Living with lower back pain can challenge our everyday life.

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• Half (50%) of all Americans experience lower back pain each year. 

• Eighty percent (80%) of people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

• More than 10 percent (10%) of all people experience recurring episodes of lower back pain.

• Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office. 

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When we experience pain, it affects our lives and the lives of those around us. The consequences of lower back pain take us away from the ones we love and the things we love doing.

 

The lower back is capable of withstanding immense forces without injury. However, numerous reasons can cause injuries to the lower back. 

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One reason is that the lower back is out of alignment, which can cause pain and weakness. When this occurs, something as simple as picking up your child can cause a lower back injury.

 

Other possible reasons include weak muscles, unstable ligaments, or a degenerated spine. These are just a few examples of what can lead to injury to the lower back. 

 

Although the lower back can withstand tremendous force without injury, if it is out of alignment or has weakened supporting muscles, you may experience an injury or pain that limits daily activities.

 

 

Proper alignment and strong muscles promote a healthy life. Whether your goal is to play with your grandchildren without pain or deadlift hundreds of pounds, the health of your lower back will play a role in your success.

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Not long ago, when patients injured their lower backs, they were told it would go away with rest and that they should stop activity at once. We now know this is not the case. Lower back pain may improve with time, and we may feel better resting. Untreated lower back injuries have been shown to persist and worsen over time.

 

Please remember: It's crucial to take low back pain seriously and seek professional chiropractic care. 

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The Causes of Low Back Pain

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Many different conditions can result in lower back pain, including: 

- Muscle Spasms

- Subluxations

- Sprained Ligaments

- Strained Muscles

- Herniated Disks

- Inflammation

 

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Muscle Spasm

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Muscles play a crucial role in lower back pain. A strain or injury to the back muscles can lead to significant discomfort. Poor posture and overuse are common causes of muscle-related back pain. When injury occurs, the lower back muscles become tight or guard against further injury. When this happens, we often refer to it as a back spasm. Addressing muscle imbalances is essential to prevent chronic back pain and maintain overall spinal health.

 

Subluxation

 

A subluxation is a partial dislocation or misalignment of a joint that can cause pain, reduced mobility, and nerve interference. In the lumbar spine, subluxations usually occur when transitioning between the lower spine and the sacrum. They can lead to debilitating lower back pain. Fortunately, chiropractors are experts at treating lower back pain and diagnosing subluxations. Chiropractic treatment can provide a gentle and quick remedy for lower back pain. 

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Disc Injury

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A lumbar disc injury involves damage to the intervertebral discs in the lower spine, such as herniation. Disc injuries can cause pain, numbness, or weakness, often affecting the lower back and legs. Contrary to what many people believe, a disc injury or even a herniated disc does not automatically mean that you are going to suffer from lower back pain or, worse, need surgery. Approximately 80% of adults experience some form of disc injury or related lower back pain at some point in their lives, with lumbar disc issues being widespread among those aged 30 to 50. However, left untreated, lumbar disc injuries can persist and cause increased lower back pain. Regular chiropractic care often helps prevent further deterioration.

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Sprains and Strains 

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One type of lower back pain we see daily is sprains/strains. Often, these lower back injuries are caused by overexertion, poor lifting techniques, or trauma. Regardless of the mechanism, improper lumbar spine positioning can lead to spraining the joint or straining the underlying muscles of the lumbar spine. Injury of the joint can result in "spasms" that limit motion and decrease activity levels. Correcting the underlying issue when experiencing these types of injuries is essential to limit the chronicity of lower back pain.

 

Treating Lower Back Pain With Chiropractic

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Chiropractic treatment for lower back pain starts with properly examining and diagnosing the underlying complaint. We must first thoroughly evaluate to rule out any underlying causes, such as kidney stones, cancer, or other red flags. Then, we want to establish a specific cause of the lower back pain. This is essential to creating a patient-specific treatment plan. No two lower back injuries are the same, just like no two people are the same. 

 

The goal is to improve patients' pain and well-being with chiropractic care. Treatment will vary based on each individual's needs. 

 

Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be highly effective for lower back pain. Studies have shown that chiropractic care is more effective and affordable and has improved long-term outcomes than any other treatment, including drugs and surgery.

 

Do not hesitate to call and schedule an appointment if you are experiencing lower back pain. We can usually provide appointments within 24 hours so you can return to doing what you love to do pain-free.