Low back pain is one of the most common conditions that bring patients to a chiropractor. Dr. James Sylvia of Berkeley Chiropractic Center in Goldsboro, NC offers a variety of treatments for low back pain.
Risks for low back pain
Many of the risks to a healthy pain-free lower back are lifestyle choices. Not that you have any choice but to age, but after the age of 40, lifestyle choices tend to have a more severe impact. If you are carrying excessive weight, that is one risk factor. Lack of exercise and a weak core increase your risk of developing low back pain. Smoking is bad for many things, and yes, it can increase your risk of lumbar back pain.
Causes of low back pain
Pain in the lower back is often the result of an injury. It can be an auto accident, a fall, or just lifting something heavy incorrectly. If the pain is moving from the lower back down your legs, it may be irritation of the sciatic nerve. If your vertebrae are out of alignment or your discs are bulging or herniated, these can cause lower back pain. It isn't always the spine however, it can be the muscles, ligaments, or tendons that have been injured.
Treatments for low back pain
The treatment you receive for your low back pain will be determined by the cause of your pain.
Misalignment
Getting and keeping your spine in alignment can go a long way toward relieving your low back pain. Especially if you have been in an auto accident, you may be suffering from whiplash and spinal adjustments can help get your spine back where it needs to be. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can cause pain in the lower back, and it benefits greatly from spinal manipulation.
Bulging or herniated disc
The use of spinal decompression therapy can help to get the disc back between the vertebrae where it belongs. It uses stretching to open the space between the vertebrae and allow the disc to be pulled back into its usual place.
Soft tissue injuries
Hydrocollator Packs are moist heating pads that use clay and can be placed on the lower back to help relieve low back pain caused by soft tissue injuries. They relax the tissues and help promote healing.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy uses low levels of electric current to stimulate the muscles and cause them to relax.
Cold Laser Therapy uses light to heal at the cellular level.
For low back pain relief contact Dr. Sylvia of Berkeley Chiropractic Center in Goldsboro, NC at 919-341-1818.