Low Back Pain

By Declan Wise (Chiropractor)

Low Back Pain is the 3^rd largest drain on the public health system in Australia making it one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions seen in the global population. This article aims to delve into the technical aspects of Low Back Pain and shed light on chiropractor’s role in its management.

So what is Low Back Pain?

Lower Back Pain is a complex and multifaceted medical condition that presents in a range of different shapes and forms. It is usually characterised by patients as discomfort, pain or tension within the lumbar region of the spine. That affects patient’s quality of life, ability to work, play sport and perform normal activities of daily living.

From a biomechanical standpoint, this can be caused by disruptions of intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments and muscles which manifest into lower back pain which we can assist you with.

Prevalence and Causes

Lower Back Pain is not just happening to you!

• 80% of the population will suffer from severe back pain at least once in their lives
• In any year 60% of people have an episode of back pain that causes time off work
  • If an individual has their first ever back injury on the 1^st of January, there is an 80% probability of re-injury within the year
• Three main causes of back pain:

1. Individual has an injury or pathology that hasn’t or can’t be addressed
2. Individual keeps doing the same thing that caused the problem (e.g. poor lifting technique, poor seating posture, ect.)
3. Individual has weaknesses and imbalance in their musculoskeletal system which does not protect them from reinjuring themselves.

• Two of these (#2 and #3) main causes we are able to intervene and assist patients with!

How can we help?

Through a thorough history and physical examination we are able to identify and diagnose Low Back Pain complaints. This will guide a comprehensive treatment and management plan for each individual’s condition.

Research has shown us that multi-modal chiropractic management including spinal manipulation therapy, soft tissue release work, education on potential causes of pain and prescription of rehabilitation exercises, are a viable treatment protocol to address Low Back Pain in patients. All of which we are able to facilitate in our appointments for each patient.