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Lower back pain (LBP) is a common complaint affecting millions of people. It ranges from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition that severely impacts quality of life.
Chiropractors specialise in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, and they can help treat LBP and its causes.
In this article, we outline the common causes of LBP, explain when you should see a chiropractor for LBP, and describe how chiropractic care can help.
The spinal column provides support for the head and upper body. It is composed of 26 vertebral column bones that stack on top of each other (Anatomy Of The Back And Vertebral Column). These include 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum, plus the coccyx.
The vertebral column bones are grouped into five regions:
Note: The Sacrum and Coccyx are grouped together and referred to as the pelvic region.
The spinal column also provides protection for the spinal cord (The Spinal Cord), which runs through a canal in the vertebrae.
The vertebrae work together with other anatomical structures in the back to help support the body. These structures include:
Problems with the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, or tendons can all cause back pain (Overview Of Back Pain). These problems can also cause nerve compression.
Most people will experience LBP at some stage in their life. In most cases, it is caused by injury. However, other medical conditions can also cause LBP. These problems can be acute (lasting for days or weeks) or chronic (lasting for longer than three months).
A back problem is generally referred to by the region of the spinal cord—Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Pelvic—where it occurs. LBP generally emanates from the Lumbar region, which supports the weight of the entire upper body.
LBP is the world’s leading cause of disability (Lower Back Pain Prevalence). It is also the most common cause of absence from work. In the UK, LBP affects around one-third of the adult population every year (Low Back Pain).
Around 2.6 million back pain sufferers seek advice from their GP every year. Action is needed to mitigate the impact of LBP on health and social systems. Chiropractic care can help ease this burden.
Deciding when to seek chiropractic care for LBP depends on the severity and duration of your pain. Here are some signs that it might be time to visit a chiropractor:
Understanding the common causes of LBP can help in seeking the right treatment.
Accidents, such as falls or car collisions, can lead to acute LBP. These injuries may cause muscle strains, ligament sprains, or even fractures.
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading causes of LBP. Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, can strain the lower back muscles and ligaments.
Various diseases can contribute to LBP. Conditions such as kidney stones, infections, and fibromyalgia often have symptoms that include lower back discomfort.
Skeletal irregularities, such as scoliosis, can cause uneven stress on the spine, leading to chronic LBP.
Chiropractors are trained to treat several types of LBP.
Mechanical low back pain refers to pain primarily caused by the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the lower back. It’s often related to overuse, poor posture, or repetitive stress.
Degenerative disc disease occurs when the intervertebral discs lose their cushioning ability, leading to pain and discomfort.
A herniated disc happens when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior, irritating nearby nerves.
Sciatica is characterised by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the legs. It often results from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and numbness.
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the vertebrae slips out of place onto the vertebra below it, causing pain and instability.
Osteoarthritis of the spine involves the breakdown of cartilage between the facet joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
Chiropractors employ various techniques to treat LBP, focusing on non-invasive and drug-free methods.
Spinal manipulation involves the application of a controlled force to the joints of the spine. This helps to improve spinal alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility.
Chiropractors often recommend lifestyle adjustments to support spinal health. This can include advice on posture, ergonomic modifications, and exercise routines to strengthen the back muscles.
Chiropractors may incorporate physical therapy techniques into their treatment plans. This can involve exercises and stretches designed to improve flexibility, strength, and overall spinal health (Stretches For Lower Back Pain).
The frequency of chiropractic visits depends on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. Initially, you might need to see your chiropractor two to three times a week. As your condition improves, the frequency of visits typically decreases.
Chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for individuals suffering from LBP:
Poor sleep quality can exacerbate LBP, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort and restlessness. Chiropractors can offer guidance on sleep positions, mattress selection, and other factors to improve sleep quality and reduce pain.
Adequate rest is essential for the body’s natural healing processes, making it a critical component of a holistic approach to managing LBP.
While LBP can significantly impact the quality of life, chiropractic care offers an effective, alternative solution to contemporary medical treatments.
Chiropractors are skilled in diagnosing various types of LBP, from mechanical LBP to conditions like herniated discs and sciatica. Chiropractors then employ techniques such as spinal manipulation, lifestyle adjustments, and physical therapy, to provide effective, non-invasive relief.
An understanding of the common causes of LBP can help you manage and alleviate your discomfort. With chiropractic care, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your overall well-being. If you’re suffering from LBP, consider visiting a chiropractor near you to explore the benefits of chiropractic care.
