Common Causes of Back Pain – Information from our Edmonds Chiropractor

Though it may seem like there are many specific causes of back pain, most of them fall into a few very common categories. Most pain is caused by some sort of direct injury to the back, either right at the time the pain started or soon before. This type of pain is usually acute rather than ongoing. Some pain, however, is caused by disease processes like disc degeneration. This is more likely to result in chronic pain that needs specific treatment to get it to stop.

Back Injuries That Typically Result in Acute Pain

These injuries usually come from overexertion or improper form when performing strenuous exercise or other activities. The end result is typically a strain or sprain of the ligaments or tendons involved in lifting, twisting, or bending. In these cases, a visit to a chiropractor can help reduce the pain and speed healing.

Injuries That Can Result in Chronic Pain

These injuries often result from physical trauma to the back, such as what may be experienced in a rear-end collision. Forces from the collision can knock your vertebrae out of alignment, herniate your discs, and cause other major injuries. Then, a chiropractor needs to perform adjustments to get your vertebrae and discs back into their proper positions.

Painful Disease Processes

The most notorious painful process is likely degenerative disc disease, which causes your spinal discs to break down over time. When this happens, the discs themselves hurt. They also become misaligned and can pinch the nerves running through them. Disc fluid that leaks out can irritate the nerves as well.

Arthritis of the spine is another painful disease. It degrades the vertebrae and can cause them to grow new bone in unhealthy ways. Cartilage can be worn down by the affected bones since they are no longer smooth.

Contact Our Chiropractor in Edmonds for Back Pain Relief Today

Chiropractic care can relieve chronic back pain through the use of spinal realignment, therapeutic massage, and other therapies. To be evaluated and learn the best treatment for your pain, make an appointment with Optimal Health Chiropractic and Massage Clinic in Edmonds, WA. Call us at (425) 361-1839.