Common Questions About Low Back Pain

Low back pain questions are common because symptoms may develop from muscle strain, posture problems, disc injuries, arthritis, or nerve irritation. In addition, lower back discomfort may affect work, sleep, walking, lifting, exercise, and other daily activities.

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center in Upper Darby, PA, we regularly evaluate patients with recurring back symptoms. Therefore, this guide explains common causes, treatment options, warning signs, and steps that may help reduce future flare-ups.

What Causes Low Back Pain?

Lower back symptoms may develop for several reasons. For example, common causes include:

  • Muscle strain from lifting, overuse, or sudden movement
  • Bulging or herniated discs that may irritate nearby nerves
  • Poor posture during prolonged sitting or standing
  • Sciatica, which may cause pain that travels into the buttock or leg
  • Degenerative changes involving the joints or discs of the spine
  • Arthritis, which may contribute to stiffness and reduced movement

According to MedlinePlus, back pain may be associated with injuries, medical conditions, inactivity, or physical stress. Therefore, a proper evaluation is important before choosing treatment.

When Should I See a Chiropractor for Low Back Pain?

Consider scheduling an evaluation when pain:

  • Lasts longer than several days
  • Keeps returning
  • Interferes with work, sleep, or exercise
  • Limits bending, walking, or lifting
  • Travels into the buttock or leg

Chiropractic care may help address movement restrictions, joint dysfunction, muscle tension, and other mechanical factors. However, treatment recommendations should be based on your examination findings, health history, and specific symptoms.

Can SoftWave Therapy Help Back Pain?

SoftWave Therapy uses acoustic waves and may be recommended for some patients to support soft-tissue recovery and reduce discomfort. In addition, it may be considered when muscle, tendon, or other soft-tissue problems contribute to symptoms.

However, SoftWave Therapy is not appropriate for every cause of back pain. Therefore, treatment should only be recommended after an evaluation determines that it may be suitable for the patient’s condition.

Can Chiropractic Care Help a Herniated Disc?

In some cases, conservative chiropractic care may help improve movement and reduce mechanical stress associated with a bulging or herniated disc. For example, treatment may include adjustments, mobility work, therapeutic exercises, or spinal decompression.

However, disc-related symptoms vary from one patient to another. Therefore, the appropriate treatment depends on the location and severity of the injury, the patient’s symptoms, and the examination findings.

Is It Normal for Back Pain to Travel Into the Legs?

Pain that travels into the buttock or leg may be related to irritation of the sciatic nerve or another nearby nerve. In addition, some patients may experience tingling, numbness, or weakness.

For more information, learn about our approach to sciatica treatment in Upper Darby.

However, seek prompt medical evaluation if back pain is accompanied by progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or saddle area, fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain following trauma.

How Can I Help Prevent Low Back Pain From Returning?

Preventing repeated flare-ups may require both professional care and healthy daily habits. For example:

  • Strengthen your core with appropriate exercises
  • Improve your posture while sitting, standing, and working
  • Use proper lifting techniques
  • Stay active with walking or other suitable movement
  • Follow your recommended home-care plan

In addition, taking regular movement breaks may help reduce strain caused by prolonged sitting. Overall, consistency with movement, posture, and exercise may help reduce repeated stress on the lower back.

Why Choose Everybody’s Chiropractic Center?

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center is located in Upper Darby and serves patients from Havertown, Drexel Hill, Springfield, Broomall, Lansdowne, Clifton Heights, Yeadon, and surrounding Delaware County communities.

Patients choose our office because we provide:

  • More than 30 years of clinical experience
  • Personalized treatment recommendations
  • Chiropractic care based on examination findings
  • SoftWave Therapy, laser therapy, and spinal decompression when appropriate
  • Same-day appointments when available

Furthermore, each treatment plan is based on the patient’s symptoms, health history, examination findings, and functional needs.

Schedule a Low Back Pain Evaluation

If recurring back symptoms are affecting your work, sleep, exercise, or daily movement, make an appointment at Everybody’s Chiropractic Center or call 610-789-1800.

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Find Everybody’s Chiropractic Center on Google Maps

Click Find Everybody’s Chiropractic Center on Google Maps for directions to our office at 115 E Township Line Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082.

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center
115 E Township Line Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082
610-789-1800