]

  • Perform relaxation exercises such as the step position or pelvic tilt.[1][5]

  • Movement is important, so do light activities such as walks or the recommended exercises.[5][6]

  • Make sure you have a back-friendly mattress and change your sleeping position if necessary, e.g. sleep on your back.[7][8]

If you are unsure or have persistent or worsening pain, or if an accident may be the cause of the pain, you should have the cause of the back pain examined as soon as possible with professional help - e.g. by a chiropractor.

Back pain is very common during pregnancy and can be caused by the change in posture and the additional strain on the body. Chiropractic offers gentle and effective methods to counteract back pain. Here are some things that pregnant women can do to relieve back pain:

  • PGP (lower back pain) and PLBP (lower back pain during pregnancy) respond well and sustainably to chiropractic interventions.[4]
  • Sport and exercise: Regular exercise such as swimming or aqua aerobics strengthens the back muscles and helps to prevent tension.[1] Walks or light exercises at home can also bring relief.
  • Correct posture: The pelvis should be straightened and a hollow back should be avoided to relieve the back.[2]
  • Heat: A warm bath or hot water bottle can relieve acute pain.[3]
  • Relaxation: Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training or yoga help to relieve tension.[4]
  • Massages: A gentle massage by your partner or a midwife can stimulate blood circulation and loosen knots.[5]

There are over 100 literature reviews, meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of chiropractic for low back pain.[1]

The chiropractic treatments achieved the best results in improving lower back pain and the resulting movement restrictions.

Chiropractor Christian Waier treating a patient

Practice for Chiropractic
M.Sc. HP Christian Waier
Müllerstraße 27
80469 Munich

Phone: 089 370 390 04
WhatsApp: 0176 637 828 92
E-Mail: praxis@chiropraktik-waier.de

Office hours:
Mon-Thu 08-19
Fri 08-15

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