Chronic Back Pain: Causes and Chiropractic Treatments

If you are living with chronic back pain, chiropractic treatment might be a good option for you. Almost everyone will experience some form of back pain, from slightly irritating to completely crippling, at some point in their life. Whether you're dealing with acute discomfort or chronic issues like disc bulges, herniations, muscular sprains, or subluxations, you probably wish to live without this pain. In extreme cases, it can be incredibly challenging to cope with it. This article aims to help you understand the causes of lower back pain and how chiropractic treatment can assist you in achieving lasting back health, allowing you to enjoy those walks in the park once again.

The back is a broad term that encompasses a large area of the body, consisting of various tendons, ligaments, discs, muscles, and bones. Without a solid understanding of these different components, it can be challenging to locate and address the source of pain, such as disc bulges, herniations, muscular sprains, or subluxations. The following provides insight into some common issues and their identifying features. It also outlines how chiropractic treatment can help resolve these conditions. This is a general guideline to assist you in your quest for effective treatment, but we strongly recommend seeking a professional opinion for a proper diagnosis.

Disc bulges and herniations occur when the outer edges of the discs between the vertebrae become damaged, causing the jelly-like center to bulge or be pushed out. This issue is surprisingly common and often results in pain, though many individuals with this condition may feel nothing at all. The quality and intensity of the discomfort, for those who do experience pain, varies based on the type and position of the herniation. When the damaged disc irritates a nearby nerve, individuals may encounter severe shooting or stabbing pain along with weakness in the legs. Additionally, this discomfort may be exacerbated by muscular sprains or subluxations. Therefore, it is essential to identify and treat disc bulges and herniations promptly to mitigate the risk of further damage. A chiropractor will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your back to determine the severity of the issue and recommend an effective chiropractic treatment plan aimed at preventing worsening of the herniation and alleviating associated pain.

Subluxation is a medical term that describes a misalignment in the vertebral column, which can lead to various issues, including disc bulges, herniations, and muscular sprains. There are many causes of subluxations, such as physical stress, trauma, and toxins. These misalignments can often be quite painful and disrupt normal movement. In fact, subluxations are one of the most commonly overlooked contributors to back pain. Chiropractors are specially trained to identify and correct subluxations using effective chiropractic treatment and non-invasive adjustment techniques.

Strains and sprains, particularly muscular sprains, most commonly occur when we engage in tasks that our body is not used to, or during an accident. Activities such as lifting while twisting or stretching beyond one's limits can lead to strains and sprains in the back, often resulting in painful symptoms accompanied by swelling and bruising in the affected area. These back issues may involve subluxations and can be linked to more serious conditions like disc bulges or herniations. Fortunately, such strains and sprains typically respond well to chiropractic treatment, which can help realign the spine and alleviate discomfort.

Chronic stress wreaks havoc on the body and can eventually lead to issues such as hypertension and chronic back pain. This back pain often arises from muscular sprains and muscle spasms triggered by the release of stress hormones. The tension frequently accumulates in what are known as trigger points, which can be extremely painful and may require professional chiropractic treatment for relief. Chiropractors possess the expertise and tools to alleviate stress from these trigger points and address underlying nervous system imbalances that could be contributing to conditions like disc bulges and herniations, keeping your body locked in patterns of stress and pain, including subluxations.