Low back pain is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a result of various causes, including injuries, poor posture, arthritis, and aging. In this article, we’ll discuss what low back pain is, its common causes, symptoms, problems, and typical treatments. We’ll also highlight why chiropractic care is the best choice for treating low back pain.
What is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal problem that affects the lower part of the spine. It can range from mild to severe, and the pain may be dull, sharp, or burning. Low back pain can be a result of various underlying conditions, including muscle strain, ligament sprain, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis.
How Common is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is one of the most common health problems worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low back pain affects about 60% to 70% of people in industrialized countries. It is also the leading cause of disability and missed workdays globally.
What are the Most Common Causes of Low Back Pain?
The most common causes of low back pain include:
- Muscle or Ligament Strain: It can result from overuse, poor posture, or lifting heavy objects improperly.
- Herniated Disc: It happens when the soft, gel-like center of the spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer of the disc, irritating the nerves in the area.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: It is a result of aging and the natural wear and tear of the spinal discs.
- Spinal Stenosis: It happens when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves in the area.
- Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease that affects the spine’s joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
What are the Symptoms of Low Back Pain?
The symptoms of low back pain vary depending on the underlying cause, but the most common ones include:
- Dull, Aching Pain: It may be felt in the lower back or buttocks, and it can be intermittent or constant.
- Stiffness: It may be felt in the lower back or hips, making it challenging to move around.
- Tingling or Numbness: It may be felt in the legs, feet, or buttocks, indicating nerve irritation.
- Shooting Pain: It may be felt in the lower back, legs, or buttocks, indicating nerve irritation.
What Problems Can Low Back Pain Cause?
Low back pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. It can make it challenging to perform a range of daily activities including sitting for long periods of time, standing, walking, lifting and carrying objects, work activities, sleeping, and enjoying leisure time. Chronic low back pain can also lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
What are the Typical Treatments for Low Back Pain?
The typical treatments for low back pain include:
- Pain Medications: They may include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription pain medications, or muscle relaxants.
- Physical Therapy: It can help strengthen the muscles in the lower back and improve flexibility.
- Heat or Ice: It can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Surgery: It is rarely necessary and only recommended in severe cases when conservative treatments have failed.
What are the Common Side-Effects of Typical Treatments for Low Back Pain?
The common side-effects of typical treatments for low back pain include:
- Pain Medications: They can cause stomach upset, drowsiness, dizziness and even more severe side-effects. Many times a person may need to take a second or third medication in order to try and manage the side-effects of the pain medication.
- Physical Therapy: It can cause muscle soreness or stiffness.
- Heat or Ice: They can cause skin irritation or burns if applied for too long.
- Surgery: It can have risks associated with anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. Recovery from surgery can also be lengthy and require rehabilitation.
Why is Chiropractic Care the Best Choice for Treating Low Back Pain?
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, safe, and effective alternative to typical treatments for low back pain. Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders, including low back pain.
Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain, inflammation, and nerve irritation in the lower back. It can also improve the range of motion and ease of movement, which can help people perform daily activities and work more efficiently. Chiropractic care can also improve the quality of life by reducing the need for pain medications, avoiding surgery, and providing long-term relief.
Furthermore, chiropractic care is a natural and holistic approach to healing the body. It focuses on addressing the underlying cause of low back pain rather than just managing the symptoms. It also promotes overall wellness and encourages patients to make lifestyle changes that can improve their overall health.
Conclusion
Low back pain is a common problem that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. It can be caused by various underlying conditions, including muscle strain, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and osteoarthritis. The typical treatments for low back pain include pain medications, physical therapy, heat or ice, and surgery. However, these treatments can have side-effects and risks associated with them.
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, safe, and effective alternative to typical treatments for low back pain. It can help reduce pain, inflammation, and nerve irritation in the lower back. It can also improve the range of motion and ease of movement, which can help people perform daily activities and work more efficiently. Chiropractic care can also improve the quality of life by reducing the need for pain medications, avoiding surgery, and providing long-term relief.
