How can chiropractors help you with back pain?

October 11, 2021

Back pain is one of the most common complaints seen by chiropractors. They often recommend physical therapy, exercise, and other non-invasive treatments first. In more severe cases, a chiropractor may recommend surgery.

How do chiropractors treat back pain?

Back pain is extremely common. In fact, 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their life. The most common back pain conditions are: muscle strain, herniated disc, slipped disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal arthritis. Chiropractors are uniquely positioned to help with back pain. Chiropractors offer a wide range of treatments to help increase patients’ range of motion and relieve pain, including but not limited to adjustments, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and other modalities such as exercise, interferential current, tens, ultrasound, cupping, myofascial releases. 

Chiropractic care is one of the most commonly used treatments for back pain. Chiropractors assess your posture and use treatments, such as spinal decompression therapy, massage therapy, or electrical stimulation. Other types of treatments for back pain include exercise, toggle drop, motion palpation, and lumbar roll.

Exercise is an important part of any back pain treatment plan. It’s important to get your body in shape, so it can support your back. Exercise should not, however, be overdone.

What kinds of injuries can cause back pain?

There are several different types of back pain. The most common types are:

  • Muscle strain
  • Disc injury
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Other

The most common cause of back pain is muscle strain. Muscle strains usually occur from lifting something too heavy or pushing yourself too hard. Other causes of muscle strain include poor lifting form and overtraining.

Disc injuries are another common cause of back pain. A herniated or ruptured disc can irritate nearby nerves. The most common symptom of a disc injury is pain, followed by weakness, numbness, and tingling.

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the course of the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, extending from the lower back, down the back of each leg, and all the way to the big toe.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is one of the well-known reasons for back pain. It’s caused by the space between your vertebrae getting too narrow. This can pinch your spinal nerves, which send signals to your legs. The most common symptom is pain, tingling, or numbness in your lower legs. Other symptoms include loss of balance, weakness, and trouble walking. In severe cases, patients may need surgery. There are several tests that your doctor can use to determine if you have lumbar spinal stenosis.

And to make matters worse, some back pain is caused by a specific injury, like a bulging or herniated disk. Other causes of back pain include osteoporosis, cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis). 

Besides injuries, are there any other causes of back pain?

Regardless that back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor. It’s also one of the most confusing and frustrating conditions to deal with. First, there are the injuries. These include sprains, strains, fractures, and disc herniations. Then, there are the non-injury-related issues, including arthritis, nerve problems, and cancer. 

In fact, there are over 100 different factors that can contribute to back pain. This includes genetics, weight, hormones, nutrition, stress, bad posture, and more.

For many people, the issue isn’t a specific injury. Instead, it’s general wear and tears causing micro-injuries that eventually add up to a more serious condition. 

What are the most common non-injury-related causes of back pain? According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the most common causes of back pain are:

Poor posture: Sitting in front of a computer or laptop for long periods of time can cause poor posture. This can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain.

Repetitive motion: Activities like typing, texting, and playing video games can lead to repetitive stress injuries.

Lack of exercise: Inactivity leads to weak core muscles, which can put extra pressure on your back.

Back pain FAQs

According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, nearly five in 10 Canadians suffer from lower back pain at least once a month. That’s 50% of the population. In fact, lower back pain is the most common form of chronic pain. It is also the most expensive. In fact, lower back pain is the number one cause of work absenteeism.

According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 80% of people with back pain have some sort of nerve issue. The other 20% have problems with their muscles, bones, or discs. So if you’re experiencing lower back pain, see your chiropractor for treatment.

Q: What causes back pain?

A: Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by layers of strong tissue called ligaments. When we are young, our ligaments are stronger than our bones, so we don’t have any problems with back pain. As we age, our ligaments become weaker than our bones, and this can lead to back pain.

Q: What are the most common back pain symptoms?

A: The most common back pain symptoms are pain that radiates down your leg, full aches, stiffness in the back, numbness or tingling in your toes or fingers, weakness or loss of muscle control, and headaches.

Q: How long does back pain last?

A: Back pain can last from a few minutes to several weeks.

Q: What is the #1 most common back problem?

A: Lumbar (lower back) strain or herniated disc.

Q: How can you prevent a herniated disc?

A: Work on exercises your chiropractor recommends. Maintain good posture. Don’t slouch.

Q: Can sitting at a desk all day cause lower back pain?

A: Yes.

See our chiropractor for back pain relief

Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for back pain. However, it’s important to note that chiropractic is not a cure-all. It takes time for chiropractic care to work, so patients should expect some improvement after each visit. 

At Northwest Rehab group, we offer a wide range of chiropractic services to help our patients get the most out of their chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care is the main focus of our practice. Our doctors have years of experience treating patients.

Call us today at (604) 875-9779 to schedule your appointment.

Reading: How can chiropractors help you with back pain?

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Reading: How can chiropractors help you with back pain?