STRUGGLING WITH BACK PAIN?
Back pain. Whether it’s located in your upper, middle or lower back, most people will experience some form of back pain in their life. About 4 million Australians deal with back pain, that’s 16% of the total population. Back pain and back problems were the 2nd leading cause of disease burden in Australia. This article will lay out what the common causes lower back pain are and why Chiropractic or Massage therapy are both great treatments once it has developed.
If you have any questions about our Newcastle office, or would like to learn more about Chiropractic or Massage Therapy at Transitions Chiropractic + Massage, our experience team is here to help.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF BACK PAIN?
Back pain can be complex. The number of potential injuries, misalignments and conditions that could cause back pain seems endless. Tendons, ligaments, discs, muscles and bones can all become irritated or damaged throughout a lifetime, through repetitive stress or sudden, severe trauma. Your pain is entirely unique to you and we look for the best way to work with you to find a solution.
Conditions such as obesity, arthritis, kidney stones and urinary tract infections have been shown to cause symptoms of lower back pain, so these are all potential issues that you and your healthcare provider will need to take into account. Try these stretches to help your lower back pain.
DISC BULGES OR HERNIATION
One of the most common and painful causes of back pain is a disc bulge or herniation. Also known as a ruptured, slipped or prolapsed disc. A disc herniation is when the outer edges of the disc are worn away over time and the inner, gel like material bulges out of the disc, ultimately causing pain, exposing the nerves.
According to MRI studies, as much as 1/3 of the population have a disc bulge or herniation, yet the vast majority of those diagnosed do not have any pain. On the other hand, the people who are experiencing pain often describe it as severe and intense.
The type of pain that is experienced due to a disc herniation depends on the type and position of the herniation. The pain can be sudden and sharp, down one leg or both. Or it may stay isolated to the buttocks, hips and lower back. Back pain may also move down the nerve to the leg, calf and even foot. Potentially causing numbness and tingling, shooting pain and weakness in the legs may also develop.
Unfortunately, herniation can be very difficult to reverse, but Chiropractic care has been shown to prevent the advancement of the herniation and provide relief from the associated pain.
SUBLUXATIONS
Subluxations are one of the most commonly overlooked contributors to back pain. Essentially, when a vertebra is out of position, it can cause a lot of pain and impede your movement. Subluxations can occur anywhere in the spine and can be caused by physical trauma, stress and toxins. The time frame to correct subluxations varies, depending on both the individual, the severity of the subluxation and other factors.
MUSCULAR SPRAINS AND TENDON OR LIGAMENT STRAINS
Strains and sprains can occur in anyone, but they typically occur in people who engage in tasks that their body is not accustomed to or pushing themselves too hard. This might include rigorous physical activity or spending too much time in one position (think sitting all day). Ligament sprains are typically caused by stretching and tearing the ligament. Muscular strains are commonly caused by improper lifting form, or by chronic shortening of the muscles with prolonged time in poor positions. Strains and sprains can be quite painful and are often accompanied by swelling and bruising of the surrounding area. On the upside, strains and sprains are rarely serious and typically respond very well to Chiropractic and Massage Therapy. Try P.E.A.C.E. & L.O.V.E. as a way to help.
STRESS AND BACK PAIN
People with chronic stress have a very different physiological profile than those who don’t. Elevated stress levels have been shown to contribute to the development of heart disease, digestive issue, depression, obesity and back pain. The tension produced by chronic stress causes a contraction of muscles tissue creating “trigger points” and lead to the development of spinal misalignments or subluxations, both of which can be extremely painful.
If you are suffering from back pain or have any further questions, please contact our Chiropractic + Massage team today to schedule a consultation. We are the spinal health and wellbeing specialists. Contact us today! Transitions Chiropractic is here to help you get back on the road to recovery as soon as possible. We’ve got your back.