Low Back Pain Treatment In Portland, ME

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Bulged and Herniated Discs

The intervertebral discs, which are the cushion-like structures located between the vertebrae (bones) of the spine, act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine. They have a gel-like interior and a fibrous exterior.

A bulged disc occurs when the disc's outer layer weakens or becomes damaged, causing the disc to protrude or bulge outward. The bulging typically occurs symmetrically and remains contained within the disc space. It may irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain and other symptoms.

A herniated disc, also called a slipped disc or disc herniation, occurs when the inner core of the disc (nucleus pulposus) ruptures or protrudes through a weakened or torn area of the outer disc layer (annulus fibrosus). This herniation can result in compression or irritation of nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. A herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).

Causes of bulged and herniated discs include age-related degeneration, wear and tear on the spine, repetitive motions, improper lifting of heavy objects, sudden trauma or injury to the spine, and underlying spinal conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis. Chiropractic care can help restore proper spinal structure to relieve pressure on the disc and allow it to rehydrate and heal.

Facet Joint Dysfunction

Facet joint dysfunction is characterized by pain and dysfunction in the spine's facet joints. The facet joints are small joints located at the back of each vertebra, connecting adjacent vertebrae and allowing for movement and stability of the spine.

Facet joint dysfunction typically causes localized pain in the area of the affected facet joints. The pain is often described as a deep, aching sensation and may be one-sided or bilateral, depending on the involved joints. It can reduce flexibility and range of motion and may be exacerbated by twisting or bending. Facet joint dysfunction can also cause muscle tightness and spasms as the surrounding muscles try to compensate for the compromised joint function.

Facet joint dysfunction can occur due to various factors, including degenerative changes in the spine associated with aging, osteoarthritis, repetitive stress or injury to the facet joints, poor posture, spinal misalignments, or excessive weight-bearing on the joints. Chiropractic care can help restore spinal structure to correct misalignments, relieve nerve irritation and stress causing muscle spasms, and improve posture.

SI Joint Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back, where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) connects with the ilium (the large pelvic bones). SI joint dysfunction typically causes pain in the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes the hips or thighs. The pain is often described as a dull ache or sharp, stabbing sensation. It may be one-sided or bilateral, depending on the involvement of the joints.

Certain movements or activities can worsen the pain associated with SI joint dysfunction. These may include standing for prolonged periods, walking, climbing stairs, running, or transitioning from sitting to standing. The pain may also be aggravated by twisting or bending at the waist.

SI joint dysfunction can occur due to various factors, including trauma or injury to the joint, pregnancy and childbirth, degenerative changes in the joint, inflammation (sacroiliitis), or mechanical imbalances in the pelvis or lower spine.

Muscle Strain

A muscle strain, also known as a pulled muscle or muscle tear, refers to an injury when a muscle or its tendons (the fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones) are overstretched or torn. Muscle strains can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. They commonly occur during physical activities that involve sudden or forceful movements, excessive stretching, or improper use of muscles.

The most common symptoms of a muscle strain include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion in the affected muscle or joint. In more severe cases, there may be muscle weakness or difficulty using the muscle.

By adjusting the spine and other joints, we can help relieve muscle tension and improve joint mobility. Adjustments may also reduce nerve irritation and enhance the body's natural healing process. Aligning the spinal structure will bring balance to the body and allow the muscles to work as designed. We also provide exercises and stretches to improve flexibility, stability, and muscle balance, to prevent future injury and enhance overall recovery.

Subluxation

A subluxation is a joint that is not properly aligned or functioning optimally. This can occur due to trauma, repetitive stress, poor posture, or muscle imbalances.

Subluxations can create pressure or irritation on nerves, affecting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Our nervous system controls every aspect of our body, so a disruption in normal nerve flow can lead to a variety of health problems.

Chiropractic adjustments are our greatest tool to correct these misalignments and restore the body to optimal function. After an exam to locate the subluxation, we use a gentle, specific force on the affected joints restoring proper alignment, relieving nerve pressure, and improving joint function.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I be worried about lower back pain?

Pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong. It indicates we should seek a chiropractic assessment to uncover and correct the underlying cause of the low back pain.

What causes lower back pain?

Low back pain has many causes, including spinal misalignment, a herniated or bulged disc, joint dysfunction, or muscle strain. Determining the cause of your low back pain is essential to design an effective treatment plan.

How should I sleep with low back pain?

On your back, with a pillow under your legs, or on your side with a pillow between your legs. This relieves stress on the spine and keeps it in a neutral position. Never sleep on your stomach.

Why won’t my lower back pain go away?

If you’re experiencing chronic low back pain, it is most likely because you haven’t addressed the cause of the problem. Pain medication is only a temporary solution. For long-term low back pain relief, you must address the specific cause of your pain.

How can you tell if your spine is out of alignment?

It is very difficult to identify a subluxation without a chiropractor. Pain may be an indicator, but pain is the last thing to appear after a subluxation and the first thing to disappear. Dysfunction in the body indicates that the nervous system is impaired, and a chiropractic assessment is necessary.