About Back Pain

Lower Back PainAbout Back Pain

Do you have annoying tedious lower back pain? Do you have back pain when sitting or standing? Does your lower back feel tight? Do you have pain in your buttocks and legs?

Lower back pain is a common health condition.  In Fact, 85% of Americans will suffer from lower back pain and seek treatment at some point in their lifetime.  Following are some common causes of lower back pain.

MUSCLE SPASMS

Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle, but typically occur in the lower back.  When a muscle is in a state of chronic contracture (spasm), blood flow to the muscle decreases.  As blood flow decreases, the bodies ability to remove toxic byproducts of metabolism also decreases.  This buildup of waste, in addition to fatigued muscles leads to chronic pain.  Chiropractic manipulation of the low back removes pressure on the lumbar nerve roots, stopping the muscle spasm.

STRAINS AND SPRAINS

Strains and sprains are injuries caused by accident. They can also involve injuries to a joint with possible ripping of ligaments or tendons. When you suffer a strain/sprain, there is usually enough force to cause irregular function of the spinal joint.  Massage, manipulation, graston technique and ultrasound are extremely effective in the treatment of a sprain or strain.

DISC INJURIES

The disc is a shock absorbing structure between each vertebra.  Each disc is filled with fluid and can rupture or degenerate,  Ruptured or degenerated discs can be caused by sudden trauma or by years of forceful movements of the spine. When this occurs, a person can have back pain that radiates to the lower leg, weakness of leg muscles, and on rare occasions loss bowel or bladder control.  Disc injuries usually do not require surgery and may be cured with proper chiropractic care.

SCIATICA

One of the most common causes of lower back pain and sciatica (leg pain) is the loss of normal function of a vertebra in the lower back. These vertebra become jammed or twisted causing abnormal disc wear, muscle function, and nerve pressure.

Our approach to lower back pain and sciatica is to locate its underlying cause. This begins with a complete consultation and a thorough chiropractic, orthopedic, physical and neurological examination from a chiropractic physician. This is followed-up with a prescribed treatment of care.

HOME CARE DURING TREATMENT

During treatment for a lower back injury, we suggest several precautions that will allow you to heal faster and prevent a reappearance of the injury:

  • Do entirely no lifting until your chiropractor says you may restart such activities.
  • When lying down, assume any position that will offer some relief from pain. As you recover, your chiropractor will train you as to the proper position for your particular type of back problem.
  • Take a mild natural laxative, if needed, so that you will not need to strain when having a bowel movement.
  • Frequently stand and walk for short periods of time. Avoid the “sitting” position, as this puts the greatest strain on the lower back.
  • If you need to sit, it is best to sit in a reclined position, as this places the least stress on the structure of the lower back
  • Avoid walking up or down stairs, and do not walk on rough ground.
  • To get out of bed, turn onto your “good” side, draw your knees up and push yourself into a sitting position using your arms. Then place your feet on the floor and your hands on your thighs, and stand up, allowing your back to assume its most comfortable position.
  • Do not bend forward to put on trousers, socks, shoes, etc. When bending, do so with the knees bent. Do not bend from the waist.

Back pain can be serious.  If left untreated, the underlying problem can get worse.  At Left Hand Chiropractic Center, our Longmont chiropractors will get you back to enjoying the things you want to do as quickly as possible.  Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our board certified chiropractic experts today!