So many Americans who have reached middle age suffer from back pain that many people may begin to wonder if it is even an avoidable part of getting older. Are we doomed to the annoyance and discomfort - not to mention the debilitating effects - of back pain, or is there some way to avoid it after all?

Well, back pain may be common, but don't let anyone tell you that it can't be avoided! Many people live their entire lives with a healthy back, and a significant number of those will chalk their success in that regard up to regular treatments with a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Chiropractic deals specifically with the elements of life, and the parts of the body, that are most directly affiliated with back pain. Your chiropractor usually focuses treatment mainly on the back and neck, for example, although there are other adjustments that can also be effective for some patients who need them. In addition, chiropractors are often very much in tune with their patients' activities and how they might affect back health.

Above and beyond those two important elements, chiropractors can often recommend specific exercises, rehabilitation therapies, and lifestyle changes that directly affect the health of the back and spine.

These treatments combined are often able to rid patients of their back pain without invasive surgeries or dangerous drugs. For patients who are fortunate enough not to have back pain already, they can also be effective parts of preventive care, which is another excellent and richly needed part of good chiropractic care.

Chiropractors are trained specifically in the interactions between the spine and the other parts of the body. While attending Chiropractic College they also receive important knowledge on how to increase the health of the spine and adjust the back and neck to allow this health to emanate throughout the rest of the body.

These skills are important for treating patients who suffer from back pain, and the treatments may include cervical (or neck) adjustments, thoracic (or back) adjustments, decompression therapy, or other modalities designed to align the back and alleviate back pain.

A visit to a chiropractic clinic will usually start with a complete evaluation of a patient's overall health, including questions about types of pains and activities and other health issues. The chiropractic physician will also make a musculoskeletal evaluation and take a full set of radiographs (or x-rays) to get a good look at the overall structural health of the patient. With this information, she or he can begin to plan the optimal course of treatment for the patient to resolve or prevent back pain!

One other important aspect to good and effective chiropractic care is seeing the chiropractor regularly. With steady treatment, the chiropractor is able to stay on top of any evolving issues with the patient's musculoskeletal health, and overall wellness. Chiropractors do their best and most effective work with good contact with their patients, rather than putting out fires whenever painful bouts with back pain recur.