Back Pain Treatment in Portland
Technological advances have been a boon for us in many ways. But the transformation in our lifestyle habits has led to the development of many health issues. One such common problem is back pain. Low back pain is extremely common.
Most people suffer from it at some point in their lives. It is important to identify the source of back pain early to support more effective treatment outcomes.
Are you suffering from back pain in Portland? Call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
What is back pain?
Our backbone or the spinal column (or spine) has 24 vertebral bones with discs, supporting ligaments, and muscles. Chronic back pain may result from poor posture, muscle sprain, lack of exercise, or stiffening of the spine with age. Lower back pain, also called lumbar spine pain/lumbago, may result from specific conditions apart from the above. These are:
- Degenerated discs
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Spongy discs
Lower back pain can be very uncomfortable and painful, making it difficult to move throughout the day. Taking the time to get the pain checked out can provide insight and direction on the root of the problem, treatment suggestions, and a solution for getting things back to normal. A chiropractor is the best solution for handling all those tasks with ease.
Symptoms of back pain
Although considered a minor issue, back pain may be severe and unbearable for those suffering from it. Along with pain in your lower back, you may experience other symptoms like:
- Numbness and tingling sensations in the back and arms.
- Pain in the neck, low back, arms, and legs.
- Muscle aches in the thoracic region of your back.
If your back pain persists for a long time and affects your everyday activities, you must seek professional help. It is likely to be associated with some complex spine disorders. The earlier you consult a specialist, the better your chances of getting back on your feet.
A chiropractor specializes in pain management of the back and other areas, implementing methods of non-surgical pain relief. They can also review X-rays or symptom descriptions and make an assessment based on the information provided.
common causes of back pain
Though back pain may occur without a specific cause apparent to you, the following are some activities and conditions that may cause back pain:
- Improper posture or lifting heavy objects may cause stress on your back muscles and spinal ligaments.
- Poor posture may lead to constant strain on your back, causing painful muscle spasms that manifest as back pain.
- Lack of regular exercise weakens your unused core muscles, causing stiffening of your back.
- Ruptured discs may occur due to bulging or excessive strain on the discs. Discs are present between vertebrae and act as cushions, which can lead to chronic and persistent back pain.
- Osteoporosis causes your bones to become porous and brittle and may lead to fractures.
- Any back joint dysfunction or muscle spasms may also cause pain in your back.
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition causing loss of disc height and bone spurs.
Long-term problems due to Untreated back pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for absence at work worldwide. This is mainly due to the nature of work, as many people have desk jobs in front of computers. Back pain can heal with rest and exercise, but ignoring persistent back pain may result in serious spine issues. Back pain may be a sign of underlying problems such as sciatica, a herniated disc, spinal infection, or cauda equina syndrome. You should pay attention to warning signs and seek medical care if back pain does not improve despite self-care and home treatments.
When do you need back pain treatment?
These are some red flags to look out for that might indicate a severe issue and require professional help:
- When the pain, tingling sensation, and numbness spread from your back to your legs, groin, or arms, seek immediate medical help as it may indicate spinal cord injury.
- Seek medical attention if the pain increases when you cough or bend forward.
- Seek medical care when back pain is accompanied by fever, difficulty urinating, loss of bladder control, or difficulty standing.
The exact cause of your low back pain can be hard to pinpoint. But in many cases, it is a result of:
- Overuse, strain, or an injury
- Herniations in the discs
- Illness
- Genetic condition
- Degeneration due to aging or osteoarthritis
- Compression fractures
Acute low back pain, meaning back pain that comes on suddenly, is often the result of an event that involves lifting, reaching, and twisting.
Back Pain Treatment in Portland
Recommended Exercises
Your doctor may recommend some exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture. These exercises also help stretch your muscles and relieve spasms.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is effective in relieving back pain. It involves manual mobilization or manipulation of the spine by chiropractors, who apply careful low force to the muscles, bones, and joints around the spine. A chiropractor will diagnose your problem using diagnostic imaging, palpation, and a physical examination. After making a diagnosis, your chiropractor will employ an individual approach to adjusting the spinal joints. When combined with exercises, this therapy can help relieve back pain. Your chiropractor will recommend lifestyle changes to reduce strain on your spine and joints while performing daily activities.
Immediate pain relief for back pain at home
Too much rest can worsen the problem, so it is essential to stay active. You must continue with your day-to-day activities to help speed up your recovery. Usually, back pain resolves by itself within a few days or a month. In the meantime, you can try the following simple steps to relieve your symptoms:
- Back exercises and stretches
- Do swimming, walking, yoga, Pilates
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers to keep the pain at bay
- Applying hot and cold packs to the affected area can be helpful
- Sometimes Epsom salt baths can help relax muscle spasms
- Maintain good posture during your daily activities
- Excess weight may place additional stress on the spine and delay recovery. So it is a good idea to have a healthy and well-balanced diet that is low in fats, salt, and refined sugars.
Book an appointment
Request an appointment online by calling us on (503) 298-6866
You can also use the online booking tool below.
frequently asked questions
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
Back pains generally improve in few weeks to a month. But if your back pain persists more extended, you may want to consult your healthcare provider. Additionally, you must be aware of red flags like numbness and tingling in your back spreading to legs, arms, or groin; pain increasing on bending or coughing, difficulty in urination and holding your bladder, fever, and other symptoms. These may indicate more serious underlying problems.
What is the best medicine for a backache?
The best medicine for back pain is remaining active. You may consult your chiropractor to learn simple exercises that can help you recover fast. These can relieve your pain unless your back pain is caused by any severe spine problem.
Should I see a doctor if my back hurts?
Professional help is recommended if you face back pain problems. However, till you get an appointment, you can always try the simple home remedies mentioned above.
What is the fastest way to relieve back pain? How do you relax your lower back muscles?
Some useful methods to relieve your back pain fast are practicing exercises to loosen your muscles, correcting your posture, using cold/hot packs, and reducing stress.
How many days rest for lower back pain?
If your back pain results from an injury or accident, you may be advised bed rest for two days up to 2 weeks. However, in case of back pain due to other causes, it is always advisable to remain active instead of lying for more than a day or two, as it helps loosen your muscles and any strains that you may have.
How can chiropractic care help low back pain?
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for low back pain. It focuses on correcting spinal alignment and improving joint mobility to alleviate pain and enhance function. Chiropractors use manual therapies, such as spinal manipulation, to address the root cause of pain, which can be muscular, joint-related, or neurological.
How is my low back pain diagnosed?
During the initial consultation, symptoms and movement patterns may be reviewed, areas of pain, and activities that intensify or improve your condition. The evaluation may also include medical history and lifestyle factors, dietary habits, occupation, exercise patterns, and any incidents that may have prompted your pain.
A physical examination of the spine may be performed and may test the function of surrounding muscles.
What types of chiropractic therapy should I expect for low back pain?
Chiropractic care may include spinal manipulation or manual techniques and manual manipulation to address your low back pain. This type of therapy involves high-velocity arm thrusts applied to any vertebra that is out of alignment. It reduces compression and irritation of associated nerves and improves overall range of motion in your back.
At True Chiropractic Portland, you also have access to a number of supplemental therapies to treat your low back pain. These include massage, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation. When you combine chiropractic with them, you’re more likely to experience an improvement in your overall well-being. These adjunct therapies treat more than just your immediate pain. They help resolve referred pain and dysfunction.