Did you know that over 80% of Americans will at some point in their life suffer from some form of upper or lower back pain? Many people suffering from low back pain will ignore it and not seek chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation until it has reached a chronic state.
What causes lower back pain?
In most cases, pain in the lower back can be caused by a combination of excessive use, strain, or a direct injury to your back muscles and discs that support your spine. Many experts state that over time, this muscle strain can lead to an overall imbalance in your spinal structure. This creates constant tension on your muscles, ligaments, bones, and discs, making your back more susceptible to injury or in many cases re-injury. Additional causes of back pain can include:
- Pressure on nerve roots in the spinal canal. Nerve root compression can be caused by a herniated disc, often brought on by repeated vibration or motion (as during machine use or sports activity, or when lifting improperly), or by a sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back.
- Osteoarthritis (also known as joint degeneration), typically develops with age. When joint degeneration affects the small facet joints in your spine, it
can lead to back pain. - Defects in the vertebra can allow a vertebra to slide over another which can be caused by certain activities.
- Spinal stenosis, also known as a narrowing of your spinal canal, can develop as we get older.
- Fractures of the vertebrae caused by significant force, such as from a bicycle or auto accident, a direct blow to the spine, or compressing the spine by falling on your buttocks or head.
- Spinal deformities, including curvature problems such as severe scoliosis or kyphosis.
- Compression fractures are most common among women in the postmenopausal phase with osteoporosis or can occur in men or women that participate in prolonged use of corticosteroids. If you suffer from osteoporosis, it only takes a small amount of force to be put on your spine, like a sneeze, to cause a compression fracture.
How to relieve back pain
Many doctors will refer you to a back surgeon before they send you to a chiropractor. This backward approach to treating lower back pain may result in an unnecessary and life-changing back surgery. Only in extreme cases are most back surgery procedures necessary.
In many cases, early treatment by our Virginia Beach Chiropractors of your lower back pain can help you avoid many months or even years of treatment. Schedule a consultation today where we can speak with you and then identify the cause of your lower back pain and determine the best course of action to help get relief. Once we determine the best course of treatment, we put you on the right path to feeling better.
Our chiropractor will also help you establish proper habits and techniques. Proper posture is a major factor in the health of your back. Learning techniques common to your daily lifestyle and work also play a major role in the development or lack of development of low back pain. This includes using proper lifting techniques, avoiding repetitive motions, avoiding sitting for long periods of time, and more. We will show you the correct habits and techniques to protect your back from further discomfort and injury.
