What does low back pain feel like?

Low back pain, or lumbar spine discomfort, typically arises when any of the five spinal segments are misaligned. You might experience a dull ache or tension in the surrounding muscles. It can also feel sharp, with tingling or numbness that radiates down your legs. Pain may extend to your hips or buttocks, and you might find it difficult to twist or bend your back fully, especially on the affected side.

Why do we get low back pain?

Low back misalignment can result from prolonged sitting, stress, accidents, improper lifting, stomach sleeping, and weak abdominal muscles. If untreated, these misalignments may cause long-term pain, stiffness, and even degeneration in the lumbar spine, potentially affecting the hips and legs.

How does Chiropractic help individuals recover from low back pain?

When your low back joints are misaligned, they irritate nearby tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and discs), causing inflammation, pain, and limited motion. Your chiropractor will evaluate your low back and determine if a specific adjustment is needed. If so, they will gently realign the joint. Additionally, your chiropractor will assess the balance of the muscles supporting your low back and recommend stretches and exercises to enhance stability.

Your chiropractor will also examine your pelvis, as injuries in this area can contribute to tension and misalignment in the low back. If necessary, a gentle adjustment to the pelvis may be performed as well.

What stretches and strengthening exercises will help for low back pain?

To balance and stabilize your low back, it’s crucial to stretch and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Focus on stretching both sides, with particular attention to the affected side.

Before starting any stretches, ensure your chiropractor has assessed your low back for misalignments. Stretching misaligned vertebrae can worsen your pain.

Level 1 Abdominals – strengthening the abdominals is one of the most effective ways to protect the low back.

Piriformis Stretch – stretching the piriformis muscle is another essential for low back recovery.

Interested in more stretches check out our whole library!