What causes lower back pain?
Your lower back absorbs a lot of physical stress. It not only provides a stable foundation for your upper body, but it also provides stability to your hips and legs and absorbs the shock created with every step you take. These factors combine to make your lower back vulnerable to a wide range of injuries and degenerative conditions.
Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of lower back pain. When the soft gel interior of a disc bulges through its rubbery shell, it can compress nerves and cause pain in your lower back as well as sciatica symptoms that extend through your hips, buttocks, and legs.
Other causes of lower back pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Muscle and soft tissue strains
- Trigger points
Spinal alignment issues can also cause lower back pain. Misaligned vertebrae can compress nerves and pull on the muscles of your back.
When should I talk to a chiropractor about lower back pain?
You should never ignore pain. Often, when you seek treatment as soon as you feel lower back pain, you get more rapid relief and reduce the length of time that you have pain.
If you have mild to moderate pain, you can try at-home treatments like heating pads, ice packs, over-the-counter pain-relieving medication, and gentle stretching. However, if your pain doesn’t start to get better within a couple of days or becomes more intense, make an appointment at Inspire Chiropractic right away.
How is lower back pain treated?
At Inspire Chiropractic, Dr. Brosco Coletti provides thorough exams to assess your back pain and identify its cause. When she understands your needs, she creates a customized treatment plan, which could include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Physical therapy
- Massage
- Spinal decompression
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation
- Dry needling
- Lifestyle modifications
Dr. Brosco Coletti often uses the flexion-distraction technique to treat back pain. The flexion-distraction technique uses controlled spinal adjustments to decrease the intradiscal pressure in your lower spine and can widen your spinal canal to reduce nerve compression.
Most patients have a series of appointments for optimal lower back pain relief. Dr. Brosco Coletti provides personalized advice on what type of treatment you need and can answer any questions.
If you have lower back pain, don’t delay treatment. Call Inspire Chiropractic or schedule a consultation online today.
