Don’t live with Lower Back Pain….Common Causes of Lower Back Pain & How Chiro Helps
Research shows lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor, and this often results in time off work and decreased physical function. It might come on after sitting too long, lifting something the wrong way or sometimes for no clear reason at all. No matter how it starts, it can be incredibly disruptive, painful and frustrating to deal with.
At Life Lounge Chiropractic and Health Center in Burlington, we help people just like you find safe, effective and long-lasting lower back pain relief every day. In this post, we’ll walk through the most common causes of lower back pain, explain how chiropractic care can help and let you know what to expect when you take the first step toward healing.
What You Need to Know About Lower Back Pain
In order to fully understand lower back pain, it’s important to go over the basics. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the lower back, technically known as the lumbar spine, plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of your upper body and enabling movement and posture. This area is made up of vertebrae, discs, joints, muscles and nerves that work together to keep you stable, flexible and upright.
Lower back pain can show up in many different ways, from a dull, nagging ache to a sharp, stabbing pain that radiates down your leg. It might be temporary, or it can become a constant issue that affects your sleep, work and overall quality of life. Because the causes can vary so much, case by case, getting to the root of the problem is key to finding the right treatment.
The Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
As we mentioned, lower back pain can stem from a variety of sources, some obvious, others more subtle. Understanding what’s causing your discomfort is the first step toward effective, lasting relief. Let’s take a closer look at the most common culprits behind lower back pain:
Poor Posture and Lifestyles
Sitting for lengthy periods of time, particularly at a desk or on the couch, can result in a slouched posture and spinal misalignment. Over time, this strains the lower back muscles and compresses the discs, causing stiffness and pain.
Muscle Strain and Overuse
Sudden movements, improper lifting or overexertion during exercise can all strain the muscles and ligaments in your lower back. While this is usually a transitory condition, it can become chronic if not appropriately addressed.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
Spinal discs serve as soft, shock-absorbing pads between your vertebrae, helping your spine stay flexible and protected during movement. When a disc is injured or begins to bulge, it can put pressure on adjacent nerves, causing discomfort, numbness or even paralysis in the lower back or legs.
Sciatica and Nerve Compression
Sciatica is defined as pain produced by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is frequently caused by disc abnormalities or misalignment. This pain usually extends from the lower back down to the leg and can be severe, burning or throbbing.
Spinal Misalignment
Even minor misalignments in your spine can cause uneven strain on muscles, discs and nerves. Over time, this produces wear and tear, inflammation and discomfort, all of which can be alleviated with chiropractic treatment.
Osteoarthritis and Degeneration
As we age, our spinal joints and discs naturally wear down. In some situations, osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease can limit movement and cause chronic discomfort and stiffness in the lower back.
Stress and Emotional Tension
It’s no surprise that stress affects the body. When we are anxious or tense, we tighten the muscles in our neck, shoulders and back. This causes continual tension and may contribute to chronic lower back discomfort.
Treating Lower Back Pain with Chiropractic
At Life Lounge Chiropractic, we focus on finding the source of your lower back pain, not just masking the symptoms.
Dr. Brad Deakin, known as one of Burlington’s best chiropractors, uses a variety of evidence-based techniques to assess and treat spinal misalignments, nerve compression and muscular imbalances.
Overall, chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion to the joints, relieve pressure on the nervous system and promote natural healing, all without drugs or surgery.
What to Expect From Chiropractic Treatment
Your journey to healing starts with a thorough consultation. During your first visit, we’ll:
- Take your full medical and pain history.
- Perform a comprehensive spinal and postural evaluation.
- Identify specific misalignments or dysfunctions in your lower back.
- Develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
That being said, treatment may include gentle spinal adjustments, muscle therapy, stretching recommendations as well as ergonomic advice for your lifestyle or workspace.
Most patients experience relief after just a few visits, with long-term healing improving over several weeks depending on the severity and cause of the issue.
The Benefits of Chiropractic for Lower Back Pain
Here’s what you can expect with regular chiropractic care at our Burlington clinic:
- Reduced pain and inflammation,
- Improved posture and spinal alignment,
- Greater flexibility and mobility,
- Less reliance on pain medications,
- Better sleep and energy levels,
- Fewer flare-ups and long-term prevention,
- Among many more benefits…
Best of all, chiropractic care helps your body heal itself, naturally and effectively.
FAQs About Lower Back Pain and Chiropractic
Do you still have questions? Here are some of the common FAQs we receive at our clinic:
Q: Is chiropractic treatment safe for lower back pain?
A: Yes, chiropractic care is widely recognized as safe and effective when performed by a licensed professional.
Q: How many visits do I need?
A: It depends on the source and degree of your pain. Many patients see improvements after just a few sessions, with long-term effects lasting many weeks.
Q: Do I need a referral?
A: No referral is required. You can book directly with our Burlington clinic.
Q: Can chiropractic help with sciatica and disc problems?
A: Absolutely. Chiropractic therapy can be quite effective in treating nerve compression caused by herniated discs or sciatica.
Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Living at Life Lounge Chiropractic and Health Center in Burlington
You don’t have to live with lower back pain. At Life Lounge Chiropractic and Health Center in Burlington, we’re here to help you feel better, move better and live better.
Contact us today or book your consultation online to get started on your path to long-lasting lower back pain relief.