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Lower Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons why adults seek care from a chiropractor. Although you can develop pain anywhere in the spine, lower back pain leads the list of back pain problems. There are a number of reasons for this, ranging from posture to body mechanics to aging. At Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Beaverton, OR, we can help identify the reasons for lower back pain and put you on the road to recovery.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons why adults seek care from a chiropractor

Causes of Lower Back Pain

The low back includes five vertebrae, L1 to L5. Most of the weight of the upper body is supported by these vertebrae and between each is a thick, flexible cushion of cartilage called a disc. Lower back pain occurs when:

    • Sprains or strains occur, overstretching or tearing ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
    • Degeneration takes place in the bones or the discs between the vertebrae. This often occurs with aging.
    • Irritated and inflamed structures cause muscle spasms.
    • A disc bulges or herniates into the spinal cord.
    • A nerve root in the spine is compressed, injured, or inflamed.
    • The spinal canal becomes narrowed from bony overgrowth.
    • The vertebrae are out of alignment.

Risk Factors

Aging is probably the top reason for lower back pain. Loss of bone and muscle strength, degeneration (wear and tear), and loss of flexibility in the discs are all factors. People who are not fit have an increased risk of back pain, especially if they are obese. Low back pain often occurs in pregnancy due to changes in posture and pelvic ligaments. Genetics can play a role, especially for conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis. Poor body mechanics, heavy lifting, excessive mental stress, poor posture, and carrying heavy backpacks can all increase risk.

How A Chiropractor Can Help

Since so many causes of lower back pain are mechanical in nature, a chiropractor is an ideal choice. Spinal manipulation corrects alignment, reducing much of the structural strain on the low back. Massage and acupuncture help to reduce stress, muscle tension, and muscle spasm. Posture analysis can identify daily habits that contribute to low back pain. Corrective exercises can strengthen muscles and keep or make them more flexible, which decreases pain and improves mobility. Nutritional counseling can help identify inflammatory foods that contribute to the pain.

If you suffer from low back pain, please contact Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center by calling (503) 747-3388. Located at 12325 SW Horizon Boulevard #223, Beaverton, OR, 97007, we serve patients of all ages, including pregnant women. We have extended and Saturday hours to meet your scheduling needs. Our goal is to help you, not just with lower back pain, but to achieve overall wellness in a safe, drug-free manner.



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