Low Back Pain

Overview: How it's defined and the causes of back pain.

Low back pain, also known as lumbago, is a common condition that affects the muscles, nerves, and bones of the lower back. It can feel like a dull ache or a sudden sharp pain, and can range from mild to severe. 

Low back pain can be caused by many things, including:

• Injury to muscles or tendons

• Degeneration of the vertebrae

• Arthritis

• Infection

• Abnormal growth, like a tumor

• Obesity

• Poor muscle tone, weak core muscles

• Muscle tension or spasm

• Sprain or strain

• Ligament or muscle tears

• Joint problems 

• Medications

• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

  
  

Low back pain can be acute (short-term), sub-acute, or chronic:

• Acute: Lasts a few days to a few weeks, and most often resolves with muscle care and lifestyle modifications.

• Chronic: Lasts more than 3 months and often gets worse.

To ease the pain of low back pain, you can try:

• Resting

• Applying cold therapy to the area for 15 minute intervals.

• Taking over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory tools. Biofreeze, CBD creams, Cold Packs, Hot Packs, Arnica creams, Epson Salt bath, Lumbar or Hip Support Belts, TENS unit. See my Blog about Products I Recommend.  

To prevent low back pain:

• Exercising your back and abdominal muscles, stretching and strengthening your core daily, consistently is the key!

• Losing weight if you are overweight. Sugar is an inflammatory food. Stop eating it!

• Lifting objects properly by bending at the knees and using your legs. Maintaining proper posture ergonomics at home and work

You should see a chiropractor if:

• The pain doesn't improve with diligent effort on your part.

• You're not sure what to do 

• You feel something is off 

• The pain prevents you from doing your normal activities 

Causes of Low Back Pain

Low back pain in adults can stem from various causes, with the top five being muscle or ligament strain, herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and skeletal irregularities. Muscle or ligament strain often results from heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements, while herniated or bulging discs occur when the cushioning discs between vertebrae become compressed or misaligned. Degenerative disc disease is a natural part of aging where discs wear down over time, and spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerves. Lastly, skeletal irregularities, such as scoliosis, can also contribute to chronic back pain. Understanding these causes can help in seeking appropriate treatment and preventive measures.

Herniated and Bulging Disc

A herniated disc and a bulging disc are common spinal conditions that affect the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae. In a herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, the inner gel-like core (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the outer layer (annulus fibrosus), potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness.

On the other hand, a bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc protrudes outward but remains intact, creating a less severe and often asymptomatic condition. Both conditions can result from aging, injury, or degenerative changes in the spine, but they differ primarily in the extent and impact of the disc displacement.

Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers for the spine, deteriorate over time. This degeneration can lead to reduced disc height, tears in the disc, or the development of bone spurs, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It's a natural part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by factors like injury, repetitive strain, or genetics.

Spinal stenosis, on the other hand, refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, the spaces between the vertebrae where the spinal cord and nerves pass through. This narrowing can compress nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness, particularly in the lower back and legs. Spinal stenosis can result from degenerative changes in the spine, including the growth of bone spurs and the thickening of ligaments. Both conditions can significantly impact one's quality of life but can often be managed with appropriate medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.

Spinal irregularities encompass various conditions that affect the natural curvature and alignment of the spine, with scoliosis being one of the most common types. Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often appearing as an "S" or "C" shape when viewed from behind. This condition can develop during childhood or adolescence, typically during a growth spurt. While mild cases may not cause significant symptoms, more severe scoliosis can lead to discomfort, pain, and visible deformity, potentially impacting the function of the lungs and heart if left untreated.

Other spinal irregularities include kyphosis, where the upper back is excessively rounded, and lordosis, which is an exaggerated inward curve of the lower back. These conditions can be congenital, degenerative, or caused by injury, and their management often involves a combination of physical therapy, bracing, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

Acute vs Chronic Low Back Pain

If you experience acute low back pain, which is typically pain that lasts for a few days to a few weeks, it's important to initially take it easy and avoid activities that could worsen the pain. Applying ice packs can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain, especially within the first 48 hours, followed by heat therapy to relax muscles. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory, including Turmeric, Arnica cream, Biofreeze cream, Epson Salt baths, Lumbar Support Belt, can also be helpful. Gentle stretches and short walks can promote circulation and aid recovery, but avoid prolonged sitting and bed rest, which can actually slow down healing.

For chronic low back pain, which persists for 12 weeks or longer, a more comprehensive approach is often necessary. This may include chiropractic, massage, fitness trainer, and/or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility. Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and incorporating regular low-impact exercise like swimming or walking, can be crucial. In some cases, medications, injections, or even surgical interventions might be considered. It's essential to work with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of the pain and manages symptoms effectively.

What to do about Low Back Pain.

First get a diagnosis and then a treatment plan. Giving your health care provider all of your health history and current symptoms will go a long way to diagnose and create the most efficient treatment plan for you. Did you know some medications cause muscle cramping and can be the cause of your pain? So letting your provider know what medications you're taking is important. So many clients tell me, after endless visits, that they didn't think it was any of my business that they are on certain medications (like cholesterol meds). Which, back pain, is high on the adverse reaction list!

Get the Films! They show the Facts!

Radiographs (X-rays) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are invaluable tools for diagnosing low back pain. Radiographs are often used as a first-line imaging technique to visualize the bones of the spine, helping to identify fractures, alignment issues, or degenerative changes like osteoarthritis. While X-rays provide a clear view of bony structures, they don't offer much detail about soft tissues. That's where MRI comes in.

MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of both bones and soft tissues, including discs, nerves, muscles, and ligaments. This makes MRI particularly useful for detecting conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression. By providing comprehensive and high-resolution images, MRI can help pinpoint the exact cause of pain, guiding more effective treatment plans and interventions.