Lower Back Pain - Back to Health Chiropractors

Low Back Pain and Chiropractic

Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience low back pain at some stage in their lives. It is quite common and can be very debilitating. Sufferers of acute severe low back pain often have problems sitting with prolonged bad posture, standing too long, and moving quickly. Low back pain can last for a short period of time or it can become chronic when there is an underlying issue that has not been addressed.

Understanding the lower back

The lower back is also called the 'lumbosacral area' of the back. It is the area of the spine between the 12th rib (the last rib) and the top of the hips. It is composed of 5 movable vertebra called Lumbar Vertebra. At each level of the spine are spinal nerves exiting the spine. There are very strong para-spinal muscles on either side of the spine providing muscular support. There are strong ligaments running between the vertebra and tendons attaching the muscles to the spine.

In between the bones are the intervertebral discs. The discs are made of a tough fibrous out shell called the annulus fibrosis and a softer gel like nucleus pulposis.

The pelvis is a bony ring that provides stability and support for the spine. It has 2 sacroiliac joints at the back of the spine and these are the bumps you can feel in the low back. At the front of the pelvis is a joint called the pubic symphysis.

Causes of low back pain

One of the most common causes of low back pain that we see as chiropractors is the spine or the pelvis becoming misaligned. Misalignments happen often as a result of everyday life stresses. Often it is simple things such as lifting poorly, prolonged bad posture, sitting incorrectly that causes the spine to become misaligned.

Symptoms of low back pain

Often the pain associated with low back problems can be sharp severe and constant, however it often starts off as a dull ache and can progress over time. The pain may be localised or it may radiate into the leg. The pain may be constant or intermittent. Often the symptoms are aggravated by lifting, sitting or standing.

Your Back to Health Assessment

Your Back to Health Chiropractor will conduct a thorough history of what exactly has caused the injury. this will include questions on the :

Exact location of the pain
Exacerbating and relieving factors
Causes of pain
Types of pain
Referral of pain
Family history etc

You will then be offered an in depth physical examination which will look at all of the following factors:

General posture and flexibility
Palpation may reveal muscle tenderness and tightness in the gluteal region and over the sacroiliac joints
There may be reduced active and passive range of motion
Orthapedic tests may be positive
Muscle tests to determine the extent of weakness
Neurological assessment if required
X-rays of the spine may be conducted depending on the extent of your problems and the examination findings
Your Chiropractor will discuss with you exactly what examinations will be appropriate and will require your consent before undertaking an examination.

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed then specific treatment options can be discussed

Chiropractic management and treatment of low back pain

Chiropractic care is an effective way of treating low back pain. There are a number of different treatment modalities that your Back to Health Chiropractor might consider.

The main treatment a Chiropractor would provide would be gentle spinal adjustments and/or manipulation to the low back region and the spine as required to reduce inflammation and irritation to the nervous system.
Massage, stretching and strengthening exercises for neck muscles are based on the specific muscles that are involved.
Relative rest. It is important in the initial phase of treatment to reduce exercise and movements that aggravate the problem to minimum and reduce inflammation, whilst at the same time continuing with other activities that do not affect the condition such as swimming and other low impact aerobic activities. This is a concept often termed relative rest.
Ice. Ice can be applied to the neck to reduce the inflammation. this can be a frozen gel pack or simply a home-made ice pack. It is recommended to use the ice for no longer than 10 minutes and to wrap it in a towel so as the ice is not directly in contact with the skin.

ice can be applied to the neck to reduce the inflammation. this can be a frozen gel pack or simply a home-made ice pack. It is recommended to use the ice for no longer than 10 minutes and to wrap it in a towel so as the ice is not directly in contact with the skin.

If you suffer with low back pain and would like to find out how a chiropractic can help you then call 0207 000 1728 to make an appointment now.