The most reported reason people stay home from work and miss the most days of work is due to back pain.  It is reported that $100-$200 billion dollars are lost because of low back pain.  So many people have experienced this and yet, why? With technology, better and more ergonomic chairs .. why the constant pain? Staying seated for more than 8 hours a day, driving at least one hour, and for many of us, not getting enough exercise  leads us down the path of stiffness and lack of mobility.  When you visit the doctor with back pain, the only options are steroids, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medication, and pain medication.  Medication is often the only tool allopathic medicine has to offer and it is sometimes a difficult tool because opiods are addictive and can lead to substance abuse.  It was extimated that 2.1 million people in 2014 were suffering from addiction from prescription opioid use.  Unfortunately, the numbers continue to rise for those addicted and emergency rooms are treating higher numbers for misusing prescription opioid drugs.  When looking at these statistics, it demonstrates the magnitude of chronic pain and the problems surrounding its treatment.  There are many alternatives to these drugs, but because physicians aren’t trained or knowledgeable about other forms of healing such as acupuncture and chiropractic, these alternative solutions are often overlooked.  Lifestyle changes such as adding an exercise class, doing yoga on a regular basis, meditation, and mindfulness practices have positive impacts for life.  It is also essential to have restful and regular sleep each night since it helps heal muscles and replenish energy stores.  By making lifestyle changes, one can address the underlying issues within pain.  Immunity is a component of pain that is often overlooked. When dysfunction occurs within our immune system, it is more likely the body responds to inflammation with pain.  Nutrition is also key in managing pain since a diet high in sugar, red meat, and process food will increase inflammation and exacerbate the pain.  Herbs such as turmeric, curcumin, and willow bark help stop pain.  There are also many proponents of eliminating sugar entirely from one’s diet.  Acupuncture is proven as a way to manage pain with no ill side effects.  It helps blood circulation and reduce inflammation which has been demonstrated in many studies.  There are other benefits of acupuncture which those who receive regular treatment can attest to- better sleep, more energy, and yes, over several treatments, a decrease in pain.  Before reaching for the pain killers or surgery, see what other ways you can help yourself rid your body of pain.  Often, pain is the body’s cry for help and giving your body the attention and love it deserves goes a long way in maintaining your health and well-being.