Who gets it?

Basically everyone! Research suggests that 75% of the population will experience low back pain at some point in their life, with low back pain been the #1 global cause of disability

Low back pain is most common in working-age adults, as well as people who have other lifestyle related issues such as been overweight, smoking and/or have low levels of physical activity. It is also more common in people with other health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, headache and certain psychological conditions.

What causes low back pain?

Contrary to popular belief, most cases of low back pain have no single specific cause. There are of course exceptions - sprains and strains, impact injuries such as falls or car accidents, or acute injuries to the spinal discs which can irritate surrounding muscles and nerves - we can all remember that time when your back “just went”
However, most people with low back pain describe a gradual build up of discomfort over time rather than any disastrous event.

Commonly, it’s “death by a thousand cuts” rather than one isolated incident

I have low back pain. What can I do right now?

Plenty! We even wrote an article about it which you can find right here

Take note of the kinds of movements causing you trouble and avoid poking the bear, so to speak. Certain stretches, use of foam rollers and particular exercises can also reduce the pain and improve your pain-free range of movement.

Above all - keep moving! It’s abundantly clear that movement is one of the keys to keeping spines health, even when they’re injured. If you’re not sure where to start then a short walk is a great option. If even this is presenting a challenge then it’s definitely time for some professional help.

Let’s talk treatment

The treatment options for low back pain are extensive, and the most effective approach depends largely on the type of pain you’re suffering from.

Firstly, a thorough understanding of what is causing the problem is the most important step - which starts with a comprehensive history to find out what the causes of your pain are. Research is pretty clear that when people have a better understanding of their injury, they experience less stress and are more empowered to take back control.

Chiropractic care for low back pain has consistently demonstrated excellent results when compared to other forms of treatment in the available research. This includes tools like spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapies, dry needling and exercise rehabilitation, as well as advice around self-management and modifying your movements and activities while you heal. We select these tools based on the presentation and preferences of the person in front of us to get you back doing what you love, faster.

Do I need X-rays or an MRI?

In most cases, no. Research has consistently pointed out that imaging for low back pain does not increase the safety or effectiveness of treatment, and can sometimes lead to worse outcomes as the patient starts to fixate on “something been wrong with them”. If we suspect something more intense like a fracture or disc injury, then imaging could be useful but for most people this is not the case.

This is great news - it means you can avoid paying for unnecessary services and start treatment earlier!