Lower back pain is a general term applied to anyone who reports pain in the area below the ribs and above the hips. It can affect the whole region, it can be located midline or off to one side. The location and patterns can help in diagnosis of a cause.

Is a diagnosis necessary or possible? Generally because most lower back pains have an unclear "cause" they are lumped together. Research suggests that within the first month of onset a "specific diagnosis" is not needed.

Our approach is to assess such a problem as specifically and as early as possible. This means we have a better chance of achieving relief and preventing relapse.

Which tissues can "cause" back pain? All tissues with a nerve supply, including the nerves themselves, can contribute to back pain. Back pain can also be referred from other structures like the kidneys and pancreas. The only part of the back without a nerve supply is the very centre of the disc - the nucleus and immediate surrounding ligament fibres of the annulus.

Mechanical back pain - the most common back pain. Conditions that underlie "mechanical" lower back pain include injury to the following structures: sacroiliac joint, facet joints (10 in this region), muscles (several can give pain, and need to be assessed individually to identify their role), ligaments (several specific ones can give pain). A significant cause of lower back pain is injury to the lumbar discs.

When will we refer you to someone else? Serious causes of lower back pain include: cancer, fracture, osteoporosis amongst other illnesses. We work with several general practitioners and specialists in the area.

What role can the muscles play? Muscles move bones. Muscles contract under instruction from the nerves. All needs to be properly co-ordinated. The muscle chiropractic approach used here means that alignment is complemented by massage to muscles and exercises for you to take home so that you can assist in recovery faster and for longer between adjustments.

Find out if you are at risk of developing ongoing back pain by downloading the following form: 36 Questions/Fax (PDF)

Sciatica and disc problems