Back to Basics: Tackling Low Back Pain in Your Prime
Nov 17, 2023 -- Posted by :Low back pain (LBP) is so common that if you haven’t had it by now, you will! Let’s take a look at some the possible causes of LBP and what we might be able to do when LBP strikes.
Typically, younger individuals are NOT immune to LBP. In fact, those between 30-60 years of age are MORE likely to experience LBP caused from a muscle strain, ligament sprain, or disk “derangement” such as a herniated disk. Here are some specific causes:
LBP from a sudden movement or lifting a heavy object - Typical symptoms include: a) difficulty moving that can be so severe it can prevent walking or standing; b) pain that does NOT radiate down the leg past the knee but may refer pain into the groin, buttock, or upper thigh; c) pain that tends to be achy and dull; d) muscle spasms (that can be severe); e) local soreness noted upon touch.
DIAGNOSIS: The most likely injuries described by the scenario above include a muscle strain or ligament sprain (or a muscle or ligament pull/stretch/tear that can broken down into mild vs. moderate vs. severe, or, microscopic tears vs. up to 75% tearing vs. >75% tearing may occur, respectively). The severity of the injury and how well you take care of yourself will determine healing time.
Treatment may encompass chiropractic care, alternating 15-minute applications of ice, making modifications to one's activities (typically involving a balance between walking and resting during the initial days, followed by guidance from a chiropractor on suitable stretching and strengthening exercises), and anti-inflammatory measures. Chiropractors commonly prefer natural remedies such as ginger, turmeric, boswellia, and other nutritional options instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. The preference for natural remedies is due to the potential stomach irritation and the risk of liver and kidney damage associated with NSAIDs. Recent research has additionally revealed that NSAIDs may impede vital chemical processes within the body, potentially hindering the healing process. Consequently, studies have recommended that athletes aiming for a swift return to their sport should be cautioned against NSAID use. This advice should ideally extend to the general population, don't you agree?
LBP that travels past the knee down the back of the leg often to the ankle or foot is frequently referred to as sciatica. This may include: a) pain that is longer lasting rather than flaring up for a few days or one to two weeks; b) pain may be greater in the leg than the low back; c) pain is commonly on one side; d) pain is worsened by sitting and or bending forwards, and improved by standing and or bending backwards; e) symptoms often includes pain, in addition to numbness/tingling, and/or burning; f) muscle shrinkage and weakness on the involved side may occur as well.
DIAGNOSIS: In this age group, lumbar herniated disk (LDH) is the most likely cause. The lower two disks—L4/5 and L5/S1—are the two most common locations for herniated disks. The odd thing about LDH’s is that about 50% of us have bulging disks and 20% of us have herniated disks but have NO pain!
TREATMENT: Try chiropractic first. It works and you can always have surgery later (if necessary), but you can’t go back after it’s done!
So, if you are experiencing back pain, lower back pain, or pain in the coccyx and type in pain management near me or chiropractor near me, you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up.
You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my back and who in my area can refer me?”
Also, if you feel leg pain it may indicate things are getting worse and may indicate a bulge on the disc or worse yet a herniated disc in your back. Some people will try stretching the lower back first to see if they get relief from their back pain. Pain very low in the lower back may be originating from the coccyx or tailbone. A pulled muscle in the back generally will get better with rest. Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional around you.
Check out what the experts say about chiropractic care for back pain here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32749874/
Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at Coast Chiropractic Centers at (239) 278-3344 or stop by on your day off for a walk in visit and mention this article for an awesome discounted first visit to include history, exam, and adjustment or Class IV high-intensity laser treatment.
So if you find yourself experiencing lower back pain while running or doing physical activities or if you are suffering from back pain that is affecting your quality of life and allowing you to enjoy Fort Myers Beach. Come see us at Coast Chiropractic Centers located on 7270 College Parkway.
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If you would like to avoid getting back pain in the first place or to take a proactive approach to your health and wellness nearby, our membership program called Club C may be just the thing for you with great cost savings, convenience, and even more importantly, a plan to get your health back and keep it.
Don't let back pain stop you from enjoying the beautiful SWFL! Dr. Tim Harcourt is here to give you the relief you need.