Lower Back Pain

A Comprehensive Overview

Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments affecting people today. According to current statistics approximately 35 million Americans saw a chiropractor in 2023, with a significant portion of those visits being for lower back pain (LBP), representing around 46% of all chiropractic patients seeking treatment for back issues. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, LBP is recognized as the leading cause of disability worldwide with the global burden of LBP steadily increasing since 1990.

LBP can range from a dull ache to a sharp, debilitating pain, often impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. While many people seek relief through various methods, such as prescription and over the counter medications, pain management and physical therapy, chiropractic care has surfaced as a compelling option that merits attention. In this post, we will dive into how chiropractic care can effectively address lower back pain.

Understanding Lower Back Pain

To appreciate how chiropractic care aids in the management of lower back pain, it’s vital to understand its potential causes. Common sources of lower back pain include:

- Muscle and Ligament Strain: This can occur from heavy lifting, awkward movements, physical injuries or even poor posture over time.

- Herniated Discs: Discs that cushion the vertebrae can become damaged, pressing on nerves and causing pain.

- Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions like scoliosis can lead to uneven stress on the lower back.
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- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back, leading to stiffness and discomfort.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain

1. Spinal Manipulation and Adjustment – it is a hands-on approach seeking to realign the vertebrae in the spine addressing misalignments that can contribute to pain and dysfunction. By carefully adjusting the spine, chiropractors aim to improve mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and restore proper function to the affected areas.

2. Manual Therapies – Techniques such as soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy can target specific areas of muscle tightness and discomfort. These therapies help to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.

3. Rehabilitative Exercise – Customized exercise programs can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance overall posture. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, these exercises promote better spinal alignment and reduce the risk of future pain episodes.

4. Lifestyle and Nutritional Counseling – Chiropractors educate patients on making small but impactful lifestyle modifications to prevent future pain. This may include recommendations on proper ergonomics when sitting or lifting, stretching exercises to incorporate into daily routines, and nutritional advice to manage inflammation.

Conclusion

At Walter Chiropractic, Dr. Benjamin Bowman takes a comprehensive approach when utilizing Chiropractic care to manage low back pain by addressing the underlying causes and equipping patients with tools to actively manage their condition. Through spinal manipulation, manual therapies, rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle counseling, chiropractors aim to restore proper function to the spine and surrounding tissues, ultimately improving their patients' quality of life.

References/ Works Cited

“Poll Results Point to Growing Trends in Natural Pain Relief – Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.” Foundation for Chiropractic Progress - Educating the Public to the Benefits of Chiropractic Care, www.f4cp.org/poll-results-point-to-growing-trends-in-natural-pain-relief/. “Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain.” Www.genesismedical.org, www.genesismedical.org/blog/having-back-pain-here-s-how-a-chiropractor-can-help. “What Does a Chiropractor Do for Lower Back Pain? – Spine and Disc Center of Washington.” Sdctacoma.com, 29 Mar. 2024, sdctacoma.com/what-does-a-chiropractor-do-for-lower-back-pain/. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025. Cleveland Clinic. “Low Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain.