Back pain / sciatica, muscle pain in the lower back- chiropractic and low back pain

Back pain is a collective name for all kinds of complaints such as: coldness on the back,
hernia, arthritis (joint inflammation), degeneration, lumbago and sciatica. Back pain often has
a long and painful history. No one can function properly with back pain. It is therefore one of
the main causes of absenteeism and one of the most common reasons to visit a doctor.

Sciatica

Radiating pain to the leg or buttock, or both legs and buttocks.

Causes of back pain / sciatica
- Injuries from, for example, an accident.
- Sitting in an incorrect position for a long time (eg. while driving a car).
- Incorrect lifting and bending over.
- Use of a bad mattress.
- Poor posture when sitting, standing and walking.

Other causes include:
- Not enough exercise.
- Pregnancy.
- Stress.
- Weakening of the muscles.
- Overweight.
- Congenital abnormalities or hereditary factors.

Both the position and the flexibility of the spine have a great influence on the lower part of
the back. So if one or more vertebrae do not function properly, there is an enormous tension
on this part of the back. As a result, the muscles and nerves located here can become
irritated more quickly.

Back pain symptoms

Back pain can manifest itself in several ways. Sometimes the pain can be indicated very
accurately, such as with shooting pains. In other cases, back pain feels more chronic, such
as stiffness or a “heavy or tired feeling”. Back pain can occur during or right after an effort,
but also after a few hours, weeks or even months later. Pain is a warning from the human
body that something is wrong with it.

Treating back pain

Chiropractic treatments usually help to lower back pain and sciatica. With corrective
treatments, further damage to the intervertebral discs and nerves can be prevented.
Chiropractic treatments aim to improve incorrect posture, increase spinal mobility and
restore the function of irritated nerves. This is done by putting pressure with the hands on
the joint. This restores the freedom of movement of the joint and reduces pain.

Sciatica symptoms

Sciatica is a common complaint. It is a nerve pain that is especially noticeable in the buttock
and leg. It is also possible for sciatica pain to manifest in both buttocks and legs. The sciatic
nerve is the largest nerve in the body. If the sciatic nerve is irritated, the pain can be felt in a
large area of the body. Patients often initially describe the pain as a dull sciatica pain. If it
lasts longer, the pain is often experienced as a burning pain. After chiropractic treatment of
the sciatic nerve, the chiropractor will often recommend sciatica exercises. The patient
should perform these exercises on a regular basis to promote the healing process of the
irritated sciatic nerve.

Treating sciatica

If the sciatic nerve is irritated, it can lead to inflammation. The sciatic nerve runs from the
spine into the lower back, through the buttock and leg to the foot. A dull ache in the lower
back can signal the early stages of sciatica. With some movements, that pain can be sharp
and stinging. As the condition worsens, the pain often spreads to the muscles of the buttock
on one side and sometimes to both sides. As sciatica develops further, the pain can radiate
through the thigh and knee even to the lower leg. The pain is often felt on the back of the
leg, but can also occur on the side of the leg.

Anatomy of the back

Some knowledge of the anatomy of the back provides a better insight into the development
of sciatica. The lower part of the spine consists of five lumbar vertebrae that are connected
to the pelvis by the sacrum (see drawing). Muscles, tendons and ligaments provide stability
and make the low back flexible and mobile. The intervertebral discs (located between the
lumbar vertebrae) also promote the mobility of the vertebrae. A lumbar vertebra, together
with the vertebra below, forms an opening on both sides. Nerves emerge from the spinal
cord. These nerves come together to form the sciatic nerve. This is the largest nerve in the
human body.

Causes of sciatica

Sciatica can be caused by straining the lower back, abnormalities of the vertebrae or
intervertebral discs, osteoarthrosis (degeneration) and arthritis (joint inflammation) in the
lower back and pelvis. Other causes include excessive exercise, overweight and poor fitness
or posture.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a medical treatment that has been around for more than 100 years. The
treatment focuses on disorders in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and the
relationship with the nervous system. A chiropractor checks the spine for restrictions.
Through a thorough examination and targeted treatment, the chiropractor locates and
corrects these restrictions. This restores the normal functioning of nerves and allows the
body to heal itself.

First visit

Intake                         
A patient questionnaire is filled in followed by a discussion with the chiropractor in order to establish a thorough case history.

Examination              
Chiropractic tests
Neurological test
Orthopaedic test

X-ray, MRI, IDXA          
Whichever is indicated necessary

Diagnosis                       
Given by the Chiropractor

Treatment                      
Nearly always already on the first visit

The chiropractic treatment

With his specialist knowledge and skills, the chiropractor examines the spine and nervous
system to locate unnatural movements and restrictions. This way he learns what the cause
of the deviation is. Chiropractic treatments usually help to lower back pain and sciatica. With
corrective treatments, further damage to the intervertebral discs and nerves can be
prevented. Chiropractic treatments aim to improve incorrect posture, increase spinal mobility
and restore the function of irritated nerves. This is done by putting pressure on the joint with
the hands. This restores the freedom of movement of the joint and reduces pain. Once the
desired treatment outcome has been achieved, the chiropractor will recommend that you
return regularly for maintenance treatments. Proper maintenance of the spine reduces the
risk of recurrence and maintains optimal freedom of movement for the patient.

The most frequently asked question

Why is a chiropractor also called a "cracker"?
During chiropractic treatment, the chiropractor puts pressure on the joint. With this
correction, the patient does hear a "cracking sound". This crack is the result of a bubble
formation in the joint, which is released by the pressure placed on the joint and thus causes
the sound. It has nothing to do with bones chafing over each other or ligaments snapping.

Preventing back pain, sciatica and back problems

• Stand relaxed upright and distribute the weight evenly on both feet. A sagging or bent posture causes great tension on the entire back.
• Bend your knees when lifting a heavy object. Hold the object close to the body and distribute the weight evenly on both sides. Do not turn while lifting. Feel free to ask someone else to lend a hand.
• Watch your weight.
• Sleep on a good mattress.
• Never sleep on the stomach, but lie on your back or side. Preferably use an orthopedic neck pillow.
• Use chairs at home, in the car and at the workplace that provide sufficient support to the lower back.
• Avoid sitting continuously. Do not cross your legs.
• Alternate prolonged driving with breaks to relax the legs and regularly change the position.
• Wear well-fitting shoes that provide sufficient support.
• Stay active and healthy. Health can be guaranteed by practicing sports that do not put to much strain on the back, such as swimming and walking.
• Responsible sporting practice always starts with a good warm-up and ends with a

cool-down.

Relieve your back pain and sciatica
- In acute pain, lie down on the bed to relax the back. On the lower part of the back, put a
cold compress for no longer than 20 minutes. A cold compress is a cloth wrapped around a
plastic bag with ice cubes. You do this several times at intervals of at least 2 hours.
Occasionally get up to get some exercise so the back doesn't stiffen.
- Avoid physical exertion such as lifting, turning, exercising and doing household chores.
- Avoid sitting as much as possible! Even if it is only a few minutes. Sitting increases
pressure on the low back and can even lead to complications.

Finally
Consult a chiropractor regularly. Chiropractic examination and the treatment based on it,
help to keep your back in good condition and prevent pain.

Low back pain: 7 tips to get rid of your low back pain

I have low back pain, now what?
Back pain is one of the leading causes of absenteeism and one of the most common
reasons to see a doctor. Low back pain can make you lose functionality. Back pain can have
various causes, such as an incorrect working posture or incorrectly lifting and bending over.
You can make a major contribution yourself by reading the tips below and applying them
directly where necessary.

The 7 tips to get rid of your low back pain
Try to avoid prolonged sitting by moving every now and then, avoid crossing your legs.
For ladies, do not wear high heels, this will lead to extra stress on your spine.

• Never sleep on your stomach. Your spine will then assume an unnatural position and cause complaints. Preferably sleep on your back or side and use an orthopedic neck pillow.
• Watch your weight. If you are overweight, it puts extra pressure on the joints. Because of this you will get more complaints. Take action and try to lose weight (under supervision) to a healthy weight.
• Take part in one of the lectures given by our chiropractors. Attention is paid to back training. A good way of lifting, bending over, sitting, sleeping and doing household tasks. If you follow the tips and advice carefully, this can significantly speed up the healing process.
• If you have acute complaints. Then never use heat. It is better to use a cooling element to ensure that the swelling and thus the pain decreases.
• Adjust the rear view mirror in your car to a slightly higher position. To see the cars behind you, you will automatically sit more upright. This will be good for your back.

Treatment for low back pain

Have you applied the above tips and still have low back pain? Then do not continue with
your complaints for too long and let the chiropractor investigate and treat the cause.
The ideal chiropractic treatment should take place if the patient has no complaints (still). By
having the spine checked regularly, you can avoid major problems.

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