Low Back Pain

Back pain is very common – almost everyone will have back pain at some point in their lives.  It can affect anyone at any age, and it is on the increase – disability due to back pain has increased by 50% since 1990 (The Lancet, March 2018).

Back pain can start suddenly and get better quickly, without the need for any treatment, however it can also be painful, debilitating and persistent, and some people may suffer repeated episodes. In certain cases, back pain can be associated with other symptoms, such as leg pain or sciatica. It may start following a specific incident, such as moving awkwardly or lifting a heavy weight, or it may come on gradually, perhaps as a result of poor or repetitive postures, an uncomfortable work position or repetitive strain.

Your spine is actually one of the strongest parts of your body and is made of solid bone blocks called vertebra, joined together by softer pads (intervertebral discs) which act as shock absorbers and maintain flexibility. These structures are reinforced by layers of strong connective tissue ligaments and surrounded by powerful muscles for support, and movement.  This makes your spine a very robust structure, which is surprisingly difficult to damage.

The majority of people with back pain are suffering from what is known as ‘mechanical’ back pain, which means that the pain is not related to any serious underlying pathology and that there are no compressed nerves. Muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments may all be involved in varying degrees. Mechanical back pain can be caused by poor posture, prolonged repetitive sitting in an uncomfortable position, and even muscle tension due emotional or work-related stress.

Normal ‘wear and tear’ due to age may also contribute to back pain. The intervertebral discs between the vertebra can narrow or dehydrate with age – this may lead to local muscle, joint and ligament stiffness, making it more difficult and painful to move and transferring stress to other parts of the spine.

Whilst mechanical back pain is common, less frequently, the nerves of the back can sometimes become irritated, compressed or trapped – there may be many reasons why this happens, but strained or bulging intervertebral discs, or wear and tear can lead to sciatic pain spreading down the leg, as well as pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the leg and foot.

Seeing a qualified health professional, such as a Chiropractor, who is experienced in assessing, diagnosing and managing conditions of the spine, can help to treat and manage back pain, and also identify if a referral or specialist investigations are needed.  They are highly trained in finding the cause of pain in the spine, and in the UK undergo a minimum of four years’ full-time training. Importantly, chiropractors are regulated by law and must work within strict professional and ethical boundaries. Your back is designed for movement, and early treatment will help you get better faster.