Low Back Pain: Causes and Treatment

Low back pain is a common complaint: about 80% of the Dutch experience low back pain at some point in their lives. These complaints can range from shooting pains in the lower back and a heavy, oppressive feeling to tingling or a sleepy, stinging sensation. Sometimes the pain remains limited to one spot, but often it radiates to the buttocks or legs.

Causes of Low Back Pain

Lower back pain can occur suddenly due to a wrong movement, a fall, an accident or heavy lifting. Often, however, the pain develops gradually due to overload. Factors such as bad posture, sitting for long periods, little exercise, overweight, pregnancy or stress reduce the functionality of the back. This can lead to irritated nerves and painful, tense muscles.

Types of Low Back Pain

• Tissue Pain: This type of pain is usually located in the lower back, between the lower ribs and the buttocks, and is often caused by tight muscles or tendons. This is often referred to as ‘normal’ back pain.
• Nerve pain (radiating pain): When the pain radiates from the lower back to the buttock, leg and sometimes toes, we speak of low back pain with radiation. This is often caused by pressure on a nerve in the spinal column, for example by a hernia.

Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain

• Acute low back pain: Sudden back pain that occurs over a few days to weeks.
• Chronic low back pain: Persistent pain that lasts longer than three months and is often difficult to resolve on its own.

Symptoms of Nerve Pain in Low Back Pain

The symptoms of low back pain with radiation can vary, depending on the cause. Common symptoms are:

• Pain radiating to one or both legs
• Tingling or numbness in the legs
• Burning or stabbing pain, sometimes like electric shocks
• Cold, painful feeling in the leg (sensory disturbances)

Possible Causes

Low back pain with radiation often occurs due to pressure on a nerve from the spinal column. This can be caused by functional movement disorders in the musculoskeletal system, such as joints, muscles and nerves e.g. a hernia, wear and tear (arthrosis) or other factors that irritate the nerves in the vertebrae.

Consequences of Long-Term Nerve Pain

Long-term nerve pain can have a major impact on quality of life. Common consequences include:

• Reduced quality of life due to persistent pain
• Obstacles to daily activities or work
• Sleep disturbances due to pain and discomfort
• Psychological stress, such as stress and depressive feelings

Treatment options:

Chiropractic is a scientifically proven and effective treatment method that focuses on restoring the movement function of the spine and surrounding structures. Chiropractic offers a natural, non-invasive, drug-free approach. Scientific research published in The Lancet (2018) recommends chiropractic as a first-line treatment for low back pain. Patients report high satisfaction and often experience rapid relief from their symptoms.

Contact us for an appointment or for more information about our treatment options.