Understanding causes, treatments, and prevention
Lower back pain is one of the most common issues our patients face, and we are passionate about helping you understand its origins, effective treatment options, and strategies to prevent future discomfort. It is estimated that roughly 1 in 6 adults in the UK are struggling with some form of lower back pain, and at any one time roughly 1% of the population are absent from work due to lower back pain. As chiropractors, we aim to provide comprehensive care that not only eases pain but also promotes overall spinal health.
Understanding lower back pain
The lower back, or lumbar region, is a complex structure composed of vertebrae, discs, muscles, and ligaments all working together to support your body and allow a range of movements. When any part of this intricate system becomes strained or dysfunctional, pain can occur. In practice, we often explain that lower back pain isn’t just a result of aging; it can result from a combination of lifestyle factors, injury, or even the natural wear and tear of daily activities. Understanding the biomechanics of your spine is the first step in addressing and preventing pain effectively.
Understanding you
Pain isn’t just physical, the mental toll of pain is significant, it can cause you worry, anxiety and can in turn become an issue affecting all parts of your daily life. Lower back pain may stop you from working or prevent you from your normal daily activities. Our priority is to understand all aspects of you and your problem, so we can work to help you return to a life with less pain.
Common causes of lower back pain
There are several common culprits behind lower back pain. One of the most frequent causes is strain from repetitive motions or poor posture, especially with the increased time many of us spend seated at desks or hunched over our smartphones. Sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to muscle weakness and imbalances that support the spine. Unfortunately, whether sedentary or manual, most types of work are repetitive by their nature, and these repetitive daily actions can lead to repetitive strains on the body.
Injuries such as muscle strains, sprains, or even more serious trauma can lead to restriction in the normal movement of the vertebrae. The pelvic joints, the small joints in the spine can also cause pain. Disc issues, such as herniation or degeneration, are also common, particularly in individuals who perform heavy lifting, or who have a history of back injuries. Additionally, stress and tension can exacerbate pain by causing muscles to tighten and contract, further destabilising the lower back.
Mental stress can be a major factor in back pain, and back pain can in turn cause a lot of stress, so sufferers are often caught up in a vicious cycle. Recurring pain can be particularly stressful, as the patient is constantly worried about when pain may next strike again, leading to more physical tension.
How chiropractic care can help
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is helping patients alleviate their pain through chiropractic care. Our approach is both holistic and targeted. By employing gentle, precise manipulations, we aim to reduce restriction in the vertebrae, relieve nerve pressure, and improve overall spinal function. Manipulations are often also called adjustments and the two words are used interchangeably in chiropractic. These techniques aim not only to reduce pain, but also enhance mobility and restore balance to the musculoskeletal system.
In addition to adjustments, we often incorporate soft tissue therapies such as vibration massage and stretching exercises to target muscle imbalances and tension. These complementary treatments can support a faster recovery and reduce the likelihood of recurring issues.
Education is also at the heart of chiropractic care—we work with you to understand you, your lifestyle, and your body mechanics, empowering you with the knowledge to maintain a healthy spine.
Lifestyle changes and prevention strategies
Preventing lower back pain is just as important as treating it. We encourage our patients to adopt a proactive approach to spine health. One key aspect is maintaining a regular exercise routine that focuses on strengthening core muscles, which play a critical role in supporting the lower back. Exercises that promote flexibility, such as yoga or Pilates, can also improve posture and reduce tension.
Ergonomics at work and home are vital. Small changes, such as using a chair with proper lumbar support, taking regular breaks to move around, and ensuring your workstation is set up to encourage proper posture, could significantly reduce strain on your back.
Proper body mechanics during daily activities, especially in lifting or carrying objects, are equally important. We advise our patients to bend at the knees rather than the waist, keep the load close to the body, and avoid twisting motions when lifting. By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can minimise the risk of injury and keep your back healthy.
Reducing worry and anxiety can also help; less stress means less tension in the body. Reducing pain is often the first step here, and with less pain comes less fear and apprehension about your problem.
The journey to a pain-free life
We understand that lower back pain can be discouraging and sometimes even debilitating, it can feel like it is taking over your whole life. However, with the right approach, we aim to help you to regain your strength, enhance your mobility, and enjoy a better quality of life. Whether you're currently experiencing pain or are looking to prevent future issues, we invite you to explore chiropractic care as a proactive step towards this.
At Acomb Chiropractic Clinic, we are committed to helping you if we can. If you are experiencing persistent back or neck pain, we encourage you to contact us for a personalised consultation. Our experienced chiropractic team will conduct a thorough assessment, explain our findings and what we think is possible in clear terms. If appropriate, we will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals, aiming to maximise your possible benefit.
Not all complaints are appropriate for chiropractic care: If we think we cannot help your complaint, or you require more investigations, we will do our best to support you in finding you another path forward.
If you're uncertain whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your lower back pain, please contact us to discuss your concerns with one of our experienced chiropractors. We are pleased to offer a complimentary telephone consultation prior to booking an appointment.