Low Back Pain
Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic
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What is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability globally, often presenting as pain localized below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds, with or without radiating leg pain. It can be classified into acute (lasting less than three months) or chronic forms, and encompasses various types such as nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic, or non-specific pain that frequently overlap. Most cases are non-specific, meaning they lack a clear identifiable cause, but they can stem from stressors on the lumbar spine's structures like soft tissues, vertebrae, joints, discs, and nerves.
In the US, the annual prevalence is 10-30%, with a lifetime prevalence of 65-80%. If you're in Lawrence, KS, and experiencing LBP, our clinic offers comprehensive evaluations to identify the root cause and tailor a plan for relief.
Causes of Low Back Pain
Low back pain can arise from multiple sources, often involving a dynamic interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Common etiologies include:
Myofascial Pain: Muscle strains or trigger points in the paraspinal muscles.
Facet Joint Pain: Inflammation or degeneration in the zygapophyseal joints.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint, often related to pregnancy, trauma, or arthritis.
Discogenic Pain: Issues with intervertebral discs, such as herniation or degeneration.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to nerve compression.
Failed Back Surgery: Persistent pain after surgical interventions.
Other Factors: Occupational risks like heavy lifting or whole-body vibration, as well as non-degenerative causes such as trauma, tumors, infections, or inflammation.
Symptoms of Low Back Pain
Symptoms vary based on the type and source of pain:
Axial LBP: Localized to the low back, often due to disc, joint, or muscle issues.
Radicular Pain: Radiating to the legs (e.g., sciatica), caused by nerve compression like herniated discs or stenosis.
Referred Pain: Pain felt in areas away from the source, such as the hips or buttocks.
Additional signs may include stiffness, reduced mobility, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs. Chronic cases can involve psychological factors like stress or work dissatisfaction.
How Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic Can Help
At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we focus on getting you out of pain and back to optimal function. Our services include:
Chiropractic Adjustments: To restore joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
Muscle Therapy: Using ART, dry needling, and soft tissue techniques to address myofascial issues.
Functional Rehabilitation: Customized exercises to strengthen and stabilize the core, preventing recurrence.
Ehrlich, George E. “Low Back Pain.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization, vol. 81, no. 9, 2003, pp. 671-6. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.03.030933.
Farley, Tyler, et al. “Chronic Low Back Pain: History, Symptoms, Pain Mechanisms, and Treatment.” Life (Basel), vol. 14, no. 7, 2024, p. 812. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070812.
Hooten, W. Michael, et al. "Evaluation and Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Clinically Focused Review for Primary Care Specialists." Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 90, no. 12, Dec. 2015, pp. 1699-718, doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009.
Knezevic, Nebojsa Nick, et al. "Low Back Pain." The Lancet, vol. 398, no. 10294, 3 July 2021, pp. 78-92. The Lancet, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00733-9.
Urits, Ivan, et al. "Low Back Pain, a Comprehensive Review: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment." Current Pain and Headache Reports, vol. 23, no. 3, 2019, p. 23. Springer, doi:10.1007/s11916-019-0757-1.
Farley, Tyler, et al. “Chronic Low Back Pain: History, Symptoms, Pain Mechanisms, and Treatment.” Life (Basel), vol. 14, no. 7, 2024, p. 812. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070812.
Hooten, W. Michael, et al. "Evaluation and Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Clinically Focused Review for Primary Care Specialists." Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 90, no. 12, Dec. 2015, pp. 1699-718, doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.10.009.
Knezevic, Nebojsa Nick, et al. "Low Back Pain." The Lancet, vol. 398, no. 10294, 3 July 2021, pp. 78-92. The Lancet, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00733-9.
Urits, Ivan, et al. "Low Back Pain, a Comprehensive Review: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment." Current Pain and Headache Reports, vol. 23, no. 3, 2019, p. 23. Springer, doi:10.1007/s11916-019-0757-1.
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