Lower Back Pain Treatment: A Sun Prairie, WI Chiropractor’s Perspective

How We Treat Low Back Pain in Sun Prairie, WI

Comprehensive Consultation and Exam

In order to get to the root cause of your neck pain, the doctors will first perform a detailed consultation and specific examination. This will allow them to understand your problem in terms of your personal history and current condition as well as set goals for your future. The doctors really listen and understand how your neck pain is affecting all facets of your life.

Pain can be life altering, but it is a signal telling your body that something isn’t functioning correctly. During the examination, the doctors will perform chiropractic and orthopedic testing to isolate the problem. These tests help the doctors discern if it is from a bone, muscle, nerve, disc or a combination of these structures. Once they determine the cause of your neck pain, they can get you on the path to healing better and faster.

Digital X-rays

X-rays are one of the most useful tools in diagnosing the cause of your back pain and Noble Choice Chiropractic is proud to offer digital motion study x-rays in our office. A proper lumbar curve is important to help distribute any stress throughout your low back. While the curve in the neck tends to be too straight for most people, the curve in the low back tends to curve too much. This causes muscular imbalances in the muscles of the low back and pelvis. Static x-rays show the curve along with bone alignment and disc spaces. X-rays are also taken through range of motion so you and the doctors see exactly where the problem is in the spine before starting care.

Specific Chiropractic Care

Low back pain is often caused by what is known as a subluxation. A subluxation occurs when a bone shifts out of alignment from the rest of the spine. This can cause irritation to the nerves which results in symptoms such pain down the back, down the leg or decreased range of motion. Subluxations need to be corrected right away as they can lead to arthritis, degeneration, or chronic pain later in life.

At Noble Choice Chiropractic, we use only the most advanced, scientific techniques to get you better. We do this by performing a specific chiropractic adjustment to these subluxations. The adjustment takes pressure off the nerves and allows the joints to move better. A moving spine means a functioning body and our goal is to get you feeling better faster! If your neck pain is caused by subluxations, you will likely to continue having symptoms unless these areas are corrected.

Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan

Low back pain is often aggravated by overuse and muscle imbalance, especially in the core muscles. Unfortunately, many Americans sit for prolonged periods of time which weakens and shortens the muscles in the hips.

The doctors at Noble Choice Chiropractic know that every body is different. We create a custom exercise plan that will correct these imbalances and improve your posture. Not only will we help you in the office but we’ll also give you a plan to do a home so you can get back to feeling better faster.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain in Sun Prairie, WI

Subluxation

A subluxation is one of the most common causes of low back pain. A subluxation, or misalignment of the spine, is what chiropractors are specially trained to find and correct. A subluxation puts pressure on the nerves of the spine. This causes dysfunction of the body which presents as low back pain, sciatica, SI joint pain or numbness into the legs and feet. Specific chiropractic adjustments are the only method to removing subluxations, and chiropractors are the only doctors properly trained to correct subluxations.

Muscle Strain

Low back pain may have a muscular component as well, such as a muscle strain. Strains may feel like a dull, achy pain that intensifies with movement. This can be caused by a sudden activity (like an injury) or slowly occur over time. Repetitive motion, poor posture and weak low back muscles contribute to it.

Muscle strains usually resolve but you want to address and fix it early before it becomes a chronic pain. If you continue to have the same muscle strain flaring up over time, it can be a symptom of structural issue. The doctors at Noble Choice Chiropractic use specific examination techniques to discern if your low back pain is due to a muscular strain or spinal issue.

Bulged Lumbar Discs

The spinal disc is a cushion between each vertebrae that helps to absorb shock to the spine. The outside of the disc are formed by circular fibers while the nucleus (inside) of the disc is looser and more jelly-like.

Over time, discs can wear down and dehydrate. When this happens, the fibers begin to tear, especially following an injury or accident. If the tearing is bad enough, the nucleus starts to bulge toward the outside of the disc, putting pressure on the spinal nerves. This can cause pain that travels down your back and sometimes down the leg and foot.

Herniated Lumbar Discs

Just like with bulged discs, the outside fibers of then disc begin to tear and the nucleus moves toward outside of the disc. But if the fibers tear enough, the nucleus actually breaks through the disc and puts even more pressure on a spinal nerve. Herniated discs tend to be more painful and cause more intense leg pain.

You may have heard that some herniated discs can resolve themselves. This is due to a process called phagocytosis, where the body reabsorbs the nucleus that has bulged outside of the disc. While we try to treat herniated discs as conservatively as possible, some people may use surgery a treatment option.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)

The sacroiliac joint is where the sacrum (tailbone) meets your pelvis. The primary function of the SI joint is to absorb shock between the upper body and the pelvis and the legs. Unlike the rest of the spine, the SI joint has little motion so when it isn’t moving properly, it can cause pain. 15-30% of all low back cases are caused by SI joint dysfunction. Some causes of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction include leg length discrepancy, pregnancy, and repeatedly stressing the joints.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I be worried about low back pain?

The truth is, pain should always be worrisome as pain is a signal that something is wrong. While it is common for people to have low back pain, it is not normal and important to address right away before it becomes a chronic problem.

What can I do to relieve my low back pain in Sun Prairie, WI?

The best thing you can do is reach out to Noble Choice Chiropractic to determine what is causing your pain. Once the root cause is found, proper treatment and healing can begin.

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

As mentioned above, any type of pain should be taken seriously. But if your back problems seems to be nerve related and you lose the ability to control your bowels or bladder, please seek emergency medical care immediately.

What causes low back pain?

There are several causes of low back pain ranging from subluxations, muscle strains, disc issues or postural imbalances. This is why its important to address your current problems as well as your past problems.

How should I sleep with low back pain?

Back sleeping is the best way to sleep because it keeps the spine in a neutral position. If this is difficult, place a small pillow under your knees or low back to keep pressure off the low back.

The next best position is side sleeping, with your neck properly supported by a pillow. Keep in mind that the hips should also be in a neutral position and placing a pillow between your knees will help maintain alignment.

Sleeping on your stomach is not recommenced.

Can a chiropractor in Sun Prairie, WI help with low back pain?

Absolutely! Chiropractic should be your first call when it comes to back pain. The chiropractors at Noble Choice Chiropractic have helped thousands of people with their low back problems and would be happy to help you too.

Testimonials