It is common for people to experience pain and tightness in the lower back, especially as they age. Lower back pain is a symptom of many conditions, ranging from overuse of back muscles to more serious damage to the nerves, muscles, vertebrae, discs, and spinal cord. If you do not identify the causes of back pain and address them, the pain could become worse. Upstate Spine & Sport is a licensed chiropractor in Greenville, SC, that can help clients relieve lower back pain so they can enjoy life with limited to no pain.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can result from many issues and most commonly occurs for no apparent reason. This is usually due to repetitive motions throughout the day like sitting, bending, driving, computer work, or other repetitive jobs. The spine can become out of alignment, increasing the stresses on the muscles and tissues that support your body and help you maintain good posture. The discs that separate and cushion the vertebrae might bulge or herniate.
Misalignment in the back can impinge upon the nerves, leading to pain in the lower back, legs, or feet. The muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other structures in and near the lower back are interconnected, so problems in one location can trigger or worsen problems elsewhere.
How to Prevent Lower Back Pain
Fortunately, there are many simple activities you can do in your daily life to help protect you from developing back pain. The first step is thinking about the repetitive nature of your life, and try to create more balance and symmetry. If you are overweight, losing weight relieves stress on your spine and the muscles in your legs and lower back.
Exercise that develops your core back and abdominal muscles help stabilize your back, preventing your spine from getting out of alignment. Getting a therapeutic massage of your lower back helps to keep those muscles healthy and in good shape. Lastly, protect yourself from injury by not lifting heavy objects alone and using safe techniques when lifting and carrying heavy items.
What Are the Treatments for Lower Back Pain?
If you are experiencing lower back pain, don’t worry. There are many treatment options with the potential to reduce your symptoms and help you get back to the activities you enjoy without discomfort. The back and spine are complex, so a professional chiropractor or specialist should evaluate your condition and discuss which treatment options might be right for you. Some possible treatments for lower back pain include:
- Lifestyle changes, including exercise, diet, and stress reduction
- Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen muscles in the back and other areas
- Chiropractic care to help relieve back pain
- Therapeutic massage that promotes healing and reduces swelling
Lower Back Pain and Pregnancy
Pregnancy places unique stresses on the legs, hips, spine, and lower back. Back pain is not uncommon in pregnancy. If you are pregnant and experiencing lower back pain, it is important to share your symptoms with your doctor, a chiropractor, or other medical professionals.
Strengthening the lower back and pelvic floor prepares the body for labor. The muscles of your lower back support your baby as well as your body, so a strong, healthy, and aligned lower back increases the likelihood that the baby will be in an optimal position at the time of delivery.
How To Reduce the Risk of Future Injury
If you play a sport or work in a field that involves physical activity, you most likely know some tips for avoiding injury. Preparation and the right mindset are critical for preventing injury. Consulting a chiropractor or physical medicine specialist while your back and spine are healthy is a good way to avoid back pain and other back problems in the future.
Exercises, lifestyle changes, and occasional realignment and massage sessions can keep your back working efficiently and stave off the back problems that many people experience with age.
Upstate Spine & Sport | Helping Relieve Lower Back Pain | Greenville, SC
Upstate Spine & Sport is a trusted provider of chiropractic services, proudly serving Greenville, SC, and nearby areas. We want our clients to be free of back pain and other conditions that can arise from misalignments of the spine or problems with the muscles and nerves in the back.
If you are dealing with back pain, we first recommend getting assessed by one of our chiropractors, so they can help problem solve and guide you in our integrated clinic. To discover how Upstate Spine & Sport can help you experience the best possible health and quality of life, contact us at (864) 400-8005 to schedule an appointment today.
