Chiropractic Care for Back Pain in Omaha NE

About 80% of all people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office in the US and the #1 cause of disability. Our sedentary lives, sitting for long at work or leisure, deteriorates our core strength and leads to back pain. Fortunately, back pain can be eased and may even be reversed by chiropractors in Omaha NE.

Typically, there are two types of back pain; chronic and acute. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and lasts for a short period. It's often caused by lifting something heavy such as pushing or pulling boxes or doing chores and overstretching during a workout. It's usually a sign of sudden stress on your spine or damage to your spine anatomy or lower back, which can lead to a load of issues if not taken care of sooner. Many people who hurt their back say they never felt the same again after the injury. That's because when the issue is left unaddressed for a long time, it can escalate into chronic back pain. Chronic back pain lasts more than 3 months and can worsen over time. It takes up your mental real estate, clouding your thoughts and emotions, which causes despair and frustration that worsen over time.

Many structures in our spine can cause back pain. Your muscles create motion in the spine, and when you hurt your back, it's often the muscles that are first to spasm and feel tight. Ligaments ( little fibers that hold the spine together) work with the muscles. When muscles move these strings to create motion, these ligaments stabilize the spine. Any damage to the ligaments will result in some level of instability, increasing the chances of injury. Another essential piece of the anatomy is the joints. The spine is made up of vertebrae, which are separated by discs. The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae and allow us to move and twist. The discs are filled with a gel-like substance and have a tough outer layer. Over time, the discs can become worn down, injured, and may even rupture. When the gel-like substance leaks, it presses on the nerves surrounding the spine, causing pain.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain in Omaha NE

Bulged Lumbar Disc

Everyday activities such as standing, walking, bending, and twisting stress the spinal discs. This can cause the gel-like center to become displaced and bulge out; the outer layer may tear, allowing some of the gel to leak out. This is known as a herniated disc and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Over time, this type of disc damage dehydrates the disc and causes further wear and tear. Therefore, it's essential to address the issue sooner than later as it might lead to more severe damage that might need surgery to correct.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Disc degeneration is a normal part of aging. The discs slowly lose water content, become thinner, and don't provide as much cushioning. This can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness in the back, neck, and legs. Ideally, degenerative disc disease can't be reversed, but it can be slowed. Once you have disc degeneration, paying attention to your situation and taking care of your spine is essential. Smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise can also speed up the process. If symptoms worsen, it can inevitably interfere with your quality of life.

Muscle Strain

Muscle strain is caused by overuse, direct impact, sudden twisting movements, or lifting something heavy. This type of injury usually results in pain, tenderness, and muscle spasms. The pain is often localized, meaning you'll feel it in a specific area, usually in your lower back. This problem can resolve on its own, but it's vital to get checked because it might be a sign of severe damage to your spine.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The SI joints are the two joints in your pelvis located on either side of the sacrum. About 15%-30% of low back pain is caused by SI joint dysfunction. These joints allow the pelvis to move. When the SI joint becomes damaged or starts to degenerate, it can become painful. The pain is often felt in the lower back and buttocks and can radiate down the leg, and it usually worsens when you sit for an extended period or get up after sitting. The joint dysfunction can be caused by pregnancy, leg length discrepancy, and repeated joint stress. Hypomobility or hypermobility in the joints can also occur due to spinal dysfunction.

Facet Joint Dysfunction

The facet joints are where the vertebrae in your spine come together. They allow the spine to move and twist. These joints are surrounded by ligaments, and when the joints degenerate, the ligaments can become stretched or torn. This can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the lower back. Facet joint degeneration is often caused by aging, obesity, and repetitive motion.

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