Lower back pain (otherwise referred to as Lumbago) is pain that occurs in the lower region of the back (called the lumbar region). The pain starts below the ribcage and can radiate to the legs and feet.

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Broadway AT Yew Chiropractic & Massage. In fact, almost everyone will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives.

There are many structures in the lower back that can cause or contribute to lower back pain. Soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones can all be at the root of the problem. Additionally, facet joints, discs and nerves can be involved. All of these structures are connected or interwoven, so it’s very easy to experience lower back pain.

Lower back pain has many causes and some of them tend to be based on age. Younger patients most likely experience this condition due to muscle strain or soft tissue injury, whereas, older adults are likely to suffer from conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and compression fractures. That said, here are some of the most common reasons we see patients with lower back pain at Broadway AT Yew Chiropractic & Massage:

Other causes of Lower back pain could include:

• Osteoporosis – bone loss
• Osteoarthritis – degeneration of bone and cartilage
• Fibromyalgia – widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness
• Ankylosing spondylitis – a form of spinal arthritis
• Spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the open spaces within the spine
• Nerve-related problems – other nerve problems such as sciatica can cause lower back pain

There are many other causes of lower back pain, however these are the most common types we treat at Broadway AT Yew Chiropractic & Massage.

Lower back pain can present in a variety of ways.  It may start out as a dull ache that changes with movement.  Or it can come on a sudden sharp searing burning pain.  Additionally, depending on the actual reason for the pain, you may experience pain, burning and/or weakness in your hips, legs or feet.

There are many treatment options available for lower back pain.  One of the safest and most natural methods of treating your back pain is to have Chiropractic therapy.  At Broadway AT Yew Chiropractic & Massage, we offer our patients safe and effect treatment plans with high rates of success.  Let’s take a look at some of the treatments we offer:

In combination with Chiropractic adjustments and mobilizations, at Broadway AT Yew Chiropractic & Massage, we believe that regular exercise and stretching can help to maintain the benefits of the other treatments we offer. Exercises can be performed at home and include the following:

• Core strengthening exercises to improve the abdominal and lower back muscles
• Stabilization exercises to strengthen the secondary muscles of the spine, and improve range of motion
• Gluteus Maximus muscles exercises to help strengthen the lower back muscles
• Low impact aerobic exercise to help increase oxygen to the soft tissues of the lower back – walking and swimming are excellent ways to get this type of exercise.
Depending on the underlying reason for your back pain, and the severity of the pain, working with a physical therapist may also be necessary in tandem with your Chiropractic treatments.

There are several things besides exercises and stretching that you can do yourself at home to help improve your symptoms of lower back pain:

Icing and heating your lower back can provide some relief. Ice works to reduce inflammation, and heat works to loosen tight muscles

Getting enough sleep, and giving your back time to rest is vitally important to your recovery from lower back pain. By laying down, you’re also taking the weight of your lower back.

Although this would be a last resort as we prefer to take the natural approach to healing any sort of pain your body may have, in combination with hot and cold therapy, over the counter medications such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may be helpful.

While in most cases, lower back pain can be resolved through a combination of lifestyle changes, postural changes, OT medications, and natural therapies such as Chiropractic, there are time when a medical intervention is necessary.
Your doctor will want to perform some diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRIs to determine what is causing your lower back pain.  Once the cause is determined, you may require one or more of the following types of treatment:
•    Steroid injections
•    Prescription pain killers and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
•    Back braces
•    Surgery
As with any medical procedure, these types of treatments carry certain risks.  Consult with your primary care physician to discuss the risks vs. benefits.

Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions we treat at Broadway AT Yew Chiropractic & Massage. Our Vancouver chiropractors offer safe, natural treatments, along with recommendations for steps you can take at home to help maintain the results of our Chiropractic treatments, and help minimize your symptoms of lower back pain.