Thousands of patients seek chiropractic care for low back pain in Alameda each month to relieve their crippling pain. That's because pain lower back region is a highly prevalent issue that affects athletes, non-athletes, the old, and the young alike. Notably, this symptom mainly arises from three underlying causes: spinal stenosis, lumbar herniated discs, and sciatica. Are you familiar with the three? If not, we will go over these things in our discussion below.
Table of Contents
What Denotes Lower Back Pain?
According to research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in life. Most patients who have this problem report varying pain intensities and accompanying symptoms.
Some only experience a dull ache that resolves after a while. Several patients also report intermittent aching accompanied by muscle weakness or tingling. The rest notice a sharp stabbing sensation that makes it impossible to sit or stand without discomfort for several hours.
What is the Common Diagnosis For Lower Back Pain?
If you frequently notice mild to intense back pain, we strongly suggest getting diagnosed by a doctor or an upper cervical chiropractor. This way, you can understand why you experience backaches and assess your risks for long-term problems such as nerve damage.
Once you've been to a doctor and gotten a professional diagnosis, it will be easier to deal with your back pain. Here are the three common diagnosis for lower backaches:
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Lumbar herniated disks
Let's take a closer look at the three conditions below.
#1. Spinal Stenosis
When you get diagnosed with spinal stenosis, you have a narrow spinal canal – the very same structure that encases the spinal cord and supports several nerve roots. Unfortunately, due to the structural changes of the spinal canal, the tissues underneath get compressed or irritated. This leaves them susceptible to damage and causes your brain to detect excessive pain signals.
Additionally, the spinal canal narrowing sets off other issues, including numbness, tingling, or weakness from your lower back to your legs when you walk or stand for long periods.
Doctors recommend surgery to remove part of a bone to put less pressure on your nerves for severe cases of spinal stenosis. However, sometimes, patients can tap into alternative options such as the following:
- Taking medications
- Receiving chiropractic care for low back pain in Alameda
- Undergoing physical therapy
- Receiving spinal injections
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and back pain, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
#2. Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in your body. The irritation can be acute or chronic. Most patients with sciatica report sensations such as numbness, tingling, and radiating pain.
Notably, some cases of sciatica develop because of disc herniation. However, it can also arise from other factors such as cervical subluxation, pregnancy, osteoarthritis, and lumbar spine tumor growth.
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, consider talking to a doctor right away—they can examine your sciatic nerve and rule out other possible causes of your discomfort. Then, once you get your results, you can tap into proven sciatica remedies such as the following:
- Upper cervical care
- Taking NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Acupuncture
- Physical therapy
- Biofeedback therapy
- Surgical removal of the tissue pressing your sciatic nerve
#3. Lumbar Herniated Discs
A lumbar herniated disc is a common diagnosis for anyone suffering from lower back pain. To determine if you have a herniated disc, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and may perform a physical examination of your abdomen, legs, and lower back. Your doctor might also order additional tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
Disc bulging or herniation often impact the lumbar vertebrae (the bones located in your lower back) due to stress or pressure on your lower back, injury, or aging. Some people refer to it as slipped discs or ruptured discs because the condition develops when one of the rubbery discs between your vertebrae bulges out of place or ruptures.
Lumbar disc herniation doesn't always need surgery to correct it. Most people get better over time with minimal treatment or with the help of proven low back pain remedies such as:
- Chiropractic care
- Self-care techniques at home (hot/cold compress, back stretches, etc.)
- NSAIDs or other painkillers
- Oral steroids
- Epidural injections
Experience Comfort by Seeking Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain In Alameda
Chiropractic care can effectively manage and resolve lower back pain – regardless of the root cause. This is particularly true for relatively new cases or those that haven't progressed to severe tissue damage. Chiropractic care techniques such as upper cervical chiropractic will help alleviate the pain in your lower back and prevent any further damage or deterioration of your discs, nerves, and surrounding spinal structures.
If you are looking for guaranteed chiropractic care for low back pain in Alameda, Forest Chiropractic has got your back (literally!).
Dr. Steven Forest has been in practice and helping people who suffer from different kinds of spinal problems since 1979. The profession began with his father, and he decided to carry on the practice with his brothers. Two generations as vanguards of spinal health and the body's natural ability to heal, what more can you ask for?
If you want to explore chiropractic care for low back pain in Alameda, you may schedule an appointment with our upper cervical doctor. We have two offices, but you can book your consultation at the Alameda office through our online form, email, or telephone number, 510-522-1818.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Forest, call our Alameda office at 510-522-1818. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
