If you've ever experienced low back pain, you're not alone. An estimated 85% of people experience chronic low back pain severe enough to see a doctor at some point in their life. Yet, despite how common it is, the precise cause of pain can be unclear. Take a look at some of the causes of back pain that can contribute to low back pain.

• Muscle or ligament strain. Muscle or ligament strain is often caused by lifting something heavy or sudden, awkward movements. The pain usually results from overstretching or tearing the muscles and ligaments in the lower back. This type of low back muscle strain can often be alleviated through chiropractic care.

• Bulging or herniated discs. Your spine is a series of bones (vertebrae) separated by discs. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and help the spine move smoothly. Sometimes, the discs can become bulging or herniated, putting pressure on the nerves in the lower back and causing herniated disc pain.

• Arthritis or disc degeneration. Arthritis, or disc degeneration, is a common cause of pain that results in lower back arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the chronic inflammation of the joints and can cause osteophytes or bone spurs in the spine, leading to stiffness, pain, and limited mobility due to the thinning of the disc.

• Spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing puts pressure on the nerves and spinal cord, causing nerve root compression and leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs and lower back.

Although the go-to recommendations include a balance of rest, stretching and exercise, heat, pain relievers, and time, there is a better way. We believe the best treatment for most low back pain is chiropractic for back pain. According to Harvard, a 2018 study published in JAMA Network Open is among the latest studies to weigh in on the pros and cons of back pain chiropractic care for treating low back pain. Researchers enrolled 750 active-duty military personnel who complained of back pain. Half were randomly assigned to receive usual care (including medications, self-care, and physical therapy), while the other half received usual care plus up to 12 chiropractic adjustments. Another study in 2020 showed that chiropractic care was more cost-effective than physical therapy.

After six weeks of treatment, those assigned to receive chiropractic care:

• Reported less pain intensity

• Experienced less disability and more improvement in function

• Reported higher satisfaction with their treatment

• Needed less pain medicine

A low back that is out of alignment is a mechanical and neurological problem. The lower back alignment is designed to have a forward spinal curve, which acts as a shock absorber or spring to protect the disc from excessive loads. Traumas and harmful habits such as auto accidents, lifting improperly, extended sitting, and excessive computer use can misalign spinal joints, commonly affecting the L5 lumbar spine health segment. A slight shift in spinal alignment may injure the disc, causing swelling and inflammation. Swelling in the soft tissues can irritate nearby nerves, causing sciatica symptoms and neuropathy and eventually affecting the body’s systems. Natural back pain remedies and proper alignment can help prevent these issues and support overall well-being.

Now, let's imagine the low back disc has thinned over time. Thinning occurs from chronic injury and improper movement, causing poor disc nutrition. The disc acts as a spacer for nearby nerve roots. The disc has a unique way to get its nutrition to stay thick—through a process called imbibition. Imbibition is the pumping mechanism provided by healthy alignment and a full range of motion in the spinal joints. Proper movement may not occur when the disc is misaligned or subluxated. Without correct movement, imbibition stops, the disc lacks essential nutrients, and it shrinks or thins over time. A Gonstead chiropractor is specifically trained to detect and correct these spinal misalignments causing back pain and disc degeneration.

Common symptoms of low back pain that our doctors help with include the following:

• Pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttocks, legs, or feet

• Difficulty standing or sitting for long periods

• Difficulty moving the legs or feet

• Weakness in the legs or feet

• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet

• Dull ache in the lower back

• Sharp, shooting pain in the lower back

• Stiffness or tightness in the lower back

By aligning the spine, chiropractic care offers a non-surgical pain relief approach that promotes long-term healing and prevents back pain from recurring.

Ready to experience natural back pain remedies? Dr. Bobby Fano specializes in non-surgical pain relief through targeted back pain chiropractic care that restores lower back alignment and improves overall health.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey to pain-free living!

References:

Robert H. Shmerling, MD. Should you see a chiropractor for low back pain? Harvard Health Publishing. 2020 Aug. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-see-a-chiropractor-for-low-back-pain-2019073017412

Khodakarami N. Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Manipulation. Healthcare (Basel). 2020 Feb 24;8(1):44. doi: 10.3390/healthcare8010044. PMID: 32102417; PMCID: PMC7151187.

Cuddy, Amy J.C., Caroline A. Wilmuth, and Dana R. Carney. "The Benefit of Power Posing Before a High-Stakes Social Evaluation." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 13-027, September 2012.