Find effective solutions for discomfort with low back pain through chiropractic care, promoting better health and wellness.
Table of Contents
Understanding Low Back Pain: The Role of Chiropractic Care
Introduction
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a major reason why people visit doctors, miss work, or struggle with daily tasks. In 2020, an estimated 619 million people globally experienced LBP, making it the leading cause of disability (World Health Organization, 2023). Whether it’s a sharp twinge from lifting something heavy or a nagging ache from sitting too long, LBP can disrupt your life in big ways.
LBP is classified as acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks) (Deyo & Mirza, 2016). Acute LBP often resolves on its own, but chronic LBP can persist, leading to reduced mobility, emotional stress, and hefty medical bills. The causes of LBP are complex, ranging from mechanical issues like muscle strains or disc problems to lifestyle factors like prolonged sitting or even stress.
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing LBP. Chiropractors, such as Dr. Alexander Jimenez in El Paso, Texas, employ techniques like spinal manipulation to alleviate pain and enhance function (American Chiropractic Association, n.d.). Dr. Jimenez, with over 30 years of experience, is particularly noted for his work with personal injury cases, using advanced diagnostics to create personalized treatment plans (LinkedIn, n.d.).
This blog post explores why chiropractic care can help reduce LBP, diving into the anatomy of the lumbar spine, the impact of sitting behavior, the natural course of back pain, and effective nonsurgical treatments. We’ll also highlight Dr. Jimenez’s expertise and how environmental factors, like your office chair, play a role. With a dash of humor to keep things light, we’ll guide you through understanding and managing LBP.
References
- American Chiropractic Association. (n.d.). What is chiropractic? Retrieved from https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/What-is-Chiropractic
- Deyo, R. A., & Mirza, S. K. (2016). Herniated lumbar intervertebral disk. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(18), 1763–1772. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1512658
- LinkedIn. (n.d.). Dr. Alexander Jimenez. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
- World Health Organization. (2023). Low back pain. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain
Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine
Your lower back, or lumbar spine, is like the backbone of your daily movements—pun intended. It consists of five vertebrae (L1-L5), stacked like building blocks, with intervertebral discs acting as cushions between them (Bogduk & Twomey, 1991). These discs have a soft, jelly-like center (nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus), which allows for flexibility while absorbing shock.
The lumbar spine also features facet joints, which connect the vertebrae and enable movements like bending and twisting. A network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons supports this structure, keeping you upright and mobile (Bogduk & Twomey, 1991). When everything works together, it’s a marvel of engineering. But when things go wrong—like when discs wear down or muscles strain—it’s like a creaky old bridge starting to wobble.
Degenerative changes, such as degenerative disc disease (DDD), are a common cause of LBP. DDD involves the gradual breakdown of discs, leading to reduced disc height, tears, or herniations (Karppinen et al., 2011). These changes can irritate nerves or destabilize the spine, causing pain that ranges from mild to debilitating. Imagine your spine as a stack of pancakes—when the syrupy filling (the disc) starts leaking, things get messy.
References
- Bogduk, N., & Twomey, L. T. (1991). Clinical anatomy of the lumbar spine. Churchill Livingstone.
- Karppinen, J., Shen, F. H., Luk, K. D., Andersson, G. B., Cheung, K. M., & Samartzis, D. (2011). Management of degenerative disk disease and chronic low back pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 42(4), 513–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocl.2011.07.009
Sitting Behavior and Low Back Pain
Picture this: you’re slouched at your desk, scrolling through emails, unaware that your spine is plotting its revenge. Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, is a major contributor to LBP. A study of 64 call-center workers found that those with chronic LBP tended to sit more statically—meaning less shifting or adjusting—than those without pain (Bontrup et al., 2019). Over 400 hours of observation, the study showed a stronger link between static sitting and chronic LBP than acute pain, possibly because chronic sufferers are more aware of pain-free positions (Bontrup et al., 2019).
Another review confirmed that sedentary behavior, whether at work or home, increases the risk of LBP (Dzakpasu et al., 2021). Sitting for hours puts pressure on your discs and weakens supporting muscles, like leaving your car parked too long and finding the tires flat. Simple fixes, like using an ergonomic chair, taking stretch breaks, or even ditching those sky-high heels, can help (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2017).
| Tip for Reducing LBP from Sitting | Details |
|---|---|
| Use Ergonomic Setup | Adjust your chair to support your lower back and keep your feet flat on the floor. |
| Take Breaks | Stand and stretch every 20-30 minutes to relieve pressure on your spine. |
| Improve Posture | Sit upright, avoiding slumping, to distribute weight evenly. |
| Wear Low Heels | Opt for shoes with heels under 1 inch to reduce spinal strain. |
References
- Bontrup, C., Taylor, W. R., Fliesser, M., Visscher, R., Green, T., Wippert, P. M., & Zemp, R. (2019). Low Back Pain and Its Relationship with Sitting Behavior among Sedentary Office Workers. Applied Ergonomics, 81, 102894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102894
- Dzakpasu, F. Q. S., Carver, A., Brakenridge, C. J., Cicuttini, F., Urquhart, D. M., Owen, N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2021). Musculoskeletal pain and sedentary behaviour in occupational and non-occupational settings: a systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 18(1), 159. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-021-01191-y
- Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2017, March 22). Manage low back pain at home. Retrieved from https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/2017/03/22/manage-low-back-pain-at-home/
Natural History of Back Pain
LBP is like an unwanted houseguest—it shows up, sometimes leaves quickly, but often keeps coming back. Research indicates that back pain follows a variable course, characterized by transient, recurrent, and chronic phases (Roland, 1994). Most acute LBP episodes resolve within weeks, but up to 78% of people experience recurrences (Pengel et al., 2003). Chronic LBP, lasting over three months, is more stubborn, with studies showing that many patients don’t fully recover even after years (Roland, 1994).
A longitudinal study of nurses found that 16-19% reported LBP monthly, with 21% experiencing it at least three times over two years (Smedley et al., 1998). Factors like stress, heavy lifting, or even your mindset can influence whether LBP becomes a repeat offender. Understanding this helps doctors and patients decide when to try treatments like chiropractic care versus waiting it out.
References
- Pengel, L. H., Herbert, R. D., & Maher, C. G. (2003). Acute low back pain: systematic review of its prognosis. BMJ, 327(7410), 323. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7410.323
- Roland, M. (1994). Studying the natural history of back pain. Spine, 19(19), 2272–2273. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199410001-00015
- Smedley, J., Egger, P., Cooper, C., & Coggon, D. (1998). Natural history of low back pain. A longitudinal study in nurses. Spine, 23(22), 2422–2426. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199811150-00014
The Chiropractic Approach for Pain Relief- Video
Assessment and Nonsurgical Management of Low Back Pain
Diagnosing LBP is like solving a puzzle. Doctors begin with a detailed history, asking about the location, intensity, and triggers of pain, and a physical exam to assess movement and nerve function (Deyo & Mirza, 2016). Imaging like X-rays or MRIs is used sparingly, as disc issues or degeneration don’t always cause pain (Deyo & Mirza, 2016).
Nonsurgical treatments are the first line of defense. Exercise therapy, including strength and flexibility training, can reduce pain and boost function in chronic LBP (Hayden et al., 2005). Medications like NSAIDs or muscle relaxants help with short-term relief, but opioids are risky due to addiction potential (Deyo & Mirza, 2016). Spinal manipulation, a cornerstone of chiropractic care, shows moderate effectiveness for both acute and chronic LBP (Rubinstein et al., 2012). Other options, such as acupuncture or massage, may also provide relief, although the evidence varies (Park et al., 2023).
| Nonsurgical Treatment | Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Therapy | High for chronic LBP | Improves strength, flexibility, and function. |
| Spinal Manipulation | Moderate for acute/chronic LBP | Best for mechanical pain; performed by chiropractors. |
| NSAIDs | Moderate for acute LBP | Use with caution for short-term use; watch for potential side effects. |
| Acupuncture | Variable | May help some patients; evidence is mixed. |
References
- Deyo, R. A., & Mirza, S. K. (2016). Herniated lumbar intervertebral disk. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(18), 1763–1772. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1512658
- Hayden, J. A., van Tulder, M. W., Malmivaara, A., & Koes, B. W. (2005). Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3), CD000335. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000335.pub2
- Park, S. C., Kang, M.-S., Yang, J. H., & Kim, T.-H. (2023). Assessment and nonsurgical management of low back pain: a narrative review. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, 38(1), 16–26. https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2022.250
- Rubinstein, S. M., Terwee, C. B., Assendelft, W. J., de Boer, M. R., & van Tulder, M. W. (2012). Spinal manipulative therapy for acute low back pain: an update of the Cochrane review. Spine, 37(3), 236–246. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e318231b3d5
Dr. Alexander Jimenez and Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain
Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, Texas, has over 30 years of experience treating LBP without drugs or surgery (LinkedIn, n.d.). His approach begins with a thorough evaluation, which includes a patient’s history, physical examination, and advanced imaging techniques such as MRIs, to identify the sources of pain. He creates personalized plans that utilize spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and exercises to restore mobility and alleviate pain.
Dr. Jimenez is also a leader in personal injury cases, acting as a liaison between legal and medical systems. His use of advanced diagnostics, like dual-scope procedures, ensures accurate injury assessments, which are crucial for legal documentation in El Paso’s personal injury community (LinkedIn, n.d.). His work extends to community education, promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent LBP.
References
- LinkedIn. (n.d.). Dr. Alexander Jimenez. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
Management of Degenerative Disc Disease and Chronic Low Back Pain
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a major player in chronic LBP, where spinal discs lose their cushioning ability, leading to pain or nerve irritation (Karppinen et al., 2011). Managing DDD requires a team effort. Patient education empowers people to stay active and understand their condition. Physical therapy, including core-strengthening exercises, is highly effective (Hayden et al., 2005). Medications like NSAIDs or antidepressants can help, but long-term use needs caution (Deyo & Mirza, 2016).
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tackles the mental side of chronic pain, helping patients cope with negative thoughts (Ostelo & van Tulder, 2005). Surgery, like spinal fusion, is a last resort for those who don’t respond to conservative treatments (Karppinen et al., 2011). Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, can also play a role in managing DDD-related pain (Vieira-Pellenz et al., 2014).
References
- Hayden, J. A., van Tulder, M. W., Malmivaara, A., & Koes, B. W. (2005). Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3), CD000335. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000335.pub2
- Karppinen, J., Shen, F. H., Luk, K. D., Andersson, G. B., Cheung, K. M., & Samartzis, D. (2011). Management of degenerative disk disease and chronic low back pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 42(4), 513–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocl.2011.07.009
- Ostelo, R. W., & van Tulder, M. W. (2005). The effectiveness of behavioral interventions for the management of low back pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 19(4), 675–687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2005.03.007
- Vieira-Pellenz, F., Oliva-Pascual-Vaca, A., Rodriguez-Blanco, C., Heredia-Rizo, A. M., Ricard, F., & Almazán-Campos, G. (2014). Short-term effect of spinal manipulation on pain perception, spinal mobility, and full height recovery in male subjects with degenerative disk disease: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(9), 1613–1619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.05.002
A Touch of Humor
Living with LBP can feel like your spine is staging a sit-in, refusing to cooperate with your plans. It’s like your back saying, “Nope, I’m on strike until you stop sitting like a question mark!” But don’t worry—small changes, like stretching or visiting a chiropractor like Dr. Jimenez, can convince your spine to call off the protest.
Conclusion
Low back pain is a complex condition that affects millions, but chiropractic care offers a promising, non-invasive solution for many. By understanding the lumbar spine’s anatomy, the impact of sitting, and the variable course of LBP, patients can make informed choices. Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s expertise in El Paso highlights how chiropractic care, combined with exercise and education, can ease pain and improve lives. However, serious symptoms like numbness or loss of bladder control require immediate medical attention. A multidisciplinary approach, tailored to your needs, is the key to managing LBP effectively.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information in this post.
References
- American Chiropractic Association. (n.d.). What is chiropractic? Retrieved from https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/What-is-Chiropractic
- Bontrup, C., Taylor, W. R., Fliesser, M., Visscher, R., Green, T., Wippert, P. M., & Zemp, R. (2019). Low Back Pain and Its Relationship with Sitting Behavior among Sedentary Office Workers. Applied Ergonomics, 81, 102894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102894
- Deyo, R. A., & Mirza, S. K. (2016). Herniated lumbar intervertebral disk. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(18), 1763–1772. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp1512658
- Dzakpasu, F. Q. S., Carver, A., Brakenridge, C. J., Cicuttini, F., Urquhart, D. M., Owen, N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2021). Musculoskeletal pain and sedentary behaviour in occupational and non-occupational settings: a systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 18(1), 159. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-021-01191-y
- Hayden, J. A., van Tulder, M. W., Malmivaara, A., & Koes, B. W. (2005). Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3), CD000335. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000335.pub2
- Karppinen, J., Shen, F. H., Luk, K. D., Andersson, G. B., Cheung, K. M., & Samartzis, D. (2011). Management of degenerative disk disease and chronic low back pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 42(4), 513–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocl.2011.07.009
- LinkedIn. (n.d.). Dr. Alexander Jimenez. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
- Ostelo, R. W., & van Tulder, M. W. (2005). The effectiveness of behavioral interventions for the management of low back pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 19(4), 675–687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2005.03.007
- Park, S. C., Kang, M.-S., Yang, J. H., & Kim, T.-H. (2023). Assessment and nonsurgical management of low back pain: a narrative review. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, 38(1), 16–26. https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2022.250
- Pengel, L. H., Herbert, R. D., & Maher, C. G. (2003). Acute low back pain: systematic review of its prognosis. BMJ, 327(7410), 323. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7410.323
- Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2017, March 22). Manage low back pain at home. Retrieved from https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/2017/03/22/manage-low-back-pain-at-home/
- Rubinstein, S. M., Terwee, C. B., Assendelft, W. J., de Boer, M. R., & van Tulder, M. W. (2012). Spinal manipulative therapy for acute low back pain: an update of the Cochrane review. Spine, 37(3), 236–246. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e318231b3d5
- Smedley, J., Egger, P., Cooper, C., & Coggon, D. (1998). Natural history of low back pain. A longitudinal study in nurses. Spine, 23(22), 2422–2426. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199811150-00014
- Vieira-Pellenz, F., Oliva-Pascual-Vaca, A., Rodriguez-Blanco, C., Heredia-Rizo, A. M., Ricard, F., & Almazán-Campos, G. (2014). Short-term effect of spinal manipulation on pain perception, spinal mobility, and full height recovery in male subjects with degenerative disk disease: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(9), 1613–1619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2014.05.002
- World Health Organization. (2023). Low back pain. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain
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The information herein on "Chiropractic Care for Improved Low Back Pain Mobility" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
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Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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