Chiropractic Treatment of Lower Back Pain

Aligned Modern Health in Chicago brings together the best of traditional therapies and evidenced-based medicine using the latest science and technology available. Working as industry leaders, our doctors are top-rated and proud to provide unparalleled natural healthcare in noninvasive treatments for musculoskeletal problems that plague everyone from athletes and expectant moms to most office workers.

Our chiropractic services for lower back pain include: Chiropractic Manipulation, Soft Tissue Therapies, and Physical Rehabilitation. With an in-house integrative medical team and locations throughout Chicago, your treatment for lower back pain can also be complimented by our experts in Acupuncture, Functional Medicine & Nutrition, and Massage Therapy.

To schedule a free consultation contact us today or call us at 773.598.4387.

Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatments

Symptoms may range from a dull ache to excruciating pain that cannot be lessened without outside intervention. Each one impacting an individual’s daily activities in different ways.

The causes and contributing factors to back pain are often unique. Our team is focused on alleviating your pain and quickly identifying the root cause of the issue. We strongly believe in patient-centered medical care and will work with you to properly diagnose your condition and  identify lifestyle changes that will serve you well into the future.

Our goal is to offer relief now while preventing future reoccurrences of pain, and education is a big part of that process.

Types of Back Pain

There are a wide variety of issues that can result in both acute and chronic low back pain. Here we outline a few contributors to back pain. While there are a myriad of causes and conditions associated with back pain, you may find these helpful in finding a treatment that works for you.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve extends from the lower back all the way down each leg. Pain caused by this issue originates from spinal structures and typically affects only one side the body, even reaching the foot or toes on occasion. Symptoms may be severe and chronic or intermittent and infrequent. If you’re experiencing sciatica pain, it’s important to understand that the symptoms, as well as a loss of function, have the potential to get worse if treatment is not sought. Reach out to a member of our team to schedule a complimentary consultation if you suspect you may have this condition. Diagnosis should be made through a thorough exam or more advanced diagnostic techniques that could include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs if indicated.

Lower Back Strain

This happens to everyone sooner or later due to the wide variety of muscles and ligaments that hold your spinal column and pelvis in place. Damage may occur from simply stretching to pick up a box or falling off a ladder. There have even been cases where a severe cough can result in lower back strain.  Stability of the spine and the ability to maintain that stability while moving is so important to avoid injury, and most of us have lost that ability from sitting too much.

If your pain is accompanied by stiffness and gets worse through basic activities like stretching or moving around, it is important to see a professional as soon as possible.

Nighttime Back Pain

This refers to back pain that cannot be mitigated through changing positions while sleeping. In certain cases, pain may increase or not become apparent until the patient lies down. It is vital to actively seek treatment for this issue due to its impact on your quality of life and your ability to obtain a full night’s sleep.

There are a wide variety of underlying causes that can trigger nighttime back pain. Some causes are easily remedied and others are more significant; it is imperative to obtain a proper diagnosis as soon as possible. Speak with a medical professional to determine the exact cause of your pain and see what treatment remedies are available.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can come in a wide variety of forms that negatively impact your ability to enjoy day-to-day life. Some of the symptoms include:

• Sharp Pain
• Weakness in your Back and/or Lower Extremities
• Burning or Tingling Sensations
• Dull, Aching, Pain

It is vital that you seek medical assistance if you experience the symptoms for more than just a few days. Long-term symptoms often point to medical conditions that need to be investigated, if not treated as quickly as possible.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

There are many ways to injure the lower back due to its complex assortment of muscles, joints, ligaments, discs and bones. Here are some of the most common causes for lower back pain we encounter while helping patients every day.

Lumbar Strain

This is a stretch injury to the muscles or tendons of lower back. It may be caused by overuse, trauma, or improper use and can last between just a few days to several months. It often presents as a localized discomfort immediately following the onset or incident. Treatment involves relative rest, a variety of modalities to reduce pain and muscle spasm, reconditioning exercises, as well as massage.

Nerve Irritation and Radiculopathy

When nerves are irritated by anything ranging from your bones and disc issues to an infection pain may result. In situations such as this, it is vital to treat the underlying condition before the symptoms may be resolved.

Bony Encroachment

There are instances in which your vertebrae may move poorly, develop changes over time or grow in a way that may impact the ability for your spine to function optimally. Treatment can include everything from manual treatments, conservative therapeutic exercises, cortisone injections or, in rare instances, removing part of the problematic bone. Speak with a member of our team today to see what treatment option is right for you.

Ways to Prevent Lower Back Pain

A proactive lifestyle can eliminate the most common causes of lower back injuries that we see in our medical office every day. We recommend that you do the following to minimize your risk of injury:

• Exercise on a Regular Basis to encourage blood flow and core stability
• Make Stretching a Part of Your Daily Routine
• Know Your Limits – Do Not Overexert Yourself
• Don’t Sit Down All Day

By taking the time to take care of your body you will be able to strengthen and stabilize your lower back. This prevents many day-to-day injuries and helps you heal in the event of an accident. Contact a member of our staff today if you would like to learn more.

Chiropractic Treatment Options

The growing emphasis on cost-effective, non-invasive treatment within the health care community has created a widespread demand for chiropractic treatment and other modalities that reduce pain without the need for medication and surgery. The federal Agency for Health Care Policy and Research suggests that low back pain sufferers first approach treatment with the most conservative route. Chiropractic care is very conservative and effective. Spinal manipulation is a safe, and gentle treatment for lower back pain that reduces pain, improves mobility and develops spinal stability.