If you are dealing with an aching lower back, you know how quickly it can start to affect your day. Sitting at your desk, getting out of the car, picking something up, or even putting on your shoes can become uncomfortable. Lower back pain is incredibly common, but you do not have to simply push through it. At Tangelo Health’s Green Lake and West Seattle clinics, our chiropractors and rehabilitation specialists work with patients to understand what may be contributing to their pain and find a treatment approach that fits their needs.
Whether your back pain is new or something you have been dealing with for months or years, the first step is understanding what is causing it. Here is what you should know about lower back pain and how chiropractic care may help.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can have many different causes. Sometimes it starts after lifting something heavy or making an awkward movement. Other times, it develops gradually after spending long hours sitting, working at a desk, or being less active than usual. Because everyone’s pain is different, there is no single treatment that works for everyone. At Tangelo Health, we start with an assessment of your symptoms, movement, and daily activities to better understand what may be contributing to your pain. This allows us to build a treatment plan around you rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Some common contributors to lower back pain include:
- Muscle strains or overuse
- Sitting for long periods
- Poor posture or movement habits
- Repetitive activities
- Joint stiffness
- Herniated or irritated discs
- Previous injuries
- Stress and muscle tension
- Lack of regular movement
How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Lower Back Pain?
Chiropractic care can be one part of a broader approach to managing lower back pain. The goal is to look at the bigger picture. Rather than simply focusing on where it hurts, your provider will work with you to understand why you may be experiencing pain and what can be done to help you move more comfortably. Depending on your needs, your treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to help improve movement in the spine and surrounding joints
- Soft tissue therapy, including Active Release Technique (ART), to address areas of muscle tightness and tension
- Spinal decompression therapy when appropriate for certain disc-related conditions
- MLS laser therapy to support pain management and tissue recovery
- Functional rehabilitation exercises to help improve strength, mobility, and movement
- Movement assessments to identify patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Back Pain
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain can develop from muscle strain, prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, joint stiffness, previous injuries, or disc-related problems. Stress, poor sleep, and being less active can also contribute to muscle tension and make existing discomfort feel worse. Because there are so many possible causes, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your particular symptoms.
Can chiropractic care help lower back pain?
Chiropractic care can help some people manage lower back pain and improve movement. Treatment may include adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises, depending on what your provider finds during your assessment. Your chiropractor can help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your symptoms and recommend an approach based on your needs.
How long does lower back pain take to improve?
There is no single timeline for lower back pain. A recent, mild strain may improve relatively quickly, while pain that has been present for a long time may require a more gradual approach. Your recovery can also depend on the cause of your pain, your activity level, and how your body responds to treatment. Your provider can talk through what to expect after assessing your condition.
Should I see a chiropractor or physiotherapist for lower back pain?
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists can play an important role in managing lower back pain. Chiropractic care often includes hands-on treatment to improve joint movement, while physiotherapy commonly focuses on exercises, strength, and movement retraining.
You do not necessarily have to choose one approach over the other. At Tangelo Health, our team combines chiropractic care with functional rehabilitation to address both how you feel now and how you move going forward.
Is spinal decompression or laser therapy right for my back pain?
These treatments may be appropriate for some patients, but they are not necessary for everyone. Whether spinal decompression or MLS laser therapy is recommended depends on your symptoms and assessment.
Your provider will explain which treatments may be appropriate for you and why they are being recommended.
Your Back Shouldn’t Hold You Back
If lower back pain is making everyday activities harder, book an appointment with Tangelo Health and let our team help you get moving more comfortably.
