Understanding Back Pain and Lower Back Pain
Back pain is a prevalent condition that often prevents individuals from fully enjoying life. The lower back is particularly common, with approximately 80 percent of people experiencing pain and injury in this area at some point in their lives. There are various causes of low back pain, including physical stressors like car accidents, repetitive movements, pregnancy, fibromyalgia, or sports injuries. Other factors such as obesity, inflamed joints, and strained muscles can also contribute to this type of pain.
While temporary measures like applying ice, taking hot baths, or using pain medication may provide temporary relief, they do not address the root cause of the pain. At Lake Stevens Chiropractic, we conduct comprehensive examinations to identify and treat the underlying cause of back pain, ensuring longer-lasting results and a swift return to normal activities.
Conditions That Contribute to Back Pain
Numerous factors can lead to back pain, and our team can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options for optimal results.
Chronic poor posture: Poor posture is an indication that the spine is out of alignment resulting in stress on the nerves and supporting soft tissues.
Stress: Chronic stress can have various physiological responses in the body. Elevated stress hormones can increase heart rate and blood pressure, causing muscle tension. Over time, chronic stress weakens the back, leading to soreness and vulnerability to physical movements.
Strains and Sprains: Pushing the body beyond its limits, such as through excessive gardening or attempting new sports, can result in strains and sprains. Overuse leads to misalignments of the spine, stretching and tearing of ligaments and muscles, resulting in swelling and pain.
Disc Issues: Spinal degeneration can lead to bulging or herniated discs, exerting pressure on the back nerves. This pressure causes severe pain that may radiate to other areas of the body, such as the buttocks or legs. Chiropractic care, such as spinal decompression, has shown promising results in reducing this pain and halting further spine degeneration. Read our article on the pros and cons of spinal decompression to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Vertebral Subluxation: Vertebral subluxation refers to misalignment of the vertebrae or bones in the back. Such misalignments can interfere with spinal cord and nerve function, resulting in pain and other symptoms. A common subluxation occurs in the lower back, where the sacrum meets the base of the spine.
Types and Symptoms of Back Pain
Lower back pain can be either acute or chronic. Acute pain occurs immediately, typically after physical activity. Seeking prompt treatment, such as chiropractic adjustments for sciatica, often leads to immediate relief and prevents long-term issues.
Chronic pain, lasting longer than four weeks and persisting or rarely disappearing, requires focused chiropractic care to reduce pain and improve function. This may involve recommended at-home exercises to strengthen the affected area.
Back pain can manifest with a variety of symptoms that vary in severity and may change over time. Common symptoms include:
- Stiffness limiting range of motion
- Muscle spasms in specific positions
- Muscle cramping
- Increased sensitivity to pressure, temperature, and touch
- Pain in the upper, middle, or lower back
- Pain upon awakening from rest periods
- Pain triggered by certain activities or movements
- Buttock pain or radiating leg pain
- Increasingly severe and longer-lasting pain
What is the best treatment for lower back pain?
While some cases of back pain may resolve on their own, others persist for extended periods and significantly impair daily life. If you have endured pain or tried other treatments without success, chiropractic care may provide the solution. Dr. Hanson and his team with over 60 years of combined experience, are dedicated to facilitating natural healing and improving patients’ well-being.
Schedule an appointment with us today to start finding relief from lower back pain!