One of the most common reasons to visit a chiropractor is back pain, specifically low back pain, an ailment that affects nearly 60 million adults in America.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 80% of adults have experienced lower back pain at some point in their lives. Many suffer through chronic back pain and other spine issues for years without proper treatment. 

The lower back area, also known as the lumbar region, consists of five main vertebrae known as L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5. In between each vertebrae there are discs that are basically water-filled shock absorbers that cushion the bones throughout all body movement. This area is the primary support for the entire weight of our upper body, so the daily stress load is intense.

The vast majority of lower back pain is due to simple wear-and-tear. Lifting heavy objects, moving in new ways, or just degradation of the spine can contribute to back pain.

Chronic back pain is qualified as pain that persists for at least 12 weeks and should always be addressed by a doctor, specifically a chiropractor.

Chiropractors specialize in the spine, neck, and overall balance of the body. Much of the back pain experienced across the world is short term, lasting a few days or weeks, but can be treated effectively by spinal manipulation and chiropractic adjustments. 

Symptoms of Low Back Pain

Lower back pain can manifest as sharp, wincing pain; dull, throbbing pain; and everything in between. Some people experience stinging, burning, muscle spasms, or pins and needles in that part of the body. Other types of pain include bowel or bladder problems and sciatica.

The lower back vertebrae carry a heavy load, so the nerves that exist there are constantly under pressure, which can result in a surprising array of pain throughout your legs, back, and neck. 

Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is often cited as the problem when dealing with back pain. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, down through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. What many people experience as “muscle tightness” can actually be sciatic nerve pain.

There are 31 pairs of nerves that are rooted to the spinal cord, controlling every body movement. Knowing the symptoms of low back pain and how they can be treated is critical in minimizing pain and maximizing mobility. 

Types Of Lower Back Pain We Treat

Lower back pain has a multitude of causes and is incredibly common. That doesn’t mean it’s normal. Some lower back pain complains we see are derived from:

• Injury (such as with heavy lifting)
• Herniated Disc
• Auto Accident Injuries
• Sports Injuries
• Spinal Nerve Inflammation
• Overuse
• Fibromyalgia
• Spinal Stenosis
• Pregnancy

Diagnosis and Treatment for Low Back Pain

Most back pain can be diagnosed by a chiropractor in an initial consultation. In some cases, X-rays or CT scans may be needed to provide the best diagnosis and treatment plan.

A typical chiropractic initial exam will run you through your pain sources, which movements cause pain, which do not, pain intensity, and whether the pain is lower left back pain or lower right back pain, which can be indicative of the root issue within the spine. 

Diagnosis of the pain, however, is only one facet. Treatment is the most important. A common treatment practice for low back pain is chiropractic adjustment and massage, realigning the spine, and allowing the body to do what it does best: heal itself.

Chiropractic care is rooted in the body following its natural flow, which requires correction after human interaction, such as working at a desk for hours at a time, or performing certain actions that alter the alignment of the spine. 

Your chiropractor will recommend a variety of stretches and plenty of water as part of any treatment plan, which is natural and beneficial to long term back health. 

Stretches for Lower Back Pain

There are many stretches that you can (and should) do at home to alleviate lower back pain. You may also learn some of these in physical therapy if you’re working with a physical therapist. Take a few minutes and treat yourself to relief. 

• Cat-Cow – This is the quintessential yoga stretch. Start on your hands and knees, with legs hip-width apart. Arch your back, pulling your belly up to the sky and dropping your head forward. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then lift your head up, curving your back down toward the floor for 10 seconds. Alternate between these two positions 15 times. 

• Knee-to-Chest – Lie down on your back with knees bent and feet on the ground. Bring your knee up toward your chest and catch it with both hands, hold for 30-45 seconds and repeat with the other leg. 

• Trunk Twist- You may have seen baseball players executing this stretch in the on-deck circle, and for good reason. It’s a great lower back stretch! Lie on the ground with your arms outstretched at your sides and knees pulled into your chest. Slowly roll your knees (still bent) to one side and hold for 10-15 seconds. Glide your knees to the other side for 10-15 seconds. Repeat this at least six times for each side. 

• Seated Forward Bend- This stretch can be challenging for those who aren’t flexible, but it’s a great way to relieve back pain and increase your range of motion. Grab a towel or resistance band. Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you and hook the band or towel around your feet. Pull your arms toward you, bringing your belly as close as you can toward the tops of your legs. This stretch really highlights the hamstrings, which contribute to lower back pain. 

Back Pain Relief

Pain relief is the ultimate goal of chiropractic care.

People suffering from chronic back pain and those with acute injuries can both benefit from chiropractic adjustments, spinal manipulation, and massage. Back pain is as common as fast food restaurants but, in order to avoid the side effects of pain medications, relief can be achieved through a simple series of chiropractic treatments.

If you’re working with your Primary Care Physician they may suggest over the counter pain relievers and to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put extra stress on your muscles, bones, and ligaments which is why weight loss is sometimes effective in relieving lower back pain.

Let Us Help Ease Your Pain 

At Oviedo Chiropractic, Dr. Cough and his team of professionals will guide you through the exact causes of your low back pain, explaining exactly how your vertebrae interact with your nerves to cause the varying levels of discomfort you may be feeling.

Once your pain has been diagnosed and explained, we get to work treating the source with focused massage, spinal manipulation, and chiropractic adjustments.

From car accident low back pain to desk job back fatigue, any low back pain in your life can become a distant memory with proper care and lower back maintenance. Book your appointment today.