What is lower back pain?
Lower back pain is any pain or general discomfort affecting your lumbar spine. The lumbar spine starts about six inches beneath your shoulder blades and connects with your thoracic spine above and your sacral spine below.
Your lumbar spine features five of your strongest vertebrae, which support the weight of your entire upper body. These vertebrae are susceptible to general wear-and-tear and injury.
What are common symptoms of lower back pain?
The symptoms of lower back pain vary from patient to patient and depend on the underlying cause of your discomfort. However, common telltale signs of lower back pain include:
- Aching or stiffness
- Sharp, localized pain
- Back spasms
- Inability to stand
- Pain after sitting
Lower back pain can also affect your tailbone and buttocks. Problems like sciatica can lead to tingling or burning sensations in your thighs, legs, and feet.
When should I call a chiropractor about lower back pain?
Lower back pain usually isn’t a cause for concern. Rest, light stretching, and ice and heat therapy are usually enough to provide relief. However, you shouldn’t ignore more serious symptoms.
If your back pain causes you to experience numbness or tingling in your lower extremities, or you lose control of your bowels or bladder, you should seek professional medical help right away. You should also make an appointment at Woudsma Chiropractic Associates if you have a history of back injuries, cancer, or your pain lasts more than a month.
What causes lower back pain?
Your spine contains 33 vertebrae and a complex network of nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue. Damage or injury to any of these structures can result in lower back pain.
Common causes of lower back pain include:
- Herniated discs
- Bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Inflammation
- Spinal stenosis
- Cervical radiculopathy
Playing sports or working a physically demanding job can also increase your risk of lower back pain.
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back, over your buttocks, down your thighs, and into your feet. Any injury or irritation to your sciatic nerve can cause sciatica, a painful condition characterized by sharp, stabbing lower back pain, tingling, and numbness.
How does chiropractic care treat lower back pain?
The team at Woudsma Chiropractic Associates believes lower back pain is most effectively treated with conservative, noninvasive measures of care.
Following a physical exam and review of your medical history, your provider may recommend electrical stimulation, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, exercise therapy, or a combination of treatments.
Don’t let lower back pain prevent you from living your best life. Make an appointment at Woudsma Chiropractic Associates today by calling or clicking the online booking tool.
