Low back pain is a common complaint and reason people seek care from our chiropractors in Geelong, often affecting people of all ages. While it can be debilitating, there are many effective treatments available that are considered non-invasive, natural and evidence based.. Chiropractic care is one such option that has gained popularity in recent years.
Non-surgical, drug free and non-invasive treatment, otherwise referred to as conservative care, are often recommended as first line therapy for most lower back pain conditions. Chiropractic is one type of conservative therapy often sought after by those with low back conditions. These approaches are typically recommended due to their effectiveness and minimal risk involved with treatment options.
Acute and chronic low back pain with or without sciatica are common presentations to chiropractors across Australia. In recently updated guidelines, key highlights have suggested that:
1. Those who are less likely to recover quickly need to be screened for poorer outcomes
2. Self-management is important for all sufferers
3. A combination of manual therapy and psychological therapy should be incorporated.
Chiropractic care is equipped to effectively see and manage low back pain with or without sciatica. Chiropractors have undergone five years of education and training to diagnose, treat and manage lower back pain conditions.
Our Geelong chiropractors often include a holistic, progressive and multimodality approach to lower back pain, which can include: spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, dry needling, mobilisations, exercise therapy and lifestyle guidance.
How Chiropractic Can Help Low Back Pain
Chiropractors focus on restoring function to the spine, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by misalignments. Here are some of the ways chiropractic care can benefit those suffering from lower back pain:
– Reduced inflammation: Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce inflammation in the lower back, which can lead to pain relief.
– Improved spinal function: Dysfunction in the spine can alter normal function of the joint and muscles, leading to pain. Chiropractic care can help restore proper function.
– Increased range of motion: Chiropractic can improve flexibility and range of motion in the lower back, making it easier to move without pain.
– Reduced muscle tension: Tight muscles can contribute to lower back pain. Chiropractic techniques can help relax these muscles and reduce tension.
– Improved posture: Poor posture can put strain on the lower back. Chiropractic care can help improve posture and reduce the risk of pain.
What does Chiropractic treatment look like for Low Back Pain?
– Spinal adjustments: Aimed at improving muscle and joint function, which can reduce lower back pain.
– Soft tissue therapy: Reducing muscle stress and tension, which can contribute to lower back pain.
– Dry needling: Reducing muscle tension in the lower back, which can exacerbate back pain.
– Exercise therapy: Gradual exercises to promote better muscle function, which can increase strength and prevent relapse.
– Education & advice: Guidance around the nature of your problem and things that may be potentially triggering, which can reduce the risk of relapse.
What happens at your first visit to a chiropractor for Low back pain?
The first visit to the chiropractor is all about you, here we want to cover these important areas:
- History: We want to better understand the condition, the impact it is having and also the goals you’d like to achieve from chiropractic care.
- Assessment: We will perform a thorough assessment of your muscles, joints, nerves and other involved tissues
- Further diagnostics: If clinically indicated we will recommend imaging. Bulk billing options can be available.
- Education: Our chiropractor will have an open discussion with you about the nature of your condition and the treatment options available to you.
- Treatment: If appropriate, we will start treatment in this visit to start promoting recovery.
When to See a Chiropractor
If you’re experiencing lower back pain, whether acute or chronic, it can be a good idea to consult with a chiropractor. They can assess your condition and determine if chiropractic care is right for you and ensure your body gets back on track.
What conditions do our chiropractors see?
While our Geelong chiropractic team see a variety of conditions related to the lower back, these are some common reasons people consult a chiropractor:
Biomechanical Joint Dysfunction (i.e. Chiropractic subluxation)
Often referred to spinal fixations, misalignments or subluxations (not to be confused with a medical partial dislocation), these dysfunctions in the spine are typically characterised with altered spinal joint motion, paraspinal muscle activity and nervous system function. Unfortunately, these local changes in the spine can result in altered proprioceptive input into the nervous system, leading to poor awareness of the body.
These changes in the spine may occur following a macro trauma to the spine (e.g. motor vehicle accident, sporting injury etc.) or in time with micro trauma (e.g. poor posture, sedentary lifestyle etc.). While pain and other symptoms associated with the injury may subside, the local changes in the muscles and joints can continue to persist if left untreated.
Symptoms and signs may include:
-Pain, tightness or stiffness symptoms
-Restricted range of movement
-Reoccurring problems (in the same area)
Chiropractic care is focused on restoring normal function to the involved segments of the lower spine, improving muscle stress and nervous system input.
Intervertebral Disc Injury
Intervertebral discs are the cartilaginous structures separating adjacent vertebrae in the spine. These discs can cause underlying pain and symptoms when irritating the nearby nerve root. Symptoms may be local to the lower back region, or radiate into the hip, leg and foot regions. Patients may have associated neurological findings upon assessment.
Symptoms and signs may include:
-Pain or stiffness (with or without movement)
-Limited range of movement (with or without pain)
-Radicular or non-radicular pain referral
Chiropractic care and management may include spinal manipulative techniques, soft tissue therapies, exercise and rehabilitation, along with lifestyle guidance. Chiropractic care is focused on reducing nerve root irritation, restoring normal movement and posture, while ensuring appropriate disc recovery.
Lumbar Facet Injury
Lumbar facet injuries can occur with repetitive extension or loading of the spine, where the posterior joints of the spine, the facet joints, are susceptible to injury and irritation.
Signs and symptoms may include:
-Pain and symptoms more local to the lower back
-Pain relief with hip and spinal flexed positions
-Often no leg symptom referral
Chiropractic care and management may include spinal manipulative techniques, soft tissue therapies, exercise and rehabilitation, along with lifestyle guidance. Chiropractic care is focused on reducing inflammation within the joint, improving movement and function to prevent future irritation.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is described as the narrowing of the spinal canal, most notably in the lower back and neck regions. The narrowing of the canal can put pressure on the nerves as they travel through the spine. Some people with spinal stenosis may not experience symptoms. These structural narrowings are often attributed to age-related changes.
Signs and symptoms may include:
-Pain in one or both legs
-Leg pain often worse than back pain
-Pain increases with activity (i.e. standing, walking)
-Pain relief with rest (i.e. sitting)
Chiropractic care and management may include techniques aimed at increasing canal size, soft tissue therapies, exercise and rehabilitation, along with lifestyle guidance. Chiropractic care is focused on pain relief, while promoting better function and movement through the spine.
What can be done yourself to help lower back pain?
–Stress management: Implementing strategies that are directed at reducing stress on the central nervous system can result in less muscle tension and reduce pain sensitivity.
–Sleep: Can improve your tolerance to stress and reduce pain sensitivity.
–Nutrition: Optimising your nutrition can promote better recovery and reduce inflammation in the body.
–Exercise: Shown to reduce pain and promote better muscle function. Also a proactive strategy to minimise reoccurrence into the future.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to manage lower back pain. By addressing the underlying causes of pain, chiropractors can help individuals regain their mobility and improve their overall quality of life. If you’re struggling with lower back pain, consider exploring chiropractic care as a potential solution.
If you need help with low back pain with or without sciatica, please contact us on 03 4250 9865 or alternatively, you can book an appointment online.
Reference
Bernstein I A, Malik Q, Carville S, Ward S. Low back pain and sciatica: summary of NICE guidance BMJ 2017; 356 :i6748 https://doi:10.1136/bmj.i6748
Annemarie de Zoete, Sidney M. Rubinstein, Michiel R. de Boer, Raymond Ostelo, Martin Underwood, Jill A. Hayden, Laurien M. Buffart, Maurits W. van Tulder, G. Bronfort, N.E. Foster, C.G. Maher, J. Hartvigsen, P. Balthazard, F. Cecchi, M.L. Ferreira, M.R. Gudavalli, M. Haas, B. Hidalgo, M.A. Hondras, C.Y. Hsieh, K. Learman, P.W. McCarthy, T. Petersen, E. Rasmussen-Barr, E. Skillgate, Y. Verma, L. Vismara, B.F. Walker, T. Xia, N. Zaproudina, The effect of spinal manipulative therapy on pain relief and function in patients with chronic low back pain: an individual participant data meta-analysis, Physiotherapy, Volume 112, 2021, Pages 121-134, ISSN 0031 9406, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2021.03.006.
Bryan M. Bond, Chris D. Kinslow, Adam W. Yoder & Wen Liu (2020) Effect of spinal manipulative therapy on mechanical pain sensitivity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a pilot randomized, controlled trial, Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 28:1, 15-27, DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1572986
