Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the hospital or a doctor’s office. It is estimated that about 90% of all people will experience lower back pain at some time in their life. There are several reasons why someone may experience back pain, but the primary concern for most people, is finding safe and effective low back pain treatment.
Two types of low back pain
Low back pain is divided into two groups, acute pain and chronic pain. It’s important to identify what type of pain you have, as chronic and acute conditions often have different causes and may respond better to different types of treatment. Pain that lasts less than three months is considered acute pain, whereas pain lasting more than three months is considered chronic.
Possible causes for lower back pain
In the majority of cases, acute lower back pain is typically the result of strained back muscles from activities such as lifting heavy furniture or strenuous yard work. Pregnancy is also a common cause for acute back pain, because the extra body weight may irritate the nerves, causes muscles to stretch and puts a strain on the lower back area.
Kidney infections, bladder infections and other mild infections may also cause acute, lower back pain. One of the most common causes of chronic, lower back pain is degeneration of the inter-vertebral disc. The discs between the vertebrae often wear out due to age, resulting in a loss of the cushioning around the discs. Chronic low back pain can be due to automobile accidents, injuries and other problems such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Bulging discs
- Inappropriate sleeping/sitting posture
- Ruptured discs
- Joint problems
- Injury to bones, spinal cord and/or muscle
Low back pain treatment
Many people who suffer with low back pain rely on strong medications for pain relief. However, medications only temporarily mask symptoms and often have uncomfortable and in some cases, serious side effects.
Chiropractic care is an alternative method of treatment that unlike medications, may completely relieve the condition that is leading to the pain. As a chiropractor in Garland I am trained to treat lower back pain through a variety of hands on methods such as manipulations and alignments. This type of treatment can correct minor spinal misalignments and encourage the body’s natural ability to heal – without the use of prescription medications or painful steroid injections. Spinal manipulation also increases mobility and range of motion.
Chiropractic treatments may also include:
- Spinal decompression therapy – A treatment chiropractors use for chronic low back pain that is caused by degenerative disc disease and/or a herniated disc. The process uses computerized equipment that is programmed to create a vacuum pressure in the discs. The therapy is designed to increase flow of fluids to the disc which promotes healing.
- Hydrotherapy- Hydrotherapy may include the use of ice packs, hot compresses or cold compresses, as well as soaking in hot or cold water to relieve stiffness, loosen the muscles, increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and/or relax back spasms.
- Ultrasound – A chiropractor may use ultrasound waves to provide heat and reduce the swelling and stiffness in the lower back.
- Massage therapy – Massage therapy is a common treatment used by chiropractors to relieve back pain. Massage also improves circulation, flushes out waste, increases healing, improves blood flow and improves flexibility.
Chronic low back pain can interfere with daily activities and if it’s not treated quickly and effectively, the pain will continue to get worse and may further damage to your back, spine and joints. Our Chiropractors in Garland are fully trained to understand and address the underlying issues related to back pain. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to treating your pain, without the use of medications or surgery.
If you are interested in visiting a chiropractor, Garland, and Dallas area residents can find relief with the treatment provided by or chiropractic clinic.
Not only can we treat your neck, back and joint pain with safe and gentle chiropractic adjustments, he can also provide active rehabilitation. Our Garland clinic provides medically directed rehab programs for people of all ages.
To schedule an appointment with our chiropractor in Garland, please contact us at (972) 840-2520.