Mid/Low Back Pain

Back pain is common in the Australian population. It is estimated that 1 in 6 people in Australia live with back pain, and people of all ages are affected by it.

Back pain covers a range of problems:

  • Neck pain (Cervical spine)
  • Upper back pain (Thoracic spine)
  • Lower back pain (Lumbar spine)
  • Tail bone pain (Sacrum and coccyx)

These problems are often associated with:

  • Headaches
  • Arm and/or Shoulder pain
  • Leg pain (Sciatica)

Mid Back pain, Low Back pain and the associated symptoms frequently result in disability or difficulty carrying on with the normal activities of daily living.

Low back pain is reported as one of the most common causes of disability among people of working age, and its impact on industry is enormous. Back problems (back pain albeit upper/mid or low back) are big contributors to lost productivity in the workplace.​ It’s been reported that back pain is the third most common reason for taking time off work after headaches and colds.

There are many causes of back pain, so a thorough assessment is needed to ensure the appropriate care is applied to resolve the problem.

In many of these cases, abnormal mechanical musculoskeletal function due to posture, injury, arthritis or chronic stress is the cause of the symptoms.

Common treatment options for these include:

  • Rest
  • Medications
  • Physical activity
  • Surgery
  • Physical Therapy (i.e. Chiropractor)

Once a Chiropractor has given each patient’s presenting complaint a thorough assessment to ensure their problem is manageable with manual care, chiropractors can use a hands-on approach to help resolve the cause of their back pain.

This may include a spinal adjustment, various soft tissue techniques and rehabilitation methods.

The aim is to promote the best spinal alignment possible to the poorly functioning region contributing to the problem, allowing your musculoskeletal structure to be at its best so you can recover.

Chiropractor care aims to help with musculoskeletal back pain by allowing the joints to work well, which have previously been restricted by injury, trauma, or even tension (such as long-term sitting).

Suites 2/3, 206 High Rd, Riverton WA 6148

Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to help back pain. This may include a spinal adjustment, various soft tissue techniques and rehabilitation methods. Our aim is to promote correct alignment and allow your musculoskeletal structure to be at its best so you can recover without aids. Chiropractors may help with musculoskeletal back pain by allowing the joints to move well, which has previously been restricted by injury, trauma, or even tension (such as long-term sitting).

Ref: (https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems#:~:text=An%20estimated%204.0%20million%20%2816%25%29%20people%20in%20Australia,the%20spine%2C%20and%20back%20pain%2Fproblems%20not%20elsewhere%20classified.)

Red Flags

See your Chiropractor as soon as possible if you experience back pain and one of the following problems:

  • Pain down your legs and below your knees.
  • Numbness or weakness in one or both legs or around your buttocks.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence).
  • Constant pain, particularly at night.
  • Pain that’s worsening and spreading up your spine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mid or low back pain can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain or injury from poor posture, lifting heavy objects improperly, sudden movements, or repetitive activities. Other causes may include herniated discs, spinal arthritis, osteoporosis, or underlying medical conditions affecting the spine.

While many cases of mid or low back pain are due to muscle strain and resolve on their own with rest and conservative measures, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience numbness or weakness in your legs, difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function, or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly alleviate mid or low back pain. Maintain a healthy weight, incorporate regular exercise to strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility, practice good posture while sitting and standing, ensure ergonomic workstations, avoid smoking, and use proper lifting techniques.

Consider consulting a healthcare professional if your mid or low back pain persists for more than a few weeks, is severe and unrelenting, radiates down your legs, is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or unintentional weight loss, or if the pain follows an injury or trauma.

Treatment for mid or low back pain depends on the underlying cause. It may include over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, hot or cold therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, or in some cases, injections or surgical interventions for more severe conditions.

To prevent mid or low back pain, practice good posture and body mechanics during daily activities, including lifting and sitting. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly to keep your back muscles strong and flexible, avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position, and use supportive furniture and equipment. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the back and core muscles can also help prevent future episodes of pain.