Littleton Low Back Pain Relief
Are you struggling with lower back pain? Our holistic medical team is dedicated to helping patients manage and overcome their lower back pain or sciatica, without drugs or surgery.
Back pain is something that almost everyone will go through at some point in their lives. It can range from being just a little annoying or stiff ‒ to very painful and making it extremely hard to do the things that you love to do in life (or the things you have to do, like work!).
Have Low Back Pain or Sciatica?
Back pain is a leading cause of missed work and doctor visits. Among the different types of back pain, lower back pain is particularly troublesome. It can make simple activities, like sleeping, sitting, and walking, very difficult.
Unfortunately, lower back pain is extremely common, affecting people all around the world. In the United States alone, it’s estimated that about 80% of adults will experience some form of lower back pain during their lifetime.
Shockingly, lower back pain is also the leading cause of disability globally. If you’re experiencing back pain, know that you’re not alone, and there are options available to help you manage your pain and get back to your daily routine.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Low back pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes include:
01 Poor Posture
Standing or sitting incorrectly can lead to back pain.
07 Auto Accidents
Collisions can cause injuries that result in back pain
13 Muscle or Ligament Strains
Overstretching or tearing these tissues can result in pain
19 Facet Arthrosis
Spinal facet joints can cause pain and limitations.
02 Lifting Heavy Objects
This can strain your back muscles
08 Osteoarthritis
This is a type of joint inflammation that can cause pain and stiffness
14 Disc Injury
Damage to the discs in your back can cause discomfort.
20 Arthritis
Inflammation of the joints can lead to pain and stiffness.
03 Overexertion
Doing more than you’re physically able to can cause injury.
09 Osteoporosis
This condition causes bones to become weak and brittle.
15 Facet Syndrome
This is an injury to the small stabilizing joints in the spine.
21 Fibromyalgia
Long-term condition causing pain in the joints, muscles, and tendons.
04 Repetitive Movements
Repeating certain actions can lead to strain and discomfort.
10 Ruptured or Bulging Disks
Injuries to the cushioning between your spine’s bones.
16 Sciatica
Pain can be caused by various back and pelvic conditions.
22 Spondylitis
Inflammation of the spinal bone joints can cause discomfort.
05 Awkward Movements
These can result in muscle strains or sprains.
11 Scoliosis
This is an abnormal curve in the spine that can lead to discomfort.
17 Disc Degeneration
Old injuries can lead to degenerative disc disease.
23 Spondylosis
A degenerative disorder affecting the spine’s structure and function.
06 Falls or Trips
Injuries from falling or tripping can lead to back pain.
12 Nerve Damage or Neuropathy
Damage to nerves in the back can cause pain, burning and/or tingling.
18 Spinal Stenosis
Old injuries can lead to degenerative disc disease.
24 Pinched Nerve
Pressure on a nerve can cause pain and discomfort.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain
Low back pain can manifest in various ways, with different symptoms and triggers. It’s important to recognize the signs to seek appropriate treatment. Here are some common symptoms of low back pain and the motions that may trigger them:
Dull, Aching Pain
This type of pain is usually felt deep in the lower back and can be triggered by prolonged standing or sitting.
Sharp, Shooting Pain
This sudden and intense pain can be triggered by sudden movements, such as bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects.
Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion
Difficulty moving your back or feeling stiff after sitting or lying down for an extended period can indicate low back pain.
Muscle Spasms
Sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles in the back can be triggered by overexertion, poor posture, or muscle strain.
Pain that Radiates Down the Leg
This is often a sign of sciatica, caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. It can be triggered by sitting for long periods or lifting heavy objects.
Numbness or Tingling
Sensations of numbness or tingling in the lower back, buttocks, or legs can be triggered by nerve compression or irritation.
Weakness in the Legs or Feet
This can be a sign of nerve damage or compression, often triggered by prolonged standing, walking, or sitting in one position.
Difficulty Standing up Straight
Struggling to maintain an upright posture due to pain or discomfort in the lower back can indicate a back problem.
Pain that Worsen
Certain actions, like bending forward, backward, or to the side, can aggravate low back pain.
What are the Back Pain Treatment Options?
Treatment options for back pain vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain. Here are some suggestions to manage mild or acute back pain at home:
🔸 Rest your back, but avoid prolonged bed rest
🔸 Steer clear of activities that caused the problem
🔸 Engage in gentle exercises
🔸 Apply heat packs to the painful area
🔸 Maintain gentle movement without overdoing it
If your pain doesn't improve after few days, consider seeking professional help
At Alternative Physical Medicine, our treatment programs apply a combination of non-drug and non-surgical treatments,
each providing specific benefits to our patients:
01
Physical Medicine
Addresses the root cause of pain through hands-on techniques and therapeutic exercises.
06 Laser and Red Light Therapy
Stimulates cell regeneration and reduces pain.
11 Strengthening Exercises
Stabilizes the back and prevents future injuries.
16 Prescription Lumbar Support
Provides spinal stability and support during the healing.
02 Heat and Ice Therapy
Provides pain relief and reduces inflammation.
07 Trigger Point Injections
Relieves pain by targeting specific muscle knots.
12
Shockwave Vibration
Accelerates the healing process and reduces pain.
17
Extremity Adjustments and Functional Supports
Provides spinal stability and support during the healing.
03 Massage & Manual Therapy
Relieves muscle tension, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation.
08 Spinal Decompression
Relieves pressure on spinal discs and reduces pain, while promoting healing.
13 Ultrasound Modalities
Enhances tissue repair and reduces inflammation.
At Alternative Physical Medicine, our team tailors treatment methods based on your individual history and symptoms, focusing on your body’s healing potential rather than pharmaceutical solutions.
05 Ultrasound
Enhances the healing process and reduces inflammation.
10 Chiropractic Treatment
Corrects spinal alignment and promotes overall spinal health.
15 Regenerative Therapies
Stimulate joint health, strength, healing and reduces pain/inflammation.
FAQs About Back Pain
How long do most cases of acute back pain last?
In Littleton, seeking help from a chiropractor can be your best choice for alleviating back pain. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those affecting the spine. Through techniques such as spinal adjustments, manipulations, therapeutic exercises, as well as our holistic medical modalities we employ, we aim to reduce pain, improve mobility and accelerate healing. Many patients suffering from chronic or acute back pain have been pleasantly surprised on how fast we are able to get them out of pain. If you're looking for a non-invasive and holistic approach to tackle your back pain, consulting our natural medical team and trusted chiropractor will be a worthwhile option for you.
How to tell if back pain is muscle or disc?
Indication of a strained back muscle typically includes a dull, aching pain. This discomfort is usually centered in the back and tends to worsen if you don't rest the affected area. In contrast, a herniated disc causes a much sharper pain, which might radiate from the back to the shoulders or legs, depending on the position of the disc.
Pulled Back Muscle:
Pain Description: Usually dull and aching.
Location: The pain is localized in the back.
Aggravation: Gets worse with movement or if you don't rest the affected area.
Additional Symptoms: Possible muscle spasms, stiffness, or difficulty moving in certain directions.
Slipped (Herniated) Disc:
Pain Description: More likely to be sharp and intense.
Radiation: Can radiate through the back into other areas such as the shoulders, arms, buttocks, or legs, depending on the location of the herniated disc.
Additional Symptoms: May include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs, potential difficulty in controlling bladder or bowel functions in severe cases (cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention).
If you suspect either condition, come in right away for a professional medical evaluation. Persistent or severe symptoms, particularly those associated with a slipped disc, should be carefully evaluated to determine an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Will a chiropractor help with back pain?
A chiropractor can be an excellent option. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those affecting the spine. Their expertise in spinal adjustments can help alleviate pain and improve function. In Littleton CO, chiropractors often employ various techniques such as spinal adjustments, back mobilization, and soft tissue therapies. In our office we use these holistic methods to correct misalignments in the spine, reduce inflammation, and promote the body's natural healing processes.
What is a twingy pain or spasm in the back mean?
A twingy pain or spasm in the back often indicates an acute, sharp discomfort that can occur suddenly, and can often affect whatever you are doing or your daily activities. This kind of pain might appear like a random muscle spasm or could be a response to overexertion.
Back pain can be localized, affecting a specific area, or it can be more spread out, influencing a wider region of your back. Most frequently, we see spasms are associated with lower back pain, which is pretty common among adults engaged in physical labor, very physical sports, or those with sedentary lifestyles.
Lower back pain can result from a variety of factors including muscle strain, continued poor posture, or even an underlying medical condition such as a herniated disc. Getting checked early and getting a proper diagnosis is important as treating it right away can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent it from coming back.
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