Should You See a Chiropractor For Lower Back Pain?

One of the most common reasons why people see a chiropractor is for back pain. Specifically, lower back pain is incredibly common for individuals of all ages. Traditional medicine may recommend medications or surgery for back pain. Although these interventions are sometimes necessary, chiropractic care can effectively manage low back pain. Keep reading to find out the benefits of chiropractic care for low back pain.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

There are many different causes of lower back pain, and most types can be relieved by chiropractic care. Some common causes of lower back pain include:

Overuse/strains
Heavy lifting with poor body mechanics
Injuries such as strains and sprains, which as we age can be caused by a motion that is considered minor
Spinal arthritis
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Poor posture -- while sitting or using our mobile phones
Lack of flexibility
Discomfort from pregnancy

Lower back pain may be chronic or acute. Chronic back pain occurs with diseases and aging and lasts indefinitely, while acute back pain usually only lasts a few weeks to a few months. In both cases, there are treatments available that can help relieve lower back while.

Is Sciatica a Cause of Lower Back Pain?

The sciatic nerve is a major nerve in the lower back. When people say they have “sciatica” it means something has put pressure on this nerve causing shooting pain down the leg(s). There are many possible causes including bulging or herniated discs and spinal stenosis. A chiropractor can help identify the cause of that lower back pain and find ways to give you relief.

Tips for Preventing Lower Back Pain

To prevent lower back pain, avoid lifting heavy objects by bending at the waist. Bend at your knees and lift from there. If you work at a physically strenuous job, try to maintain flexibility in your back by stretching and exercising regularly. If you work at a desk, be sure to get up and move around several times during the day to give your spine some relief from the sitting position.

Some additional tips for preventing lower back pain include:

Get a massage regularly and visit the chiropractor to aid in spinal alignment, encourage good posture, and maintain flexibility.
Eat a healthy diet so your body has good nutrients to help you prevent injury or heal quickly if you start to have lower back pain
Stay fit. Try to do core strengthening exercises regularly including abdominal and back muscles which support one another
Pay attention to your posture when sitting or on your phone. Don’t look down for extended periods of time at a small phone screen and try to sit with both feet on the floor and your back against a supportive chair while working on a computer.

Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain

If you have chronic lower back pain or you just started noticing pain, visiting a chiropractor can bring relief. First, they will identify the cause of the problem. Sometimes images are needed for this.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain

There are different chiropractic treatments or different types of lower back pain.

Based on the cause your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that will bring relief and help you avoid pain in the future. Some common chiropractic treatments for back pain include:

Lumbar Traction

Spinal Decompression

Massage Therapy - by relieving tension in the muscles your back can relax and reduce pain.
Cold laser therapy and Electrical Muscle Stimulation - These two treatments combined are a good way to provide relief for lower back pain.
Spinal Adjustment - Having the spine properly aligned can improve your overall balance, preventing stress on the lower back.
Myofascial Acoustic Compression Therapy

When to See a Chiropractor for Lower Back Pain

If you’re experiencing back pain, don’t wait long to see if it will just go away. Seek out chiropractic care sooner rather than later, when your condition is most likely easier to treat.

Also, try doing stretches at home to give your back muscles a chance to relax.

Don’t wait until your pain is unmanageable to start chiropractic care. By scheduling a consultation with our chiropractors you can start feeling better! Village Chiropractic in The Woodlands, we are ready to create an individualized treatment plan based on your personal challenges. Acute or chronic, our lower back pain experts are ready to help you find relief. Schedule your visit today.