Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues troubling the Canadian population. Statistics show that 80% of the population will suffer from low back pain at least once in their lifetime, and low back pain typically becomes more common when day-to-day activity decreases. The great news is that more than 90% of those with low back pain report significant improvement within one month of receiving treatment!

However, the proper treatment is necessary, as there are numerous potential causes of low back pain. There are four leading causes of low back pain:

  • Lumbar Joint Irritation
  • Lumbar Sprain/Strains
  • Lumbar Disc Injuries 
  • Lumbar Stenosis 

Low Back Pain due to Lumbar Joint Irritation

Facet joints are the small joints in our back that connect one vertebra to another. These joint surfaces can become irritated, resulting in deep achy back pain. You may experience that it is painful to bend backward, rotate, or bend to the side, and your pain may get better when sitting down. You may also notice that your back is fairly stiff, especially first thing in the morning. Lumbar joint irritation responds very well to conservative care! Chiropractic adjustments and exercises that encourage your low back to move properly work great in decreasing low back pain caused by lumbar joint irritation!

 

Low Back Pain due to Lumbar Sprain/Strains

 Our low backs have numerous muscles and ligaments that support our spine. Sprains and strains are the results of these tissues being stretched and damaged. A sprain means that we have damaged one of the rugged, durable ligaments that hold your bones together. A strain means that your muscles or tendons that move your trunk have been disturbed.

These tissues are very strong and resilient! Sprain/strain injuries are uncommon in everyday life, and most occur after a traumatic accident such as a motor vehicle collision or an athletic injury.

 

Low Back Pain due to Lumbar Disc Injuries

 Your low back consists of five vertebrae with flexible cushions called intervertebral discs separating each set of vertebrae. A disc is made of two components. The inner disc, called the nucleus pulposis, is like a ball of jelly about the size of a marble. The nucleus pulposis is surrounded by the outer part of the disc called the annulus fibrosis.

Damage to the lumbar spine discs is the most common reason for low back pain. This is the cause of about 50% of people with low back pain and is a prevalent injury to experience when shovelling snow. These injuries typically occur due to repetitive forward bending or heavy lifting. This can cause the nucleus pulposis to start pushing back against the annulus fibrosis, eventually causing tears in the inner parts of the annulus.

You may notice that your low back pain is worst first thing in the morning and worsens if you sit for long periods or bend forward. If the injury to your disc continues to progress, it may result in sciatica-type symptoms, where you notice numbness or tingling in your legs.

If this sounds like you, don’t be concerned! Disc injuries are no longer a sure sign of needing surgery. Recent research shows that 97% of lumbar disc injuries can be managed by conservative care!

 

Low Back Pain due to Lumbar Stenosis

 Stenosis is the least common cause of people having low back pain. It is most common in those above the age of 70. Stenosis results from the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots exiting the spine. The narrowing can be due to numerous bulging discs, enlargement of the joints due to arthritis, or thickening of ligaments surrounding the spine. Stenosis is most common in the elderly who have trouble walking and find it easier to walk if they can lean forward on a cart or walker.

 

E3 Chiropractic + Wellness prides itself in treating any cause of low back pain! We perform a thorough physical exam to determine the cause of your pain and ensure that we use the correct treatment option for you! With your customized treatment plan, you will get back to your favourite activities in no time!

As the only Chiropractic Clinic In Evergreen, Saskatoon, we are excited to serve the community members who may have low back pain!