Low back pain (LBP) is a common issue affecting many people in Fort Wayne. It could stem from a strain, poor posture, or overexertion. While it can go after a few days and might not always be a cause for concern, some cases might persist. This suggests that LBP could be a sign of a deeper issue that requires professional attention.
If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, consider seeing a chiropractor for low back pain. This blog explains why and how and covers various treatment options and the unique benefits of low back pain care.
First, let's explore the leading causes of LBP to understand why it happens.
A 2024 study found that extended periods of poor posture—such as sitting, slouching, or using improper lifting techniques—significantly contribute to lumbar discomfort. This is common among desk workers or mobile users without ergonomic support. Misaligned posture can cause nerve compression, muscle imbalances, and spinal strain, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and discomfort.
Sudden movements, overexertion, or heavy lifting can strain or tear muscles in the lower back. These may occur due to lifting heavy objects, abrupt movements, awkward twists and bends, or poor posture. Muscle strains and sprains can lead to stiffness, muscle spasms, and localized pain, which are common symptoms of LBP.
When the discs between your spine bulge or leak, they irritate nearby nerves, leading to sharp pain, numbness, or sciatica (pain radiating down the leg). This condition, known as a herniated disc, occurs when a disc is damaged and protrudes out of place. Chiropractors commonly use spinal adjustments to relieve pain, reduce pressure, and realign the discs.
Spinal discs contain a gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus, which cushions the spinal column. When this cushioning deteriorates, it can lead to degenerative disc disease, a primary cause of chronic low back pain. Genetics, lifestyle, and repetitive stress also contribute to this, affecting mobility. Improving mobility and slowing progression through treatment is essential.
Sciatica occurs when sciatic nerve pressure, herniated discs, or spinal misalignment causes burning or shooting pain in the lower back and travels down the leg. This condition becomes more prevalent with age and is often exacerbated by poor posture, repetitive strain, or a sedentary lifestyle.
Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and chronic stress can strain the spine, contributing to back pain. These factors weaken muscles, add extra weight, cause muscle tension and inflammation, and lead to poor postural habits, further aggravating back pain and pressure.
Traumatic injuries from car accidents, falls, or sports can trigger lower back pain. Sudden impacts from these incidents damage the soft tissues and misalign the spine, targeting specific parts of the back. These injuries can cause pain, reduced mobility, and discomfort.
Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain? Absolutely. If you’re considering seeing a Fort Wayne chiropractor for low back pain, it’s crucial to understand how they evaluate patients for treatment.
During your first visit, a Fort Wayne chiropractor will review your medical history, assess your current symptoms, and understand your unique needs and goals. This consultation allows them to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs, ensuring effectiveness.
After the consultation, the chiropractor evaluates your posture, flexibility, and motion range. This enables them to pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and assess your overall musculoskeletal health.
In some cases, the chiropractor might use imaging tools like MRIs or X-rays to rule out serious conditions. This helps them get a detailed view of your spine and other structures, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Now that you understand the process, let’s explore different techniques for effective chiropractic care for low back pain.
Chiropractors realign the spine using targeted, controlled force on specific points to alleviate pain, reduce nerve pressure, and restore function. They perform techniques tailored to your needs and comfort level, minimizing soreness after the adjustment.
Chiropractic care’s holistic approach allows for the inclusion of complementary treatments like spinal decompression to enhance the effectiveness of the primary treatment. In spinal decompression, chiropractors apply controlled, precise adjustments to gently stretch the spine, improving disc alignment, reducing nerve pressure, and enhancing the flow of blood oxygen and nutrients.
Chiropractors may incorporate customized exercises and stretches into your treatment plan to prevent further injuries. These exercises strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, enhance body mechanics, and promote proper posture and movement patterns, supporting a well-rounded approach to physical wellness.
Lifestyle habits are key to reducing LBP. Regular exercise, healthy weight, good posture, effective stress management, and reduced prolonged sitting strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. A lower back pain chiropractor incorporates this advice into their holistic treatment plans to maximize the patient’s recovery.
How is consulting a chiropractor for lower back pain more beneficial than other treatments like medication or surgery? Here are four ways.
Chiropractic care offers natural relief without invasive procedures. It avoids the potential side effects and risks associated with medications and surgery, focusing on the root cause of the pain instead of just the symptoms, promoting natural healing.
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for LBP. Each plan should be tailored to the patient’s condition and goals, and chiropractic care does exactly that. Your chiropractor assesses your health history, condition, and lifestyle to create a personalized treatment plan, incorporating various options like spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapies for optimal results.
Chiropractic treatment is recognized for its holistic approach, focusing on both relieving symptoms and addressing the root cause for lasting pain relief. This method promotes long-term wellness and helps prevent future episodes of back pain.
Choosing chiropractic care offers more than just relief from low back pain. Its comprehensive approach also reduces tension and inflammation, improves posture, and enhances mobility and function.
Low back pain might not always be serious, but if it persists, it’s important to consult a professional for evaluation, even if it feels mild. A chiropractor can help identify the root cause and offer personalized solutions for immediate and lasting relief.
If you’re in Fort Wayne and searching for a chiropractor for low back pain near me, consider North East Chiropractic Center. Our chiropractors for low back pain in New Haven, Leo, Grabill, Huntertown, and Fort Wayne are trained and dedicated to finding the right chiropractic techniques for various types of back pain, tailoring treatment plans to meet your unique needs.
Book a consultation with us today!
Monday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Thursday 8:30am – 6:00pm
Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday 8:30am – 12:30pm
Sunday Closed
