Lower Back Pain

What Are the Common Causes of Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can stem from a variety of causes, including muscle strain from heavy lifting or sudden movements, degenerative conditions such as arthritis or disc herniation, and poor posture or sedentary lifestyle habits. Identifying and addressing these underlying factors is crucial in effectively managing and preventing lower back pain.

The four types of lower back pain include:

• Non-specific muscular pain
• Muscle spasms
• Radicular pain
• Sciatic nerve pain

What Are the Typical Symptoms of Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain commonly presents as a dull, aching sensation in the lower back region, often exacerbated by movement or prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Individuals may also experience stiffness, muscle spasms, or radiating pain that travels into the buttocks, hips, or legs, known as sciatica. Additionally, lower back pain can limit range of motion and interfere with daily activities, impacting quality of life and mobility.

There are different symptoms of lower back pain, some of which are more obvious than others. Typical symptoms of lower back pain include pain in the:

• Lower back
• Bones
• Legs
• Hips
• Muscles

Sensory issues can also be a symptom of lower back pain. These issues can include numbness in the legs or feelings of tingling, like being poked with pins and needles.

How is Lower Back Pain Diagnosed?

Correctly treating back pain begins with a proper diagnosis. The appropriate diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation. Primary care physicians often refer patients who are experiencing back pain to a chiropractor. Before you visit a walk-in chiropractor, make a note of:

• The location of the pain
• The intensity of the pain
• The quality of the pain
• Your complete medical history

Our Lower Back Pain Treatment Solution

Moderate Rest and Therapeutic Exercise

Moderate rest can help alleviate acute lower back pain by reducing inflammation and allowing the muscles to relax. Following a period of rest, chiropractors will suggest therapeutic exercises focused on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting posture can help prevent future episodes of lower back pain and promote long-term recovery.

Spinal manipulation

Spinal manipulation, performed by chiropractors, involves applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine to realign them and reduce pressure on surrounding tissues. This non-invasive treatment can provide immediate relief from lower back pain by restoring proper alignment, improving joint mobility, and reducing muscle tension. It's often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address underlying issues contributing to lower back pain and promote overall spinal health.

Surgery

Surgery for lower back pain is typically considered a last resort when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief and the pain is severe or debilitating. Surgical options may include procedures such as discectomy (removal of a herniated disc), spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae), or decompression surgery (removing bone or tissue to relieve pressure on nerves). While surgery can be effective in certain cases, it carries risks and may not always guarantee complete resolution of symptoms. It's important for individuals considering surgery to discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider and explore alternative treatment options before making a decision.

The Power of Lasting Pain Relief With Bankers Hall Chiropractic

20+ years Experience

Bankers Hall Chiropractic's extensive experience spanning over two decades positions us as experts in diagnosing and treating lower back pain. With a wealth of knowledge and refined skills acquired over the years, our back doctors are adept at identifying the underlying causes of lower back pain and providing effective, evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Bankers Hall Chiropractic offers a wide range of treatment options for lower back pain, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle recommendations. This comprehensive approach allows our chiropractors to address various factors contributing to lower back pain, such as muscle tension, spinal misalignments, and poor posture, ensuring that patients receive personalized care that targets the root of their symptoms.

Flexible Appointment Scheduling

With flexible appointment scheduling, Bankers Hall Chiropractic ensures that patients experiencing lower back pain can access timely care when they need it most. Whether it's scheduling a same-day appointment for acute pain or accommodating busy schedules with evening or weekend appointments, our flexible scheduling options prioritize patient convenience and accessibility, allowing individuals to receive the care they need without unnecessary delay or inconvenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is lower back pain a cause for concern?

Lower back pain should be considered a cause for concern if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Additionally, if lower back pain is interfering significantly with daily activities or quality of life, it's advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

How can chiropractic care help alleviate lower back pain in Calgary?

Chiropractic care can help alleviate lower back pain in Calgary through various techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle recommendations. By addressing underlying issues such as spinal misalignments, muscle tension, and poor posture, chiropractors can reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall spinal health, providing long-term relief for individuals with lower back pain.

What is the usual duration of lower back pain?

The usual duration of lower back pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. Acute lower back pain typically resolves within a few days to a few weeks with appropriate treatment and self-care measures such as rest, ice or heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications. However, chronic lower back pain may persist for months or even years, requiring ongoing management and treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve function. If lower back pain persists beyond a few weeks or worsens over time, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

What is non-specific muscular pain?

Non-specific muscular pain is pain that occurs in multiple areas of the lower back. This type of muscular pain is the most common cause of back pain. This muscular pain causes severe pain on one or both sides of the lower back. The cause of non-specific muscular pain includes:

• Lifting
• Twisting
• Stretching
• Any kind of movement that puts stress on the lower back
• Sudden or unexpected movement

Can muscle spasms cause lower back pain?

Although muscle spasms are less common than non-specific muscular pain, it is still a cause lower back pain. Involuntary muscle contractions in your back cause muscle spasms. Like non-specific muscular pain, muscle spasms are caused by:

• Heavy lifting
• Bending
• Strenuous activities 

What is radicular pain, and what causes it?

Radicular pain is a sharp pain that begins in the lower back and spreads to one or both legs. Feeling numbness and tingling in the legs is common. Degeneration of the disk or pinched nerve roots causes radicular pain.

What is sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatic nerve pain, like non-specific muscular pain, is a common type of back pain. This type of nerve pain affects the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve pain is a symptom of a more severe issue with nerve pain, radicular nerve pain. The difference between sciatic nerve pain and radicular nerve pain is where the pain begins. Radicular nerve pain causes individuals to experience pain in the upper part of the spine, whereas sciatic nerve pain causes intense pain in the lower part of the spine.

How Can the Back Doctors at Bankers Hall Chiropractic Help?

The chiropractors here at Bankers Hall Chiropractic specialize in a variety of techniques, including lifestyle advice, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, spinal and postural screenings, and corrective exercises. Contact us to learn more about the Calgary chiropractic services we offer and how they can help improve your overall health and lifestyle.