Understanding lower back pain: Types and how Chiropractic care can help.
Lower back pain is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. Individuals seeking relief from lower back pain often turn to chiropractic care for its holistic approach to treatment. In this blog, we'll delve into the various types of lower back pain and explore how chiropractic care can offer effective solutions.
Types of Lower Back Pain:
Muscle Strain: One of the most common causes of lower back pain is muscle strain. This often occurs due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects improperly, or poor posture over time. Muscle strain can result in localized pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Although painful, these are classically more short lived injuries.
Herniated Disc: When the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, it can lead to a herniated disc. Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary dependant on which area of the spine is involved. In the lower back, this condition often associated sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the back of the leg (sciatica), front of the leg or groin, numbness, and weakness.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): DDD is a natural part of the aging process where the discs between the vertebrae become less hydrated down over time. For some when these areas become inflamed this can result in lower back pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.
Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis occurs when the natural spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves. This can be associated with causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the lower back, legs, and buttocks, especially when standing or walking. Classically, but not always, this is seen in the older population.
Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a condition characterised by an atypical curvature of the spine. Depending on the severity, it can lead to lower back pain, uneven hips or shoulders, and difficulty breathing in severe cases. Often this is recognised in teen years, but they can also occur later in life.
Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain:
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back pain. Our chiropractors in Bath can help alleviate lower back pain using the following techniques:
Spinal Adjustment: Chiropractic adjustments, or spinal manipulations, involve applying controlled force to joints to improve function and mobility and stimulate the area. This can be supportive in relieving pressure on nerves, supporting the inflammation process, and alleviating lower back pain.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Our Bath Chiropractors will use soft tissue techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to relax tense muscles, improve blood flow, and enhance healing in the lower back region.
Exercise Prescription: As a rehabilitation clinic in Bath, we will always prescribe specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles supporting the lower back, improve flexibility with the aim to support your body from episodes of pain.
Posture Correction: Poor repetitive postures can be a common contributor to lower back pain. Our chiropractors can educate patients on proper ergonomics and provide guidance on maintaining optimal strength and posture during daily activities.
Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle is a hugely influential factor in lower back pain, our Bath chiropractors will offer you lifestyle advice where appropriate such as stress management, sleep optimisation, weight management, smoking cessation, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce the risk of lower back pain recurrence.
Lower back pain can significantly impact quality of life, but chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to managing and treating various types of lower back pain.
In Bath, individuals suffering from lower back pain can benefit from the comprehensive and personalised care provided by our chiropractors at Circus Health, helping them regain mobility, alleviate pain, and improve overall well-being.