Back pain is one of the most common ailments among Americans. When you are suffering from a dull, nagging pain or a constant pain in your neck or back, it is time to visit your local chiropractor.

Just about everyone has experienced this type of pain at one time or another. It stems from bad habits over a course of one's life like poor lifting. Other types of back pain are caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, work related injuries, etc. While there are many different causes, the symptoms are often the same.

Some of the symptoms of back pain are as follows:

1. A nagging pain and/or stiffness from the neck to the lower back.
2. Sharp pain isolated to a certain area usually brought about after lifting a heavy or engaging in a strenuous event.
3. A chronic ache in the middle or lower portion of the back.
4. Pain that radiates from the back into the behind and down the leg.
5. Not able to stand erect without having spasms in your lower back.

Chiropractors are known for treating back and neck and pain, and other conditions of the spine, via manual manipulation. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments. The theory is that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, namely the spine, will cause the body to heal itself without the need for surgery or meds. Manipulation is used to bring back mobility to joints restricted by some type of tissue injury. While some people are a little intimidated by the spinal manipulation, the fact is, when performed by a trained chiropractor, there is little or no discomfort to the patient. While at the chiropractor you can also expect to receive hot or cold therapy, spinal traction, and stretching and strengthening exercises.

How long will does a back pain sufferer have to see a chiropractor? Many acute back pain sufferers are able to heal by themselves in about 6 weeks. For chronic pain sufferers, length of time varies from patient to patient. The good news is that more and more insurance companies and even Medicaid are recognizing Chiropractors as mainstream medical practitioners and will assist in your treatment.

If you have had a recent back injury or are suffering from chronic back pain, and you have yet to see a chiropractor, what are you waiting for? Many chiropractic patients experience a great degree of relief and become more educated about proper spinal health.