Low Back Pain FAQs in Tacoma

Your chiropractor specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders and central nervous system dysfunction by applying drug and surgery-free techniques to align the spinal column and alleviate muscle inflammation. Many chronically painful conditions such as lower back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, and sciatica can be treated successfully with adjustments to relieve pressure on nerve endings due to misaligned vertebrae. Once your chiropractor in Tacoma restores alignment to the spine, your nervous system resumes normal functioning without the inflammation and irritation caused by compression.

What are Common Causes of Lower Back Pain?

Poor posture, injuring your back by improperly lifting heavy objects and having a desk job are frequent causes of lower back pain. Chiropractic techniques to ease this kind of lower back pain include deep tissue massage therapy, spinal adjustments and correcting bad posture.

What are Symptoms of Sciatica?

Sciatica is a term used to describe pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, a large nerve beginning in your lower back and running through a buttock and leg. Your Tacoma chiropractor may diagnose you with sciatica if you suffer spinal disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis. Signs of sciatica include pain starting in your buttock or lower back and extending down a leg, numbness/tingling in your leg and muscle weakness in your back and leg. Worsening of sciatic pain may occur if you stand or sit for more than an hour. Lying down or walking sometimes relieves sciatica temporarily.

What is Spinal Arthritis?

Osteoarthritis of the spine may cause lower back pain, stiffness and reduced ability to bend, walk or sit without experiencing discomfort. Since spinal arthritis symptoms resemble other back pain conditions, your chiropractor in Tacoma may have you undergo diagnostic tests to determine whether it is actually spinal arthritis. Tests include but are not limited to blood tests, X-rays, MRIs and CT scans.

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain?

Factors that may increase your risk of suffering lumbar back pain include leading a sedentary lifestyle, engaging in repetitive bending and lifting, smoking and slouching when you sit. In addition to providing chiropractic treatment, chiropractors can also help you learn about nutrition, posture correction and suggest exercises to strengthen your back muscles and spine.

If you suffer from lower back pain, call Proctor Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment. We provide holistic pain management for residents of Tacoma, Fife, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Federal Way, Proctor and their surrounding areas.