Lower Back Pain Specialist

What is lower back pain?

Lower back pain is any ache, general discomfort, or stiffness that affects the lumbar spine –– the area of your back between your waist and ribs. It’s a common condition that almost everyone experiences at some time during their lives.

Often, back pain responds to conservative measures of care, like improving your posture or taking over-the-counter pain medication. If your lower back pain continues or it gets worse, contact Dr. Pachal right away.

What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain occurs for various reasons, including:

• Strains
• Injuries to the vertebral discs
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Spine abnormalities (like scoliosis)
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Slip and fall injuries
• Kidney and bladder problems
• Pregnancy

You might also experience lower back pain due to a car accident or sports injury.

When should I visit a doctor of chiropractic about lower back pain?

Almost everyone experiences lower back pain on occasion. In the majority of cases, it resolves in six weeks or less and requires no professional treatment. 

If your symptoms occur suddenly, affect the ability to control your bladder or bowels, or you experience tingling or numbness that extends into your limbs, make an appointment with Dr. Pachal at Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness right away.

How is lower back pain diagnosed?

To diagnose lower back pain, Dr. Pachal asks about your symptoms, including their severity and if any activities, like work or exercise, make them worse. 

Next, he conducts a physical exam and has you perform some easy range of motion tests. Then, Dr. Pachal gently presses on your back to pinpoint areas of swelling, warmth, or sensitivity.

If an exam doesn’t provide enough information about the underlying condition, Dr. Pachal might also order digital X-rays. X-rays can rule out potentially serious issues, like fractures or dislocated joints.

How is lower back pain treated?

At Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness, Dr. Pachal uses conservative, holistic treatments to manage lower back pain. He might recommend:

• Flexion-distraction 
• Active and passive stretching
• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Lumbar roll
• The Webster Technique
• Active release technique® (ART)
• Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization® (DNS)

You might also benefit from more specialized treatments, such as:

Flexion-distraction

Flexion-distraction uses a motorized table to relieve pressure on your spine and joints. During treatment, you lie down on the table. Then, Dr. Pachal uses special controls to gently stretch your lower back.

Active and passive stressing

Stretching is another effective form of treatment for lower back pain.

Active stretching encourages focusing on a specific muscle group, while passive stretching uses an object, like a strap or a rope, to enhance the benefits. Active or passive, stretching eases stiffness and encourages circulation throughout your body.

Ultimately, Dr. Panchal’s goal is to reduce pain, restore your mobility, and improve your quality of life. 

To explore the various treatment options for lower back pain, make an appointment at Platinum Chiropractic + Wellness. Click the online booking feature or call the office today.