Lower Back Pain Relief
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In a recent study, it was revealed that 25% of Americans complained of lower back pain at some point during the last three months. A different study indicated that twice as many people between the ages of 45 and 65 missed a minimum of 10 days of work due to back pain. That figure rises to three times as many people for those between the ages of 18 and 44.
Thankfully, chiropractic care can help improve function and diminish pain by reducing the nerve irritation and compression accountable for lower back pain. Life Source Chiropractic has put together the following guide in the hopes that it will provide an overview about this condition and what we can do to offer relief from it.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
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Muscle Strains
A moving day may present new, exciting opportunities until one thinks of the back. Overexertion by lifting and carrying heavy objects can manifest itself as unexpected pain in the lumbar region of the back. This pain, brought on by muscle strain, usually feels like a dull ache and can take anywhere from four to six weeks to improve. Back pain caused by muscle strain can also come from long-term issues such as weak abdominal muscles, repetitive motion strain, and poor posture.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
As much as 30% of low back pain can be caused by the sacroiliac joint which holds the spine and pelvis together. The sacroiliac joint functions as a shock absorber between the upper and lower portions of the body. Some common causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction are pregnancy, childbirth, extended periods of joint stress, or legs that differ in length.
Lumbar Disc Issues
Lumbar discs act as cushions and are located between each vertebra in the spinal column. The gelatinous substance inside each disc acts as a shock absorber for the spine. Unfortunately, these discs often wind up having a variety of issues such as bulging, herniation, and degenerative disc disease. A bulging disc is one that is flattened by compression and causes the outside edges of the disc to bulge, or stick out, from the vertebrae.
Herniated discs are ones that have torn. Consequently, the gelatinous material inside the disc herniates, or protrudes, from the tear and can work its way into the spinal column causing painful nerve compression. Both herniated and bulging discs can be a result of obesity, repetitive motion strain, or a car accident.
Degenerative disc disease is the result of changes in the discs and is related to age. The discs start to degenerate, or break down, due to these changes. As the discs get older, they begin to shrink and the space available for the nerves gets smaller. Because the nerves do not shrink with the discs, they become compressed and irritated which can lead to low back pain.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space within the spine that carries the nerves begins to narrow. Just like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis can cause irritation, nerve compression, and low back pain. The pain caused by spinal stenosis is worsened by standing and walking. On the other hand, resting, sitting, or bending forward are some ways to get relief from this painful condition. Advanced spinal stenosis can cause weakness and numbness in the body as well as dysfunction of the bladder or other organs. Life Source Chiropractic always advises patients to call our office if loss of strength, sensation, or bladder control occurs, because these are urgent concerns that require immediate care.
Facet Joint Dysfunction
Facet joint dysfunction generally produces pain when patients lean backward or stand for extended periods of time because more pressure is put on the joints by these movements. This issue is due to age-related changes and takes place when the joints between the vertebrae become inflamed.
Subluxation
Subluxation is the term we use for spinal misalignment. If the spine is not properly aligned, pain-causing nerve impingement can take place. Chiropractic adjustment works to restore appropriate spinal alignment, restoring nerve function and motion. This makes getting results from prescribed exercises and stretches possible.
Chronic vs. Acute Lower Back Pain
Pain is usually classified by one of two terms which include chronic and acute pain. Usually caused by a disease such as arthritis, cancer, or autoimmune conditions, chronic pain is a long-term state of health that lasts for at least six months. Occasionally, an injury can cause extensive damage to the nerves and what started out as acute pain, can later become a chronic pain issue.
Acute pain, on the other hand, is a more short-term condition. Although this type of pain usually arises from an injury along the lines of a fall or car accident, acute pain from muscle strain can also occur from trying to lift too much weight. Acute pain should resolve on its own in just a few weeks, but this time frame can be reduced by seeking professional care.
Without good spinal care from a professional chiropractor, our bodies face a more difficult time healing effectively. Our spine and central nervous system make up the very core of our structure, and when they’re not correctly cared for, there’s an increased risk of pain, injury, and illness. Therefore, when an injury, illness, or misalignment occurs, with the right chiropractor at the helm, the healing time and pain associated with those issues are more diminutive.
Results, however, differ from patient to patient, depending on a variety of factors. For example, chiropractic patients experience different levels of relief depending upon age, the integrity of the musculoskeletal system, physical activity level, and proper nutrition.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Back pain can vary significantly, but the two most common symptoms are aches and loss of function. While some patients report a stabbing or intense burning feeling, others tell our chiropractor for back pain that they only feel a dull ache. An ordinary activity can feel like a major ordeal when it comes to back pain and stiffness.
How Chiropractic Works to Eliminate Lower Back Pain
Life Source Chiropractic knows that our patients have more important things to do with their time than waste it on unproven or experimental therapies. For this reason, we try to immediately identify the root cause of pain in the lumbar region, and we then address it with a variety of popular techniques including chiropractic adjustments.
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation entails putting misaligned vertebrae back into their proper position. This approach is used to reduce painful nerve compression and restore normal movement and full range of motion by using swift, short thrusts to restore appropriate alignment of the spine. This form of care, for mild to moderate back pain, is supported by an extraordinary amount of research material.
Mobilization Therapies
Mobilization therapies work to restore full range of motion in the back. Life Source Chiropractic will sometimes decompress the vertebrae by manually stretching the patient’s back. This helps to restore the lumbar discs to their normal position while also providing quick pain relief.
A prescribed exercise plan is another form of mobilization therapy, and we customize these for each patient. These usually consist of a series of stretching exercises and are designed to enhance range of motion. Exercise promotes recovery by increasing blood flow while also improving muscle flexibility and relaxation.
Benefits of Seeing a Lower Back Pain Chiropractor
Chiropractic care for lower back pain focuses on providing holistic care for the overall well-being of our patients. Life Source Chiropractic provides our patients with an alternate option to habit-forming pain medications and the side effects that come with them, as well as the risks and downtime that can accompany back surgery.
One of the significant benefits to receiving chiropractic care is that we focus on the whole person. We don’t just concentrate on the muscle strain, herniated disc, or other issue that contributes to pain. We address the underlying condition at its source such as pain causing inflammation and nerve irritation.
With regard to care, our team takes a proactive stance. We want to help patients make gradual changes in their health that will last a lifetime. Some of our top tools for optimal health include lifestyle choices such as nutrient dense foods, healthy movement, and regular chiropractic visits.
Relief for Your Stiff, Aching Back
Although it can be a challenge, helping patients get relief from lower back pain is some of the most rewarding work we do at Life Source Chiropractic. We find great satisfaction in helping individuals get relief from pain as they are able to complete a 5K walk, get through a whole workday without stiffness, or achieve other personal goals that they were not able to do prior. Stop searching the internet for a “lower back pain chiropractor near me,” and call us today for a compassionate examination and care you can depend on.