Lower Back Pain Specialist

What are the common causes of lower back pain?

Lower back pain can have many causes. Simply twisting your body awkwardly while lifting a box can cause muscles to spasm. Sports and auto accident injuries are another common cause of lower back pain that can result in long-term discomfort if not treated in a timely fashion.

Other causes of lower back pain include:

• Arthritis
• Herniated or degenerated disc
• Vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis)
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Vertebral compression fracture
• Poor posture

No matter what the cause, prompt treatment is always the key. Treating your injury as soon as it occurs helps to speed up the healing and reduce the intensity of your pain and discomfort. If left untreated, the muscles in your back may retain the “memory” of the injury and cause long-term pain and inflammation.

What are the symptoms of lower back pain?

Since lower back pain comes in many forms, tell Dr. King if you have pain that:

• Feels like a dull ache
• Hurts worse in the morning, but improves with movement
• Is worse after prolonged sitting
• Travels down your buttocks into your leg
• Worsens upon standing or walking
• Is so debilitating it limits your movement
• Comes and goes

Dr. King gives you a full examination, which may include X-rays or another diagnostic test. He needs to know the history of your back pain or a description of your injury, if applicable, as well as the exact location and type of pain you’re feeling.

With your help, Dr. King diagnoses the underlying cause of the pain and determines what kind of treatment will bring you the best and quickest relief.

What treatments are available for lower back pain?

Dr. King offers a variety of treatments to help relieve your lower back pain. For example, chiropractic adjustment realigns your body, bringing it back into a naturally balanced state. Massage therapy strengthens your muscles and improves your circulation that may have been obstructed by inflammation. Using a combination of the two supplies your body with the elements it needs to regain its strength and restore proper function in your lower back and hips.

Chiropractic care can work to address the underlying cause of your lower back pain. After making a diagnosis, Dr. King may recommend one or more treatment options to treat the issue, including:

• Chiropractic adjustments: uses gentle force to properly align the spinal column and reduce the pressure that's causing the pain
• Massage therapy: to help reduce inflammation and pain in the soft tissues and help speed up the body's natural healing process
• Rehabilitation exercises: to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and re-teach your body the proper way to move again.
• Lifestyle advice: may include nutrition counseling for weight loss, if needed, or teaching about good posture and work ergonomics
• Other treatments: may include heat and cold therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation

To learn more about your treatment options, call the office or book an appointment online today.