Lower back pain is one of the most common causes of visits to a Chiropractor. But the term ‘lower back pain’ covers a multitude of causes, conditions and types of pain. So let’s have a look at what they might be.
What is the Lower Back?
The Lumbar spine is what is commonly known as the lower back. It comprises of five vertebrae – L1-L5 – which start around the waist and finish at the sacrum. These are the largest vertebrae in the body. The lower back takes most of the weight of the upper half of the body, which considering the head alone weighs about 5kg, is quite a load!
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
There are essentially two types of LBP – acute and chronic.
Acute pain is generally caused by some sort of sudden trauma – a car or sporting accident, a fall, or something similar. The pain generally relates to a sprain of the ligaments, or strain of the muscles or tendons. This accounts for up to 70% of LBP.
Chronic lower back pain can relate to a wide range of conditions, including:
- Ruptured or herniated lumbar disc
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Compression fracture
Signs & Symptoms
Signs of problems with your lower back can include redness, swelling, tenderness to the touch, and ‘listing’ to one side.
Lower back pain can come in many forms:
- dull, aching pain
- pain that is sharp and travels through the buttocks and legs
- Pain that worsens after sitting for a long time, or is worse in the mornings and improves with movement
- Pain that is relieved in different positions
- Pain that comes and goes
Treatment
Chiropractors can treat a wide range of lower back pain. Depending on the source of the pain your Chiropractor will use soft tissue work, manipulation & adjustment, dry needling, TENS machine, and massage. Low impact exercises like yoga, walking and swimming might be recommended, as well as specific prescribed exercises and stretches.
Your Chiropractor may also recommend anti-inflammatories or over the counter pain medication in the early stages, depending on the cause and level of pain. Rest and heat/ice treatment can also be useful.
If you are suffering from lower back pain, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 so you can put that pain behind you.
