What Causes Low Back Pain?
Like virtually all forms of back pain, issues with your lower back are a red flag since this kind of pain is musculoskeletal in origin. It is possible you could have a kidney disease, pelvic infection, ovarian disorder, or aneurysm when you feel back pain.
Here are a few more reasons you may have lower back pain:
- Poor posture or incorrectly lifting heavy weights could lead to musculoskeletal back pain.
- If your spinal discs grow thinner or begin to degenerate, herniated or slipped discs could develop. The center of the disc is jelly-like in nature; it can bulge out of its central cavity and push against a nerve root. An example of such an issue is sciatica. Believe it or not, 33 percent of all adults over the age of 20 will have a slipped disc at some point in their life.
- An abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis. As you age, your intervertebral discs begin to lose volume and moisture, and this reduces the amount of canal space. If you have spinal degeneration, even walking short distances can cause stiffness and pain in the lower back.
When Should I Seek Treatment for Low Back Pain?
The lower back is a very intricate structure and contains many overlapping and interconnected elements. Any irritation or problem with any of these elements can lead to low back pain. This form of pain is common and can range from mild to severe.
You should seek treatment if you feel any of these symptoms:
- When you find it difficult to walk or even move because of the stiffness and pain.
- When the pain moves around the upper part of your legs but rarely goes below the knee.
- If the pain is dull and achy.
- If you suffer from muscle spasms.
- If you feel local soreness when the area is touched.
Types of Chiropractic Treatment for Low Back Pain
Chiropractic treatment is a viable and non-invasive alternative to surgery. A variety of studies have shown the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for lower back pain, among other conditions.
Typically, a chiropractor will treat a patient’s low back pain through manual therapy:
- Spinal Manipulation
This involves a fast and short thrust applied to abnormal vertebra. The goal is to improve functionality, restore range of motion in the back, and reduce the level of nerve irritability suffered by the patient. For best results, patients are urged to include spinal manipulation early in any lower back treatment program they may have. - Chiropractic Mobilization
This is completely different from spinal manipulation insofar as it is a form of low-velocity manipulation and includes the stretching of muscles and joints. This is performed as a means of increasing the patient’s range of motion in affected areas.
As with all chiropractic treatment plans, recommendations vary depending on the patient’s issues and ability to perform any activities prescribed in a treatment program. Chiropractors generally recommend exercise and ergonomic modifications as part of an active care plan.
