Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common problem that can cause discomfort and difficulty with daily activities. It is typically caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or injuries, and can range in severity from mild to severe. 80-90% of all people experience it at one stage in their life and globally it is the leading cause of disability.

At Tuggeranong Chiropractic Centre, we’re dedicated to your well-being. Today, we’re focusing on low back pain, a condition that affects many people’s lives. Drawing from the recent Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard 2022 and other reliable resources, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this condition and how to manage it.

The Significance of the Lower Back

The lower back is a remarkable part of our body. It’s incredibly flexible, able to move in multiple directions, generate substantial forces, and bear significant loads. This is due to a unique set of muscles that control it.

Understanding the Commonality of Back Pain

Back pain, especially in the lower region, is a widespread issue. It can occur anywhere between the rib-cage and the buttocks and may also be associated with pain referring down the buttocks, legs, and to the groin region. It’s important to understand that back pain is a common condition, but with the right treatment, improvement is possible.

Decoding Back Pain

Back pain doesn’t necessarily indicate severe back damage. It’s more about how the brain interprets and amplifies pain signals. The more you worry, the worse it can feel. This is why understanding your pain, maintaining an active lifestyle, ensuring good sleep habits, and fostering a positive mindset are all crucial in managing back pain. Ergonomic recommendations may be required.

Assessing Back Pain

At Tuggeranong Chiropractic Centre, we provide a thorough assessment of your pain. There are many different factors that can contribute to back pain so we take the time to understand your experience and conduct a comprehensive examination. This helps us identify the factors contributing to your back pain and discuss the best treatment options available to you.

Treating Back Pain

The treatment of back pain is tailored to your specific needs and may involve a variety of strategies including manual (physical) treatments, as well as education and guidance. For acute pain, the goal is to get you comfortable and moving, as this aids recovery. For persistent pain, we work out a plan with you to help you take control of your pain and get back to living based on your goals.

Conclusion

At Tuggeranong Chiropractic Centre, we’re not interested in temporary fixes for your pain. We believe in helping you understand why you have pain and getting you back in control, moving, active, and living again. For some, this may take a few sessions; for long-term problems, this may take up to 7-10 sessions over a 3-4 month period. We’re here to support you through this process and help you live a healthier, pain-free life.

Lower Back Pain FAQs

Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, poor posture, injuries, and underlying health conditions. Some common causes of lower back pain include: Muscle strain: Overuse or overexertion of the lower back muscles can cause them to become sore and painful. Poor posture: Maintaining a poor posture, such as sitting or standing in an awkward position, can put extra strain on the lower back muscles and cause pain. Injuries: Trauma or injuries to the lower back, such as a slipped disc or spinal fracture, can cause lower back pain. Degenerative conditions: Conditions such as osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis can cause lower back pain. Other health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as kidney infections and female health issues such as endometriosis, can also refer pain to the lower back as a symptom. Overall, the cause of lower back pain can vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances. It is important to talk to a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Soreness, stiffness, or tenderness in the lower back, as well as pain that radiates down the legs, difficulty standing or walking, and muscle spasms may indicate the lower back is causing issues.
Treatment for lower back pain will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. Mild cases may be treated with home remedies such as rest, heat or cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain medication. More severe cases may require assistance such as treatment or medication. Overall, lower back pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but it can often be managed with the appropriate treatment.
Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces within the spine become narrowed, causing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause a range of symptoms in the lower back and occasionally the legs too. Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. In severe cases, spinal stenosis can cause paralysis or other serious complications. Spinal stenosis is often caused by degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal disc herniations, but it can also be caused by trauma or other underlying health conditions. Treatment for spinal stenosis will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition and may include medications, chiropractic, or surgery. Overall, spinal stenosis is a serious condition that can cause significant pain and other symptoms. If you think you may have spinal stenosis, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Our chiropractors and massage therapists are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of lower back pain. If you have doubts or concerns about your back pain and are requiring assistance feel free to consult our practice on 6292 1092.