Lower back pain: causes, self-care and when decompression fits

What causes lower back pain?

Usually a strain of the muscles or ligaments, or age-related wear in the discs and joints. Often no single cause is found.

According to NIH's NIAMS, back pain can come from the muscles, ligaments, discs, joints or nerves of the spine, and several factors are often present at once. Common triggers include:

• Sprains and strains from lifting, twisting or a sudden movement.
• Disc problems such as a bulging or herniated disc, which can also irritate a nerve.
• Wear-and-tear changes like degenerative disc disease, facet joint arthritis and spinal stenosis.
• Everyday load: long hours sitting, heavy or repetitive lifting, low fitness and extra body weight (NIAMS).

Is it a strain or a disc?

Where the pain goes is the biggest clue. Disc-related pain more often travels into the buttock or leg.

These are general patterns, not a diagnosis. Pain can overlap, and an exam is what sorts it out.

What helps lower back pain in the first few weeks?

Staying gently active, short-term heat or ice, and over-the-counter pain relief if it's safe for you.

MedlinePlus suggests these steps for a new episode:

• Cut back on normal activity for the first few days, then keep moving as pain allows.
• Use ice for the first 48 to 72 hours, then heat.
• Avoid heavy lifting and twisting for the first six weeks.
• Sleep curled on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees. See sleeping positions for disc pain.

The American College of Physicians recommends starting with non-drug options such as heat, massage, acupuncture or spinal manipulation for short-term pain. For long-lasting pain, exercise has the strongest research support; a Cochrane review found that exercise probably reduces pain in chronic low back pain.

When is spinal decompression considered for lower back pain?

When pain has lasted more than about 4 weeks and an exam points to a bulging, herniated or worn disc.

Decompression is a slow, motorized stretch of the spine done on a padded table, with cycles of pulling and relaxing. It's drug-free and non-surgical. It is not a treatment for a simple muscle strain, and it's not for everyone. People who are pregnant or have a recent fracture, metal hardware or severe osteoporosis, for example, are generally not candidates (full list).

Honest caveat: research on decompression tables is limited, and reviews of traction in general have not shown a clear benefit for low back pain (Cochrane). Some people still feel better with it. Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC will tell you if he doesn't think it's a good fit, and what else to consider. Read more in does spinal decompression work?

What happens at a consultation in Springville?

A conversation about your pain and history, an exam, and a look at any imaging, with no obligation.

• Bring a list of what you've tried (physical therapy, medication, injections) and what helped.
• Bring MRI or X-ray reports if you have them. You don't need an MRI to ask questions; see do I need an MRI?
• Ask how many visits are expected, what it costs, and what happens if you aren't improving.

Springville Disc Center at Stapel Family Chiropractic is at 230 E 400 S Ste 1 in Springville. Call (801) 491-8688 or request a free consultation below.

This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.