Back Pain | Ralston Chiropractor

Lower Back Pain Treatment and Causes

Lower back pain (otherwise referred to as Lumbago) is pain that occurs in the lower region of the back (called the lumbar region). The pain starts below the ribcage and can radiate to the legs and feet.

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Complete Balance Chiropractic. In fact, almost everyone will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives.

What are some of the Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

There are many structures in the lower back that can cause or contribute to lower back pain. Soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones can all be at the root of the problem. Additionally, facet joints, discs and nerves can be involved. All of these structures are connected or interwoven, so it's easy to experience lower back pain.

Lower back pain has many causes and some of them tend to be based on age. Younger patients most likely experience this condition due to muscle strain or soft tissue injury, whereas, older adults are likely to suffer from conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and compression fractures. That said, here are some of the most common reasons we see patients with lower back pain at Complete Balance Chiropractic:

Muscle or Ligament Strains

Commonly seen in people who work in labor-intensive jobs. These people tend to twist and turn a lot and bend over to pick up items that have some weight to them or they find themselves in awkward positions at work (such as mechanics or construction workers) reaching or stretching in unnatural positions.

Trauma or Injuries

Lower back pain can be a result of a car accident, a work-related injury or any other type of accident. Lower back pain caused by an accident can be very serious or relatively minor.

Pregnancy

Weight-gain and changes in the pelvic cavity and back from being pregnant can be a cause of lower back pain. Check out our section on pre and post natal care.

Ergonomics

Many of us sit for extended periods of time at a desk, this could lead to a variety of different issues, including lower back pain. It's important to apply proper ergonomics when sitting for extended periods.

Other Causes of Lower Back Pain

Osteoporosis - bone loss

Osteoarthritis - degeneration of bone and cartilage

Fibromyalgia - widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness

Ankylosing spondylitis - a form of spinal arthritis

Spinal stenosis - a narrowing of the open spaces within the spine

Nerve-related problems - other nerve problems such as sciatica can cause lower back pain

There are many other causes of lower back pain, however these are the most common types we treat at Complete Balance Chiropractic.

Lower Back Pain

What are the Symptoms of Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can present in a variety of ways. It may start out as a dull ache that changes with movement. Or it can come on as a sudden, sharp, searing pain, however these are the most common types that we treat at Complete Balance Chiropractic.

What are the Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain?

Chiropractic Adjustments of the Lumbar Spine

A chiropractic adjustment/manipulation is a technique where a high velocity thrust is applied to the abnormal vertebrae in your lower back. The goal is to improve the function of these vertebrae, which in turn will take pressure off the nerves, muscles and ligaments.

Chiropractic Mobilization

Improving Posture

If you work in a position where you are sitting a lot, you may not even be aware of negative changes in your posture. Try to pay attention to your posture especially when your lower back pain is occurring. You'll probably realize that you are slouching or slumping. Sitting and standing sup straight will help to reduce back pain as the muscles return to their normal positions.

Exercise and Stretching

In combination with chiropractic adjustments and mobilizations, at Complete Balance Chiropractic, we believe that regular exercise and stretching can help to maintain the benefits of the other treatments we offer. Exercises can be performed at home and include the following:

Core strengthening exercises to improve the abdominal and lower back muscles
Stabilization exercises to strengthen the secondary muscles of the spine, and improve range of motion
Gluteus Maximus muscle exercises to help strengthen the lower back muscles
Low impact aerobic exercise to help increase oxygen to the soft tissues of the lower back-walking and swimming are excellent ways to get this type of exercise

Depending on the underlying reason for your back pain, and the severity of the pain, working with a physical therapist may also be necessary in tandem with your chiropractic treatments.