At Winelands Chiropractic, we've got your back.
Back pain affects millions worldwide and is one of the primary reasons for missed workdays and individuals seeking medical care. Chiropractic care is a popular alternative treatment for back pain, as it primarily focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
At Winelands Chiropractic, we specialize in personalized chiropractic care to address back pain and restore your quality of life.
Lower back pain refers to discomfort or pain localized in the area of the lower part of the spine, specifically the lumbar region. It's a common condition experienced by many individuals at some point in their lives and can vary in intensity, from mild, occasional discomfort to severe, chronic pain that interferes with daily activities. Lower back pain can significantly impact quality of life and can stem from various anatomical structures.
Dull or sharp pain in the lower back.
Stiffness or limited mobility.
Pain radiating down the leg (sciatica).
Muscle spasms or weakness.
Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain: Overstretching or tearing of muscles or ligaments due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects improperly, or poor posture can lead to acute low back pain.
Herniated or Bulging Discs: The soft cushions (discs) between the vertebrae can rupture or bulge, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain. This can occur due to ageing, injury, or repetitive strain.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Natural wear-and-tear on the discs between the vertebrae, causing them to lose flexibility, elasticity, and cushioning ability, resulting in chronic low back pain.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, often due to the ageing process, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs and back.
Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions like scoliosis or other spinal irregularities can cause back pain by putting stress on the spine and its supporting muscles.
Osteoarthritis: The breakdown of cartilage that cushions the joints can affect the lower back, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Trauma or Injury: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can lead to fractures, sprains, or strains in the back, resulting in acute or chronic pain.
Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often due to a herniated disc or bone spur, resulting in pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg.
Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as kidney stones, infections, endometriosis, or tumours in the spine can also cause low back pain.
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, poor posture, and stress can contribute to or exacerbate back pain.
Treatment approaches are based on an accurate diagnosis of the specific cause of the lower back pain. Chiropractors use a variety of orthopaedic and neurological tests, range of motion evaluations, biomechanical assessments, and imaging or blood tests when needed to determine the specific cause of back pain. It is important to inform your chiropractor of your medical history, ongoing conditions, current medication, traumatic/surgical history, and lifestyle factors.