Most of us have experienced back pain at some point.
Pain, especially in the lower back, is a common health complaint, and a frequent reason for time off work both here in the UK and globally. It often starts suddenly but usually settles on its own. Luckily, it’s rarely caused by anything serious.
Knowing this, though, doesn’t tell us much about what is going on when lower back pain strikes. Our starting point as chiropractors isn’t a single structural culprit, but how the spine as a whole moves, and how well it copes with daily life.
Most lower back pain is what we call non-specific, meaning it can’t be attributed to any single structure.
Muscles, spinal joints, and surrounding ligaments all work together, so pain can build for a number of reasons rather than coming from one obvious cause. Poor posture, long spells sitting awkwardly, and tension from everyday stress can all play a part.
The spine itself, however, is remarkably strong. It’s made of solid bone, cushioned by discs and supported by powerful muscles.
Lower back pain can settle in one spot, sit on either side of the spine, or spread across the lower back and buttocks. Sometimes it travels into the legs, and it can range from a dull ache to a sharper pain.
Symptoms can come and go, and particular movements or positions may make them more noticeable.
Some symptoms, however, need medical attention straight away, rather than waiting to see if they settle. These include:
Not all lower back pain is mechanical either. Morning stiffness lasting more than half an hour, pain that is worse at night, or pain that improves with movement rather than rest can point towards an inflammatory cause. That is especially so when symptoms begin before age 45.
Lower back pain develops for all sorts of reasons, and often there isn’t one obvious trigger. A sudden burst of unaccustomed activity can bring an episode on, as can doing very little for long periods.
Work can play a part too, whether that’s heavy lifting and repetitive tasks or spending much of the day sitting at a desk. Worry and anxiety can increase muscle tension and make pain harder to settle. A previous episode or old injury can contribute too.
Sometimes, though, lower back pain simply starts without a clear reason. That uncertainty is one reason a proper assessment matters.
Chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose, and manage musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain.
An assessment starts with your health history and a look at how your lower back and surrounding areas are moving. It also helps identify anything that needs a different kind of medical attention.
Where chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment may include:
Hands-on treatment works best as part of a package that includes exercise, rather than on its own. It can also sit alongside other kinds of support where that helps.
Staying as active as symptoms allow tends to do more good than protecting the back from movement. Prolonged bed rest delays recovery rather than speeding it up.
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