Conditions
If you’re suffering from low back pain, it can be difficult to get out of bed in the morning. You might feel like your life is on hold because of this constant ache that doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you do.
Low back pain (LBP) is characterized by pain, muscle tension, or stiffness, which are present below the ribs and above the buttocks, and can be chronic when it persists for more than 12 weeks.
Low back pain is usually categorized into 3 subtypes:
This subdivision is based on the duration of the back pain. Acute low back pain is an episode of low back pain for less than 6 weeks, sub-acute low back pain between 6 and 12 weeks, and chronic low back pain for 12 weeks or more.
Excessive activity can cause the muscles and ligaments in the back to stretch or tear. Pain and stiffness in the lower back, as well as muscle spasms, are common symptoms. These symptoms can be treated with rest and physical therapy.
Joints that do not work properly in the body commonly cause stiffness and pain. This joint dysfunction is often time caused by injury or wear and tear to the joint.
The free movement of the joint that is problematic will commonly be lost and a person can lose their range of motion in that area. An example of this would be your neck motion. You should have free movement of your neck when bending front to back, side to side or rotating your neck.
Joint dysfunction can cause your motion to be limited and pain of stiffness to occur.
Spinal discs are susceptible to injury. As we age, this risk increases. The outside of the disc can tear or herniate.
A herniated disc can cause compression of the nerve root as it exits from the spinal cord. A sudden injury usually occurs after lifting something or twisting your back, and pain will last longer than 72 hours.
Sciatica occurs when a herniated disc compresses the sciatic nerve. This can result in pain from your leg to your foot, which feels like burning or tingling pins and needles sensation.
Sciatica is a painful condition that affects one of five nerves extending from the hips down each side of our legs. When these nerve fibers are irritated or pinched, symptoms can extend into the areas of the buttocks, legs or even as far down as the feet.
As people get older, their discs gradually dry out and shrink. This can make the spinal column narrow which puts pressure on your spine’s nerve roots or spinal cord.
Spinal stenosis is most commonly due to degeneration of the discs between vertebrae in a person’s lower back causing compression of the nerves by bony spurs or soft tissues such as disc herniation.
People with spinal stenosis notice their symptoms worsen when standing or walking. They might feel numbness, cramping and weakness anywhere in the body. Pressure on the nerves causes these symptoms that are often noted as being worse from prolonged periods of standing or walking.
Abnormal spine curvatures, such as scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis are congenital conditions that cause pain and poor posture because it places pressure on the vertebrae.
There are a number of other conditions that cause lower back pain.
Low back pain is a widespread condition that affects a significant portion of the population at some point in their lives. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and effective management. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with low back pain:
This can occur anywhere along the spine, from the base of the neck to the tailbone, but is most commonly felt in the lower back area. It may be constant or appear intermittently.
Often described as a sudden, sharp pain that is confined to one area, particularly after lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activity.
The pain may extend from the lower back down through the buttocks into one or both legs, commonly referred to as sciatica. This type of pain tends to follow the path of the sciatic nerve and is often a burning or tingling sensation.
Difficulty bending or twisting the spine can indicate low back issues, making daily activities such as dressing or bending challenging.
These can occur in response to injury or inflammation, presenting as acute and painful contractions of the muscles in the low back.
Many people find relief from back pain when lying down or reclining, as this position reduces stress on the lumbar spine.
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include severe back pain that does not improve with rest, pain that spreads down the legs, especially below the knee, and back pain that accompanies unintentional weight loss, fever, or bladder/bowel problems. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring prompt treatment.
Recognizing and understanding these signs and symptoms can significantly help manage low back pain effectively and prevent further complications.
Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.
Chiropractic care is a highly effective treatment for low back pain, targeting the root causes of discomfort through non-invasive techniques. Chiropractors utilize spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the spinal nerves, alleviating pain and improving function. These adjustments are complemented by manual therapies, such as massage or mobilization, which help to relax tense muscles and increase flexibility. The goal is not only to relieve pain but also to restore a normal range of motion and prevent future episodes.
In addition to hands-on treatments, chiropractors often recommend a regimen of stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to individual needs. These exercises enhance core stability, which supports the lower back and reduces the likelihood of recurring pain. Patients also receive guidance on proper posture and ergonomic practices to help maintain spinal alignment and minimize the strain on the back during daily activities. This holistic approach ensures that patients achieve lasting relief and improved spinal health.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat low back pain, including spinal manipulation, which involves applying a controlled force to the spine to improve mobility. Other techniques may include mobilization, a gentler form of movement aimed at increasing the range of motion, and flexion-distraction, which specifically targets herniated discs and spinal stenosis without applying direct force to the spine.
Chiropractic care addresses the root causes of low back pain by improving spinal alignment and function alleviating stress on the spinal nerves and muscles. This approach reduces pain and enhances the body’s natural healing processes, addressing the symptoms and underlying dysfunctions that cause pain.
Yes, chiropractic care is safe for all ages, from young children to the elderly, provided it is adapted to each patient’s specific health condition, age, and physical characteristics. Chiropractors use or modify different techniques according to the patient’s age, condition, and preferences to ensure safety and effectiveness.
During your first visit, expect a detailed medical history intake and a physical examination focusing on your spine and how you move. The chiropractor may also perform or order diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to better understand your spinal alignment and any underlying conditions. The chiropractor will develop a tailored treatment plan based on the assessment that may include adjustments, therapy recommendations, and lifestyle advice.
Absolutely. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, lifestyle changes such as improving posture, incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and ergonomic adjustments at work or during activities can significantly enhance the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments. Your chiropractor may provide specific recommendations tailored to your lifestyle to help manage and prevent low back pain.
Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.
N8 Family Chiropractic provides quality chiropractic and wellness services at each of our locations. Whether you are young or young at heart, we believe chiropractic care can help you.
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