Table of Contents
Introduction
The back is part of the musculoskeletal system, held by the spine to keep the body upright. The spine allows the body and the back to twist, turn, bend, and move side to side without feeling pain. However, when the body suffers from a pulled muscle or an injury, it can strain the back and cause back issues over time if not treated right away. Luckily, many treatments for low back pain can help a person get back to their daily activities. In this article, we will be looking at what causes low back pain and its symptoms and how lumbar traction decompression can help alleviate low back pain for individuals. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Are The Causes Of Low Back Pain?
The spine is encompassed by ligaments, soft tissue, the spinal cord, and nerve roots that allow the body to twist and bend. The lower back allows the motion of twisting and turning to happen, as research studies have shown the lumbar spine provides the support, strength, and flexibility to all the muscles, joints, and nerves in the body. Sadly, the lumbar spine is susceptible to injury and pain, as it supports the upper body’s weight and anything from a pulled muscle from lifting heavy objects to being injured in an accident. Since low back pain is common for many individuals, the causes of low back pain occur at any moment, as research studies have shown. Some of the reasons that occur for low back pain include:
- Fractures
- Spinal disc problems: herniated disc or DDD (degenerative disc disease)
- Spinal stenosis: Scoliosis
- Arthritis: Ankylosing spondylitis
Other research studies have shown that low back pain causes can also be due to mechanical and soft tissue issues that can damage the intervertebral disc, compress the nerve roots, and even cause improper movement to the spinal joints, causing the individual to be in immense pain.
Low Back Pain Symptoms
When a person is suffering from low back pain, the pain can range from a mild, dull ache in the lower back to a sharp shooting pain that can travel from the lower back all the way down to the foot. Research studies have shown that low back pain symptoms can begin as an acute symptom that can turn into chronic if it is not treated right away. Some of the most common low back pain symptoms that can occur include:
- Dull aching pain due to muscle spasms, limited mobility, and aches on the hips and pelvis
- Traveling pain down to the buttocks, legs, and feet causing sciatica to form
- Pain from prolonged sitting
- Gradual pain
- Sudden pain after an injury
Traction Therapy For Low Back Pain-Video
The video above shows how traction decompression therapy is used for individuals suffering from low back pain. Research studies have found that low back pain is common and one of the reasons many individuals see their primary physicians and even miss work. Some of the treatments like traction decompression utilize a traction table to gently pull the spine to cause instant relief to the individuals suffering from low back pain. What traction decompression does is that it allows the beneficial nutrients to be put back into the spine as well as decompressing the compressed discs back to their original form and alleviating the pain. With the combination of physical therapy, many individuals suffering from low back pain will begin to feel much better and continue on their wellness journey. If you want to learn more about spinal decompression therapy, this link will explain the benefits of spinal decompression and how it can alleviate low back pain symptoms.
Lumbar Traction Decompression For Low Back Pain
As many people don’t know, lumbar traction is one of the oldest known treatments for low back pain. Lumbar traction decompression has been used to reduce muscle contraction and reduce the symptoms of low back pain in prone. Research studies have shown that the efficacy of lumbar traction therapy for treating low back pain will allow a significant reduction in the pain intensity that the individual is feeling. Utilizing physical therapy that incorporates local heat and exercise and traction decompression therapy will provide excellent results in dampening the effects of low back pain. Other research studies have shown that mechanical traction on individuals suffering from low back pain due to having herniated discs will be significantly improved and restore the spinal discs to their original state. This will allow many individuals to be pain-free and continue their daily activities.
Conclusion
All in all, low back pain is common for many individuals and is one of the reasons why many individuals visit their primary physicians and get out of work. Low back pain can range from a dull, mild ache to a sudden, sharp pain that can cause muscle weakness and other back issues that hinder a person from performing their daily activities. Luckily, treatments like lumbar traction decompression therapy allow the individual suffering from low back pain to be lying on a traction table and have their spine be gently pulled. This gentle stretching allows the beneficial nutrients back into the spine and restores the compressed disc by increasing their height and reducing the pain. Afterward, many individuals will continue with their daily activities without suffering anymore.
References
Borman, Pinar, et al. “The Efficacy of Lumbar Traction in the Management of Patients with Low Back Pain.” Rheumatology International, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2003, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12634941/.
Cheng, Yu-Hsuan, et al. “The Effect of Mechanical Traction on Low Back Pain in Patients with Herniated Intervertebral Disks: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Clinical Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2020, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31456418/.
Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Low Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, 18 Jan. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain.
Peloza, John. “Causes of Lower Back Pain.” Spine, Spine-Health, 20 Apr. 2017, www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/causes-lower-back-pain.
Peloza, John. “Lower Back Pain Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Spine, Spine-Health, 20 Apr. 2017, www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment.
Peloza, John. “Lower Back Pain Symptoms.” Spine, Spine-Health, 20 Apr. 2017, www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Back Pain.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369911.
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The information herein on this entire blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare 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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Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, MSN-FNP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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