What is lower back pain?
Lower back pain refers to any aching, stiffness, or general discomfort that affects the lumbar spine. Sometimes it’s due to general wear-and-tear, other times, it’s a result of an underlying health problem like arthritis.
Lower back pain affects people of all backgrounds, but it’s especially common during middle age. That’s because your spine changes as you get older. The fluid between your vertebrae and spine decreases making your intervertebral discs more susceptible to irritation.
What causes lower back pain?
Common causes of lower back pain include:
- Muscle and ligament strains
- Disc injuries
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Abnormal spine curvatures
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Spondylitis (inflammation of the vertebrae)
- Spondylosis(age-related wear-and-tear of the spinal discs)
You might also experience lower back pain due to pregnancy, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts.
When should I see a chiropractor about lower back pain?
Most cases of lower back pain resolve on their own with conservative measures of care like rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, or they interfere with your ability to work, exercise, or perform other routine tasks, contact Little Elm Chiropractic right away.
How is lower back pain diagnosed?
To diagnose lower back pain, Little Elm Chiropractic reviews your medical history and conducts a comprehensive exam. Afterward, your provider tests your nerves and reflexes to pinpoint the underlying cause of your discomfort.
If your provider suspects your pain is due to an underlying health problem like arthritis, a fracture, or a herniated disc, they order a series of X-rays. X-rays use low amounts of radiation to take detailed pictures of your bones and joints.
How is lower back pain treated?
Treatment for lower back pain depends on the underlying cause and the intensity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, Little Elm Chiropractic recommends holistic, non-invasive measures of care like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol) and over-the-counter pain medication.
You might also benefit from routine chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), CBD products, or Biofreeze®.
If your pain persists or gets worse, Little Elm Chiropractic might recommend spinal decompression. That type of treatment uses motorized traction to relieve pressure on the discs and soft tissues in your spine.
To learn more about treatment for lower back pain, request an appointment at Little Elm Chiropractic. Call to speak with the administrative staff or click the online booking tool.
