By Jimmy D McCaffs


The lower back connects the upper and lower portions of our frame. This results in it bearing most of the weight of the body. Therefore, it is relatively easy to hurt this area when twisting, reaching, or lifting. Nearly everyone experiences low back pain at some time and causes, symptoms, and treatments vary from one person to the next. Learn more about what contributes to this type of pain, how to identify it, and treatment methods including spinal manipulations.

Pain in the low back can be experienced anywhere from above the upper legs to below the ribs. Experts in health care have not identified a specific single cause but note that everything from a spinal problem to aging can be contributing factors. A muscle strain, protruding disc, degenerative arthritis or other injury can cause a flare-up of pain in the lower portion of the back. Even an organic illness can lead to lower back pain that can persist if left untreated.

Symptoms are typically dependent upon the cause of the condition. Pain may be sharp or dull and concentrated in a particular area or spread over the entire lower back. Some people experience muscle spasms when they have flare-ups. The condition can affect the legs, causing tingling, pain, or even numbness in the upper legs and knees. If nerves at the end of the spinal cord are squeezed, a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome may occur.

Most pain in the lower back is acute, meaning short-lived, so it will heal on its own within a few days to a few weeks. However, people who are under more mental or physical stress may experience chronic pain, which is long-lasting. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, a research journal specializing in the study of the spine, reports that patients with chronic pain in the low back generally experience positive results from chiropractic care and patients with acute pain recover even faster.

Whether pain in the back is acute or chronic, chiropractic care involving hands-on manipulation of the spine performed by a qualified health professional, called a Doctor of Chiropractic, can provide relief by aligning the structures of the spine. This safe, cost effective treatment restores proper movement to the spine and pelvis. Maintenance visits, proper exercise, and a healthy diet and lifestyle should prolong the positive results.

Once an individual experiences low back pain, the situation is more likely to reoccur. After providing treatment, a chiropractor will recommend preventative measures including sleeping on the side, exhibiting good posture, and avoiding sitting or standing for long periods. By following a healthy lifestyle and seeking chiropractic treatment when necessary, anyone can avoid pain in the lower back.




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