Short answer: Step 4 of how to help your back pain is to take ownership of your spine health. Nobody else can drink your water, take your walks or get you up from your desk. In this final video, Dr Ben recaps steps 1 to 3 and explains why daily spine care is your job, with help when you need it.
Step 4: your spine, your responsibility
Dr Ben's message in this video is direct. Your spine works for you every day. Like your teeth, it does better when you look after it regularly, rather than only when something hurts. He makes the point that neglecting your spine over years may show up as back pain later.
Taking ownership doesn't mean doing it all alone. It means making the daily habits yours, and knowing when to get help.
A quick recap of steps 1 to 3
- Water. Your discs hold a lot of water. Drink enough through the day.
- Movement. Your discs and joints rely on movement for nourishment and lubrication. Get up, walk, change position often.
- Load. Break up long sitting, even out lopsided habits and keep your body weight in a healthy range.
None of these is dramatic. Their value comes from doing them every day.
What about surgery?
The video includes a short clip of spinal disc surgery. It's there to make a point: surgery is one end of the range of options for back problems. Most back pain is managed without surgery, and clinical guidelines recommend conservative care first, such as staying active, exercise and hands-on care. Clinical guidelines for low back pain include spinal manipulation among the options, alongside exercise and staying active.
Looking after your spine early is the simplest way to keep your options open.
How we approach back pain at MPCC
Good habits are a strong start, but sometimes your back needs a closer look. If your pain keeps returning, limits your work or sleep, or comes with pins and needles in your legs, it's worth having it checked.
- New patient appointment. Your story, posture pictures and a thorough chiropractic, orthopaedic and neurological check of your spine, joints and nerves. 30 to 40 minutes.
- Report of findings appointment. What we found, in plain English, and what we'd do.
- Care that fits. This may include chiropractic adjustments, flexion-distraction for low back and disc problems, and home exercises from our exercise library.
No referral needed. The new patient appointment is $195, or $125 when you book online through the website (new practice members only). Read more about back pain care or whether a chiropractor suits your back pain.