Fortunately, there are ways to recover from lower back pain, whatever the stage. In particular, chiropractic clinics can offer various treatments to patients along with numerous recommendations to maintain a healthy back. Here is what you need to know about lower back pain and ways to prevent it.
What exactly is lower back pain?
The specific feature of low back pain is that it affects the lower back and more specifically any structure located in this region. The possible causes of low back pain are multiple. The most common are mechanical in origin, caused by an injury or irritation of a musculoskeletal structure in the lumbar region. Examples include an intervertebral subluxation (a minor intervertebral disorder sometimes called MID in medical jargon), muscle irritation of the quadratus lumborum, facet irritation of a lumbar vertebra, discopathy (degenerative or traumatic injury of a cushion between two vertebrae), sacroiliac joint irritation, or even ligament sprain.
Several factors can provoke this irritation: poor posture leading to increased compression of the intervertebral discs, muscles too weak or overused, lack of activity, or overweight. We can also talk about lumbosciatica when lower back pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms or pain radiating down the thigh, leg, and foot. These symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, and even muscle weakness in certain muscles. In this case, a nerve injury may be suspected, such as sciatic nerve damage, a nerve root lesion caused by a herniated disc, or even spinal cord compression due to spinal stenosis.
It is not even necessary to have made a sudden movement for low back pain to develop. Sometimes, lower back pain may also be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as arthritis or a tumor. In this case, it is called pathological low back pain; the chiropractor can help relieve the pain and reduce symptoms, but care should be complemented by that of a physician.
How long should one expect for lower back pain to heal?
When lower back pain is managed by a health professional, it usually takes several weeks before it disappears, but relief can be quick and occur within a few days.
What symptoms are associated with different types of lower back pain?
Lower back pain can manifest in various ways depending on the conditions under which it occurs. It can range in intensity from mild discomfort to severe pain. When the pain is intense, it can make most postures uncomfortable, whether the person is sitting, standing, or lying on their back. The patient may experience a feeling of stiffness, shooting pain, spasms, or difficulty performing movements such as bending forward or backward.
Low back pain caused by poor posture at work can be troublesome and also intense. It is a condition that may develop over the long term and initially seems barely noticeable. In cases of sciatic nerve pinching, the pain felt can sometimes be spontaneous and sharp. At other times, it may feel like burning or an electric shock. The pain radiates from the lower back through the back of the thigh and may extend to the calf and under the foot.
Finally, if a herniated disc has developed, it can affect nerve sensations. Indeed, a herniated disc can impact a nerve root, affecting both sensitivity and muscle strength of the associated muscles. Symptoms caused by the herniation include low back pain, foot drop, tingling, or full sciatica. To prevent or manage these problems in time, it is important to identify their causes.
What can cause lower back pain?
The factors leading to low back pain are often mechanical. Primarily, people with a sedentary lifestyle are frequently affected. This is also the case for people who spend long hours sitting at their desks or those who do not engage in any physical activity. In such cases, when moving, the muscles around the spine have difficulty working in harmony with the surrounding structures. The muscles therefore fail to support the stresses and daily movements, creating tension and irritation. Sports not only help maintain the strength and endurance of these muscles but also the flexibility of ligaments.
However, lower back pain can sometimes be a sign of pathology. For example, osteoarthritis, which can cause inflammation in the joints, can cause low back pain. The pain is often more frequent in the morning upon waking or after prolonged rest. In this context, physical activity and movement are recommended to relieve osteoarthritis-related low back pain.
Finally, in cases of osteoporosis, low back pain can also be caused by a fracture in a vertebra: this is called an insufficiency fracture. In all cases, it is wise to consult a health professional to identify the cause and begin treatment, because like most diseases, low back pain that is managed early and properly is easier to treat and less likely to become chronic.
Who are the people most at risk of developing lower back pain?
Lower back pain primarily affects sedentary individuals who do not exercise. It is also observed that people with depression or anxiety are more likely to suffer from chronic low back pain, and their recovery may take longer.
How does the chiropractor diagnose lower back pain?
To accurately identify the origin of the patient’s pain, the chiropractor begins by reviewing their medical history. This includes past pathologies, any surgeries, hereditary conditions, as well as past and current medications. The chiropractor also asks about the patient’s occupation since it can influence their lower back pain.
Next, a physical examination is conducted to assess the severity of the condition. During this exam, the professional determines which structures are affected—nerves, muscles, or joints—to establish the nature of the pain. Orthopedic tests, including range of motion assessment, and a neurological exam to check nerve condition are performed.
If additional tests are deemed necessary, the chiropractor may request medical imaging such as X-rays or MRI. Only after these analyses will a diagnosis be made and a personalized treatment plan prescribed.
How does the chiropractor treat lower back pain?
The care provided by the chiropractor is non-invasive, drug-free, and surgery-free, mainly consisting of manual therapy. Through comprehensive chiropractic care, which may include spinal or extremity adjustments, manual techniques, instrument-assisted procedures, traction or decompression therapy, laser therapy, and other supportive modalities, the chiropractor works to restore proper joint and neuromusculoskeletal function. These interventions aim to improve mobility, optimize joint mechanics, and enhance overall movement quality, helping the body regain its natural range of motion and functional capacity.
The patient must also be active in their recovery. For this reason, the chiropractor may provide strengthening exercises or stretches for the patient to perform at home. Follow-up appointments allow adjustment of prescriptions based on the patient’s progress. Finally, to ensure lasting benefits, the patient will be encouraged to incorporate exercise into their daily routine long-term.
The chiropractor, a professional to consult for pain relief
The chiropractor is a health professional who relieves pain and works with the patient to address its causes. It is also possible to consult a chiropractor without a doctor’s referral. Whether it concerns shoulder problems, rib pain, or hip pain, the chiropractor can establish a personalized treatment plan to provide lasting relief. Consult the list of ChiroRéseau chiropractic clinics for your next appointment.