Low back pain is a common ailment. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons people miss work or seek care. When you have discomfort or pain in the lower back, your life can be impacted, whether your pain is acute or chronic in nature. Seeing a chiropractor can help address the causes of your low back pain, while also helping manage the pain and prevent any further discomfort or damage.

Causes of Low Back Pain

Low back pain can be caused by issues or conditions related to the bones, muscles or nerves in the area. Among these possible causes are:

• muscle strain
• sciatica
• injury at work or injury from a car accident
• aging
• obesity
• disc injury/disease

Compensation issues can also lead to low back pain. This is where one part of the body is out of alignment, which impacts the low back area because of overcompensation in another area. Subluxation is another reason for low back pain. This simply means that one or more of your vertebrae are out of alignment or partially dislocated. The subluxation can occur after minor injuries or trauma, poor posture, or, in rare cases, a high level of emotional stress.

Due to the sensitivity associated with low back pain, gentle instrument-based adjustments can be the best option for your chiropractic care. The Arthrostim gentle technique is a safe method that can help improve nerve function and begin the healing process.

Diagnosis and Chiropractic Treatment For Low Back Pain

A proper diagnosis and graduated treatment plan from a chiropractor are the best tools in helping low back pain. Prior to any treatment, the chiropractors will obtain a proper diagnosis. Our providers have patients complete a questionnaire and then will do a whole-patient assessment and exam, including observing posture, identifying any misalignment within the spine or joints, and determining whether the patient will be helped by chiropractic care. This discussion will also include health history, and questions about how and when you hurt your back (or any other contributing injuries). When your condition is properly understood, they may recommend an x-ray if needed (which can be done on-site), and then will create a custom treatment plan that may include:
-chiropractic adjustments
-exercises and posture correction coaching
-physical therapy
-massage therapy (if needed)

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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906

If, after your examination and health history are complete, the provider determines your condition cannot be helped by chiropractic or should be referred to another type of provider, we will certainly refer you out. If your condition can be helped with complementary care, such as acupuncture, we will be happy to partner with those providers as well.

Daily Pain Reduction for Low Back Pain with Chiropractic

There are two non-invasive methods at Shephard Chiropractic Clinic that are used for low back pain reduction:

1. Arthrostim: This instrument used for controlled force adjustments was developed over 20 years ago. It is handheld and can be placed precisely where needed, so only the vertebrae and related tissues are adjusted–almost imperceptibly. The Arthrostim is remarkably gentle and helps begin immediate healing.
2. Cold Laser Therapy: This FDA-approved cold laser can help your low back pain by decreasing inflammation and increasing healing within the 15-minute treatment time. The lasers penetrate into the tissue and stimulate the cells to increase cellular activity, which increases the cell’s energy, decreases inflammation, and improves circulation to the area. With greater blood flow to the area, wounds and tissues can begin to heal.

Daily pain reduction is key in helping low back pain problems. Without addressing the problems with regularity, low back pain can become a regular issue. Going to the chiropractor, learning helpful exercises, participating in physical therapy or massage therapy, if needed, are all good steps toward living your healthiest life.

Adjustments and Massage Therapy for Low Back Pain

During your visit with us for low back pain, our provider may determine that you’re in need of massage therapy. Before you are gently adjusted, our in-house certified massage therapists can help relax the muscles, readying them for adjustment. After your muscles have been massaged into place, the adjustment will have a greater impact because the muscles are less strained and less resistant to movement. With low back pain, the tightened muscles must be loosened, so that treatment through adjustment can be more effective.

The pairing of these treatment methods is ideal, since you can obtain massage therapy and chiropractic adjustment in the same office, and the time between the end of your massage and the beginning of your adjustment can be shorter than visiting two different offices. The sooner you can access treatment, the sooner you can begin mitigating your low back pain.

Healthy Living Starts with a Healthy Spine

The science behind chiropractic for low back pain is proven through pain relief and improvement in function post-manipulation. Chiropractic treatment is a great step for addressing low back problems and pain management before resorting to more invasive procedures, such as surgery.

Chiropractic adjustments work to help movement in your spine, loosen muscles, and increase joint mobility. Nerve irritation can be alleviated through adjustments, as well, which can minimize the associated pain, tingling, or numbness that goes through the body. A healthy life relies heavily on a healthy body, which relies on healthy nerves.

Preventing back pain is also vital. Your chiropractor can give you some at-home guidelines that include exercise and a movement/stretching plan tailored to you, along with tips on posture, and how to lift heavy objects properly.

Muscle tightness can cause joints to become immobile or partially immobile, or vice versa. And when you can’t move well, your quality of life is impacted in an immeasurable way. Make sure you’re living your healthiest life by ensuring your spine’s health through chiropractic care and gentle adjustments.

Conclusion

Just living your regular life can easily contribute to low back pain–it doesn’t have to be a serious sports injury in order for you to see us. Avoid agonizing pain, or any low back pain twinges, and find relief with chiropractic care.

Come in today, and let us help you minimize your low back pain and maximize your regular life!

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https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/should-you-see-chiropractor-back-pain