Low back pain can be caused by many different conditions. A common cause of low back pain stems from joints and muscles acting abnormally. This can often feel stiff, achy, or dull at rest, sharp with movement, or pain that comes and goes. When the joints and muscles act abnormally, this limits how much movement they have, and is why you may feel limited. With this limitation, your body then sends a message to your brain that something is wrong and interprets these signals as pain. In turn, your body sends a message to the area to promote healing. Our body may then guard the area for protection, causing muscles to tense, adding to the pain, discomfort and limited movement felt.
If this happened recently it is termed acute. If this was greater than the expected time it should have taken to recover on its own, it is termed chronic.
There are other conditions within the low back that may present differently, with various causes affecting joints, nerves, discs, ligaments, or tendons. Speak with your chiropractor to determine if any of these are the cause of your pain.
What does a chiropractic examination look like?
After a thorough history, our chiropractors perform a comprehensive physical exam including neurological testing, muscle testing and more. Loose clothing is suggested as you will be asked to move around in different positions. One of the goals of the exam is to recreate your pain within the clinic, as this helps the chiropractor understand what might be the origin of your pain.
If it is something your chiropractor believes they can help with, they will suggest a treatment plan individualized to the patient’s conditions and needs. If it is deemed to be a condition outside of the chiropractic scope, they will provide guidance on potential next steps, resources and referrals outside of the clinic as necessary.
What does a chiropractic treatment look like?
After your chiropractor completes an assessment, they will develop an individualized treatment plan. Often a chiropractic treatment includes chiropractic adjustments. To help improve joint movement, chiropractors may perform a chiropractic adjustment directed towards the area of restricted joint movement. This is a highly specialized maneuver that involves a controlled, quick thrust to the identified area.
Other forms of treatment may include individualized exercise plans, ergonomics advice, reassurance and education. Risks are discussed and consent is obtained before providing any treatments.
What is the cracking sound?
The “cracking” sound, known as a cavitation, may be heard following a chiropractic adjustment. The sound is not necessary to achieve the desired effect, but it is commonly heard.
This sound is thought to happen due to small bubbles forming in the joint fluid when there is a quick change in pressure. It is similar to the fizzing sound heard when opening a carbonated drink as the pressure suddenly changes.
When will I get better from low back pain?
Many cases of acute mechanical low back pain show the greatest improvement within 6 weeks (1). However, recurrence of low back pain in the future is common. Some patients choose to continue care for maintenance or prevention, based on an individualized discussion with their chiropractor.
Other conditions involving the low back may take longer, or shorter, depending on the individual’s condition, health, lifestyle and circumstances.
Talk to a chiropractor in Etobicoke
Chiropractic on Royal York is at 1527 Royal York Rd. in Etobicoke. If lower back pain is limiting what you can do, book an assessment online with Dr. Alex or call the clinic at (416)-248-4222.
New to chiropractic? What to expect at your first appointment covers the appointment step by step. You can also read more about our Etobicoke clinic.
References
- Wallwork SB, Braithwaite FA, O’Keeffe M, Travers MJ, Summers SJ, Lange B, et al. The clinical course of acute, subacute and persistent low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. CMAJ. 2024;196(2):E29-E46. doi:10.1503/cmaj.230542.
This article is general information about lower back pain. It is not a substitute for an assessment, diagnosis, or treatment advice for your own situation.