Orlando Chiropractor for Lower Back Pain
We often think of lower back pain as something that is part of the aging process. Just think of how many times you or someone you know has winced, put a hand to their lower back and then chuckled ‘Guess, I’m getting old.’
However, the fact of the matter is, lower back pain is not normal and is not part of the aging process. It is a symptom of a much larger problem that needs to be addressed.
If you or someone you care about has been suffering from lower back pain and want a long-term solution, visit Dr Mark. A brief consultation can outline a treatment plan, which can bring pain relief, as well as a longer-term plan to eliminate lower back pain from your life.
Anatomy of Lower Back
Treatment of pain and discomfort in the lower back can helped by a brief understanding of the anatomy of the lower back.
Lumbar vertebrae are stacked together, similar to a vertical chain, which bends and flexes as needed. Between the vertebrae sit the discs, which assist with the flexing and moving; discs can be thought of as pads or cushions between the vertebrae. If either of these are stressed or out of place it can be a cause of pain.
Lumbar facet joints are the structures that connect the vertebrae. Like other joints it is made of cartilage. Physical strain and stress of the lumbar joints can become very painful.
Lumbar Spinal Nerves run throughout the lower back. As such, injuries or damage to other areas of the lower back can cause strain and stress to the nerves, which results in even more pain and discomfort.
The lumbar spinal musculature are the network of muscles that surround the lower back and work together to provide stability, strength and mobility. Direct injury to the muscles is rare. What is common is for the muscles to compensate for an injured disc or vertebrae, which then results in pain.
The sacroiliac joint sits at the bottom of the spine and above the tailbone. However, despite its location in the lower back it is most often felt in the buttocks and even into the leg when irritated.
Common causes of lower back pain
Many of the causes of lower back pain are subtle and build up over time. These can include bad habits that are part of our lifestyle, or things we are not even aware of.
Events leading or contributing to the development of lower back pain include:
- incomplete rehabilitation of past injuries
- lack of proper and periodic lumbar spinal alignments
- presence of lumbar spine subluxations
- improper lifting techniques
- auto accidents
- improper workstation setup
- poor posture
- prolonged sitting
- prolonged use of non-ergonomically designed equipment
- excessive repetitive torsal motions
- exposure to vibratory forces (truck drivers, jack hammer operators)
- scoliosis (lateral deviation of the spine)
- fallen foot arches and other foot abnormalities
- physical inactivity
- poor diet and nutritional practices
- smoking
Treatments
Our Orlando Chiropractic treatment of lower back pain typically involves small “adjustments” of the spine and muscles in the lower back. The aim is twofold. First is to seek relief of pain, which often comes quite quickly after an adjustment. The second is to return the joints, vertebrae and surround muscles, to their correct position. This in fact may result in some initial discomfort; however, a feeling of normalcy should come soon after.
Next Steps
Lower back pain is not something that can be ignored or accepted as part of life. It is in fact a sign of a problem and can lead to even greater injuries. The sooner you take action the sooner you can be relieved of pain and on the road to long-term improvement. Dr Mark and his staff can not only treat your lower back pain but also help you root out the cause and develop an action plan to eliminate back pain from you life.