Roughly 80% of people will suffer from low back pain in their lifetime.
Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in the U.S.
There are a number of reasons that you may be experiencing low back pain. At KC Spine and Sport we get to the root cause so you not only get better, but stay better.
Common Causes Of Low Back Pain
Lumbar Sprain/Strain
Lumbar Disc Disorders
Lumbar Stenosis
Lumbar Facet Syndrome
Lumbar Sprain and Strain: A lumbar sprain involves overstretching or tearing ligaments in the lower back, while a lumbar strain refers to injury or damage to muscles or tendons in the same region. Both conditions are typically caused by sudden movements, overuse, poor posture, or heavy lifting. Symptoms include lower back pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and reduced range of motion.
Lumbar Disc Disorders: Lumbar disc disorders involve damage to the intervertebral discs in the lower back, which act as cushions between the vertebrae. Common conditions include herniated discs (bulging or ruptured discs), degenerative disc disease (disc wear and tear), and disc protrusions. These disorders may cause back pain, stiffness, and radiating nerve pain, often down the legs (sciatica), due to nerve compression. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain.
Lumbar Stenosis: Lumbar stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, which can compress the spinal nerves. It often results from age-related changes, such as arthritis, disc degeneration, or thickened ligaments. Symptoms include lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, particularly when standing or walking (neurogenic claudication). Bending forward or sitting typically relieves discomfort.
Lumbar Facet Syndrome: Lumbar facet syndrome is a condition caused by inflammation or degeneration of the facet joints in the lower back, which connect the vertebrae and allow spinal movement. This condition often results from arthritis, injury, or repetitive stress. Symptoms include localized lower back pain, stiffness, and sometimes referred pain into the buttocks or thighs, typically worse with prolonged standing, twisting, or leaning backward.
We see many people with back pain in our Overland Park, KS chiropractic practice, and we have great success in getting our patients out of pain. With an estimated 80 percent of the population dealing with some type of back issue at least once in their lives, there's a good likelihood that the same (if not higher) statistic applies to those who play sports. However, when an athlete experiences back pain, the effects are usually compounded because this typically means that he or she will be unable to play their sport of choice—and if they do, they could end up in greater pain as a result.
In a piece published in the journal Sports Health, several studies were reviewed and analyzed to determine what effect, if any, chiropractic had on low back pain in athletes. And what they discovered after sifting through all of the research is that chiropractic adjustments and heat were "the most strongly supported evidence-based therapies."
In other words, based on the studies and their findings, the authors concluded that chiropractic worked better than anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants. It even provided more positive results in regard to pain management and greater ease when performing daily activities than medical care, soft tissue treatment, and several other common back pain remedies people typically use in an effort to feel better.
Additionally, chiropractic is a natural treatment option that it won't negatively impact sports performance the way some medications and other treatment methods may. That may be a top choice when it comes to keeping you out of pain and in the game.
KC Spine and Sport is here to help you recover from back pain, whether it's related to a sports injury or not. Give us a call in our Overland Park, KS today at (913) 766-0054 for an appointment.
Resources
Petering RC,Webb C. Treatment Options for Low Back Pain in Athletes. Sports Health 2011;3(6):550-555.
