Common Back Problems and How a Chiropractor Can Help Relieve Pain

According to the World Health Organization, back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, with an estimated 619 million people affected in 2020. It is even projected to rise to 843 million by 2050. 

Whether it’s a dull or sharp ache or a chronic discomfort, back pain can disrupt nearly every part of life. Severe back pain can make daily tasks harder, interfere with sleep, reduce productivity at work, and take a toll on your mental health.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common back problems and how they impact your well-being. More importantly, we’ll discuss how chiropractic care—a natural, noninvasive approach—can help relieve pain and restore your quality of life.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain usually involves issues with the vertebrae, discs, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Let’s explore some conditions that may be behind your discomfort.

Strains and Sprains

Overstretching or tearing muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the back—often from lifting, twisting, or sudden movements—can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis in the spine causes joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the back.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As spinal discs wear down over time, they lose cushioning and flexibility, which can result in pain, weakness, or nerve pressure.

Fracture

Spinal fractures—often caused by trauma or conditions like osteoporosis—can lead to sudden, sharp back pain and limited movement.

Herniated Disc

When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the outer layer, it can irritate nearby nerves and cause sharp, radiating pain.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This chronic condition involves pressure on sensitive muscle points (trigger points), causing deep, aching pain and stiffness in the back.

Scoliosis

This sideways curvature of the spine can cause muscle imbalances, postural issues, and long-term discomfort, especially if untreated.

Spinal Stenosis

The narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on nerves, often causing back pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly during movement.

Spinal Misalignment

When the spine shifts out of its natural position, it can strain surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to ongoing back discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch For

How back pain feels can vary from person to person. It may be burning, aching, stabbing, or throbbing. It may worsen with certain movements or times of day and can radiate to areas like your hips, butt, or legs.

Besides pain, you may also experience

• muscle tightness or stiffness,
• numbness or tingling,
• muscle weakness,
• and muscle spasms.

How Chiropractic Care Helps with Back Problems

Using a range of hands-on and noninvasive techniques, chiropractors can assist with common back problems to restore balance, ease pain, and improve mobility. Here are the back pain treatment options they offer.

• Spinal Adjustments: Spinal adjustments correct misalignments, relieve nerve pressure, and improve joint function, reducing pain and promoting healing.
• Muscle and Soft Tissue Work: Techniques like trigger point therapy and massage complement spinal adjustments by reducing muscle tightness and inflammation.
• Posture Correction: Personalized posture assessments and ergonomic advice help correct habits, reduce strain, and prevent future back problems.
• Preventative Guidance: Chiropractors teach stretches, exercises, and movement strategies to maintain spinal health.

Benefits of Choosing Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Here are the top reasons you should consider chiropractic care for back pain.

• Natural Pain Relief Without Medications: Chiropractic care eases pain at the source using hands-on techniques—no prescriptions needed.
• Improved Spinal Function and Posture: Adjustments restore alignment and mobility, helping relieve back strain and improve posture.
• Reduced Risk of Recurring Pain: Chiropractic care targets root causes to prevent flare-ups and keep your spine healthy long-term.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Every care plan is tailored to your body, lifestyle, and recovery goals.

When to See a Chiropractor

While more than 90% of back pain cases resolve themselves with at-home treatments, certain signs indicate it’s time to seek professional care. Consider scheduling a visit if you experience the following:

• Your pain has lasted more than a week.
• Your pain occurred after an accident.
• You feel worse pain when lying down, and it interferes with sleep.
• Your pain radiates to the legs and comes with numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

Takeaway

If you are suffering from the common back problems we discussed here, don't lose hope. Chiropractic care can provide back pain relief. Our chiropractor here at Total Wellness Center, Dr. Holly Geersen, can tailor a comprehensive treatment plan for your pain.

Schedule your appointment today!