What is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is a symptom. Symptoms are messages to the brain that something is wrong. If you put your hand on a hot stove, you will experience pain that will cause you to remove your hand. Symptomatic back pain is very similar, it is a message to your brain that says “You’re doing something wrong.”
If your symptoms are from a fall or some other type of trauma, it is easy to see what caused you symptom, but often it is not that simple.
The majority of people who live with pain experience “flare ups.” These “flare ups” were once thought to be individual separate events, but we are learning that they are continuations of a unresolved problem.
What causes back pain?
The cause can vary widely from person to person. You could experience pain because you over-exert yourself or you may be experiencing pain because the muscles that support your back are de-conditioned. Through the examination of your symptoms, we will be able to determine the cause of your pain and provide you with treatment that will address what is causing your pain.
Click here to view a video of a patient who came to Dr. Bingham with back pain.
What can be done about your low back pain?
Your condition is likely different than your friend’s or your parent’s. This is why it is important to receive a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Only when the cause of your pain is determined will you receive relief from your back pain.
Medications are great at decreasing pain by blocking the signal to your brain. This is no different than putting a piece of tape over your check engine light. You don’t see the problem, but that doesn’t mean that it is gone. Not only do medications cover up your problem, but they can also be very harmful and have long-lasting effects some of which can be fatal.
The best approach to eliminate your symptoms, is to receive a thorough examination, proper individualized treatment and education to empower you to reach your health and wellness goals.
Read our article on how chiropractic can help low back pain
Are you experiencing Sciatica?
Sciatic is a common condition that causes lower back pain along with leg pain. To find out if you have Sciatica watch our Sciatica video by clicking here.
Back pain related to me feet?
If your feet aren’t doing their job of absorbing the shock from your impact with the ground you can experience back pain. To find out how orthotics can help your symptoms, check out our Orthotics Page.
Can Spinal Decompression help my back pain?
Spinal Decompression is most beneficial with patients who have a bulging or herniated disc, but can also be helpful for patients who have arthritis in the spine and narrowing of the spinal canal. To learn more about Spinal Decompression, visit our Spinal Decompression Page.
What is Flexion Distraction?
Flexion Distraction stretches the lower back in a specific way that takes pressure off the area. It is a great therapy for patients who have tried other types of care with no success. Flexion Distraction is a technique that requires a special table, which we have here at the office. It is a great therapy for patients who have disc bulges or herniations and can also be used for other various low back conditions.
Taking NSAIDs?
NSAID medications like ibuprofen are the most common treatment for lower back pain. While these medications are widely used, they are not without their side effects. Recent research has shown that taking NSAIDs could lead to chronic pain in the future.