What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Your low back is a vulnerable area, constantly under the strain of supporting your upper body. Poor posture, injuries, wear and tear, hereditary weakness, or excess weight gain can cause a variety of painful low back problems.

Your low back is one of the three natural curves of your spine. It that area lacks strength or flexibility, your entire back loses support. This can put pressure on joints, nerves, and disks.

Can Chiropractic Help?

Your doctor of chiropractic looks at your overall health - focusing not only on your low back, but also on your lifestyle. This integrated approach helps determine the best treatment for your problem.

History
To help identify the cause of your problem, you and your chiropractor will discuss your symptoms and previous injuries, your family's health history, and your lifestyle, including recreational and work-related physical activities.

Physical Exam
Physical, orthopedic, and neurological tests can reveal the condition of your low back and the rest of your spine. Static and motion palpation tests check for tenderness, muscle spasms, and your back's range of motion. This gives your chiropractor clues to the cause and extent of your low back problem.

X-Rays
As "blueprints" of your spine, x-rays can reveal misalignments, fractures, arthritis, hereditary malformations, or other problems. Additional tests will be done, if necessary.

Diagnosis
Based on the examination and findings, your doctor of chiropractic may recommend an individual treatment program to realign your low back, relieve muscle spasms, restore motion, and reduce pain. If needed, your chiropractor will also consult with other medical specialist about your condition.

How Does a Chiropractor Treat Lower Back Pain?

Your doctor of chiropractic is uniquely qualified to restore the health of your spine. Special chiropractic techniques may relieve the pressure that is causing your low back pain.

Spinal Adjustments
After locating the misaligned vertebrae in your back, your chiropractor manually applies gentle pressure and repositions the vertebrae. These adjustments can help restore alignment, improve mobility, and relieve pain and stiffness.

Related Treatment
Your chiropractor may recommend other types of treatment for strengthening your low back muscles and relieving tension and pain. Those treatments may include moist heat, ice packs, traction, or stretching and strengthening exercises. Your chiropractor can discuss these with you.

What Can I Do To Keep My Back In Shape?

Smart Support
Boost your back health and overall health by using good posture, staying active, eating right, and taking time to relax. Talk with your chiropactor about excerises for strengthening your back.

When you lift or move, keep your back in mind.

When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Hold the load against your body. Lift up with your leg muscles rather that your back muscles. Don't twist to the side when you lift.

Spinal Check-ups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular spinal exams. Even if you don't have sysmptoms, chiropractor care is one of the best ways to help prevent spinal problems. Your docoter of chiropractic can help you and your family maintain healthier lives free of low back pain.