Lower back pain is an exceptionally common complaint and it is estimated that 80% of Americans will suffer from it at some point during their lifetime. Lower back pain is also a leading cause of absence from work due to ill health, even though more than half of all cases are believed to be a direct result of the patient doing a job that involves continual sitting.

In many cases, the back pain is either not severe enough for the patient to seek professional intervention or it resolves itself within a few days. However, there is a percentage of individuals who suffer from chronic, recurrent back pain and are reliant on pain medication to help keep them comfortable day today. 

Fortunately, there is no longer any need to suffer from ongoing lower back pain. Chiropractic care from a trained and experienced professional can help relieve your discomfort and enable you to work, sleep and enjoy life without worrying about back pain. 
 

What causes lower back pain?

The lower back, also known as the lumbar, works with the bones of the pelvis to help support the weight of our body as well as to stabilize, rotate, flex and bend the spinal column.

Lower back pain has been attributed to many different things, but experts tend to agree that a sedentary lifestyle, combined with the growing obesity problem, has definitely contributed to the increasing number of people experiencing lower back pain. Posture is also a significant cause of lower back pain. Sitting at laptops and computers for hours on end as well as sitting too long while driving and when watching television are all associated with this type of discomfort.

Occasionally, back pain can be attributed to a medical condition such as sciatica, irritation of the nerve that runs from the pelvis to the feet, or a slipped/herniated disc. Nevertheless, it is often impossible to pinpoint an exact cause of lower back pain and is therefore often referred to as ‘non-specific back pain’ by doctors. 

How can visiting a chiropractor help my lower back pain?

Chiropractors specialize in helping resolve problems with the musculoskeletal system, the primary component of which is the spine. Chiropractic adjustments focus on realigning and balancing the spine so that the body can heal naturally and without the need for medications or surgical intervention. 

You will first be asked to attend a consultation with your chiropractor in order to assess your condition. This will involve finding out more about your general health and lifestyle, as well as discussing your symptoms and undergoing a physical examination of your back. Using this information, it will then be possible for your chiropractor to recommend the best approach to treat your lower back pain. 

Every patient is unique and so you will receive an individualized treatment plan based upon your current requirements. These are usually flexible since, at this stage, it isn’t possible to know exactly how well you will respond to the chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic adjustments are short, acute, and sudden movements made to your body with the purpose of taking the pressure off of the nerves and spinal cord, which is almost certainly causing your pain. If you have an underlying injury, spinal manipulations may help speed up the healing process.

If you are experiencing lower back pain, chiropractic care is a popular and successful treatment. Don’t think you have to continue living with your back pain, call and book an appointment for an assessment today.