Lower Back Pain Specialist
Back pain refers to pain in the thoracic (upper back) or lumbar (lower back) region. Lumbago, another term for lower back pain, means pain around the joints and muscles of the lumbar spine.
Back pain is a common complaint experienced by people in almost every age group. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 75 to 85% of Americans experience some form of back pain at least once in their lifetime.
A common cause for this is the widespread use of gadgets for extended periods, leading to poor posture. As a result, the spinal muscles get exhausted and ache. Usually, the spine’s upper and lower portion pains can be fixed by a chiropractic back adjustment.
Fortunately, the majority of the cases don’t need surgery for back pain relief. You can treat it with massage therapy and chiropractic care. Call (253) 396-1000 to book an appointment.
Symptoms Of Back Pain
Backache is a symptom of an underlying problem, either with the spine or secondary to other diseases. It can be confined to the back or may radiate to the buttocks and legs.
Lower back pain in females is commonly associated with osteoporosis. Depending on the cause, back pain can be accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:
- Fever and weight loss
- Muscle spasms and cramps
- Pain around ribs and neck
- Upper back and shoulder pain
- Joint pain
- Stomach pain
- Leg pain
- Constant dull pain
Back pain with complex spine disorders causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the lower back and legs. It can also be associated with fecal and urinary incontinence.
Common Causes Of Back Pain
The spine is a vital part of the body that connects the periphery and the brain. It connects and protects the muscles, ligaments, bones, tendons, and discs supporting the back.
Any issue with any of these structures hurts the spine and causes pain. The lumbar pain can also occur due to some other problems that are not actually within the spine but indirectly involve it.
Poor posture, stress fractures, strain, sprains, improper lifting, and lack of regular exercise are some triggers that cause strain and chronic lower and upper back pain.
The conditions which can lead to back pain include:
- Back joint dysfunction
- Muscle spasms, cramping, and stiffness
- Arthritis, associated with joint pain and burning sensation over the affected area
- Herniated disc, Ruptured disc
- Sciatica Scoliosis
When Do You Need Back Pain Treatment?
Lower back pain can cause an absence from work, leading to seeing a back pain specialist. However, these red flags require you to seek immediate advice from a back pain chiropractor:
- Persistent back pain that increases in intensity
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or topical pain relievers don’t give any back pain relief
- Back pain triggers pain in some other body part (referred pain)
- When pain radiates from the lower back to your legs or from the upper back to your arms
Immediate Back Pain Relief At Home
A few home remedies can provide temporary back pain relief while you wait for your doctor’s appointment. However, these remedies do not offer a complete solution:
- Reduce activities like twisting and lifting heavy objects that trigger back pain
- OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen as topical applications and oral tablets
- Applying an ice pack over painful areas reduces the pain intensity. Doing little stretches can also soothe the spine and provide some comfort
An experienced lower back pain chiropractor conducts a complete checkup to ascertain the root cause of the pain and treat it.
Chiropractic Treatment For Back Pain
At Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection, each treatment depends upon the underlying root cause, such as damaged spinal discs or arthritic joints.
We use diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and MRIs to find the root cause. The treatment options are discussed once the cause is diagnosed. Your treatment plan generally comprises the following modalities:
- Chiropractic adjustments and physical exercises under a chiropractor’s supervision
- Lifestyle modification and home remedies
- Core stabilization exercises
- Laser therapy
- Massage therapy, acupuncture, or physical therapy
The overall goal of treatment is:
- Pain relief
- Reduce subluxations
- Increase range of motion
- Decrease inflammation
- Avoid surgeries and complications of medications
- Offer better back pain relief
Long-Term Problems Of Untreated Back Pain
Back pain should be treated immediately, as ignoring back pain for long time may lead to the following consequences:
- Chronic pain and disabilities
- Severe thoracic and lumbar spine pain due to osteoarthritis, atrophy of core back muscles, or degenerative disc disease
- Treatment delays result in an increased risk for spine surgery
Book an Appointment For Back Pain Treatment
Request an appointment online by calling us at (253) 396-1000
Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Back Pain
What is the best medicine for a backache?
In the era of advanced therapeutic science, many treatment options are available, but the least acceptable option for both the patient and the doctor is surgery. Therefore, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic treatment, that enhance the strength of the back and correct it manually are reliable options. OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen are also suitable for prompt symptomatic relief, but they only provide temporary relief. Again, it all depends on the root cause of the back pain. It is essential to consult a chiropractor in Tacoma for better advice before backache worsens and causes permanent spinal damage.
Should I see a doctor if my back hurts?
Dealing with back pain is difficult; therefore, one should always seek expert advice from a top chiropractic clinic in Tacoma. It is highly recommended to get a consultation from a chiropractor for a complete evaluation of back pain. With their specialization in treating musculoskeletal disorders, chiropractors can help identify the root cause and recommend the most suitable treatment option.
How many days of rest for lower back pain?
Lumbar spine pain, which is lower back pain, can be relieved with bed rest. The optimal duration of this, however, is still not well-established. It can range from two days to two weeks, varying from case to case. Ideally, there should be little activity if prolonged bed rest is suggested to reduce the physiologic drawbacks.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Treatment For Back Pain?
Medical insurance does cover different aspects of back pain treatment, such as chiropractic, surgical, medical, and prescription medications.
