Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Care

How Your Back Works

Your spine is a complex system of interlocking working pieces. The bones, or vertebrae, are separated by discs and held together by ligaments and supporting muscles. The basic unit of the spine consists of two vertebrae and a disc. The disc acts as a shock absorber and supports and distributes the weight of your body. The two small joints (facet joints) guide the movement in your back. Ligaments bind your vertebrae together and give additional strength to the discs and joints of the back. Muscles produce and control movement of your spine. They are an important source of strength and support for your back.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can result from a variety of causes, including muscle strains, herniated discs, arthritis, or spinal misalignments. These issues can be caused by factors like poor posture, injuries, age-related wear, and even stress. Here are some common reasons we see patients with lower back pain at Neighborhood Chiropractic:

Muscle or Ligament Strains: Commonly seen in people who work in labor-intensive jobs. These people tend to twist and turn a lot and bend over to pick up items that have some weight to them or they find themselves in awkward positions at work (such as mechanics or construction workers) reaching or stretching in unnatural positions. For comprehensive care, consider our General Chiropractic Care.

Trauma or Injuries: Lower back pain can be a result of a car accident, a work-related injury or any other type of accident. Lower back pain caused by an accident can be very serious or relatively minor. In such cases, our Emergency Chiropractic Care can provide immediate relief.

Pregnancy: Weight gain and changes in the pelvic cavity and back from being pregnant can be a cause of lower back pain. Check out our section on Pregnancy & Pediatric Chiropractic Care. Chiropractic adjustments reduce inflammation and improve function, providing much-needed relief.

Ergonomics: Many of us sit for extended periods of time at a desk, this could lead to a variety of different issues, including lower back pain. It’s important to apply proper ergonomics when sitting for extended periods.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can present in a variety of ways. Some common symptoms include:

• Sharp or dull pain in the lower back.
• Pain that radiates down to your buttocks or legs (sciatica).
• Muscle stiffness or difficulty moving.
• Trouble standing up straight or maintaining good posture.
• Muscle spasms in the lower back that may cause difficulty walking or moving.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek a professional assessment. At Neighborhood Chiropractic, we will carefully evaluate your condition and recommend the most effective treatment.

Preventing Back Pain

Adopt good habits to prevent back pain:

• Posture: Keep knees soft, not pushed back. Shoulders relaxed, not hunched up or rolled forwards. Head level with chin tucked in. Stand tall without tension! Posture should be stable, balanced, and relaxed when sitting, walking, and standing.
• Work: Avoid prolonged sitting or working in the same position. Stretch, change positions, redesign your work area.
• Lifting: Keep loads close to the body, feet well apart, bend the knees more than the back, lift with leg power.
• Carrying: Hold loads close to your body or strapped to your back.
• Sleeping: Your mattress should be firm enough to support your natural shape.
• Weight Control: Excess weight puts extra strain on your spine.
• Exercise: Keep your spine and trunk muscles flexible and strong with correct back and abdominal muscle exercises. Pilates and Yoga are two low-impact forms of exercise that work to balance all the body’s musculoskeletal facets.

Rest But Not Too Much!

If you injure your back, some initial rest is essential to give your spine the chance to recover and repair. Don’t push on regardless. Rest must be followed with a gradual return to activity. Early return to activity is essential for full recovery, but should be monitored closely by your chiropractor.

Important: Seek Early Treatment and Advice

Early treatment can dramatically reduce your recovery time! At Neighborhood Chiropractic, our goal is to alleviate pain, increase mobility and stability, lengthen tightened muscles, retrain muscles for strength, coordination, and endurance, and prevent re-injury.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

There are many treatment options available for lower back pain. One of the safest and most natural methods of treating your back pain is Chiropractic therapy. At Neighborhood Chiropractic, we offer our patients safe and effective treatment plans with high rates of success.

Chiropractic Treatments You May Receive

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Back Pain Treatment
• Spinal Exams
• Sciatica Treatment
• Auto Accident Recovery
• Personal Injury Rehabilitation
• Postural Screenings
• Neck Pain Treatment
• Wellness Care
• And More!

For more information on our services, visit:

• General Chiropractic Care
• Sports Chiropractic
• Emergency Chiropractic Care
• Children’s Chiropractic Service
• Chiropractic Shockwave Therapy
• Pregnancy & Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Is My Back Out?

No! Your discs are firmly attached to the vertebrae above and below by ligaments. You cannot "slip a disc" or put your back out. A disc may tear (prolapse or rupture).