How Chiropractors Address And Treat Non-Specific Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a common and disabling disorder. For many years, lower back pain has been both the leading cause of days lost from work and the most common reason for physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Non-specific lower back pain affects people of all ages and is a leading contributor to disease burden worldwide and in Singapore.
What is non-specific lower back pain?
Non-specific low back pain does not mean that there is “no cause for the pain”, or “that it is all in your head”. Non-specific low back pain refers to a tension, ache and/or stiffness in the lower back region for which the specific nociceptive tissue source cannot be identified. Hence, it should be a diagnosis of exclusion after a thorough examination has first been conducted.
Non-specific low back pain is presumed to be musculoskeletal in origin. It could have contributions from various musculoskeletal structures, such as the joints, intervertebral discs, connective tissues, etc. It could also be a combination of the above, coupled with inflammation and central sensitisation too. However, the pain sensation is very complex, with multiple coexisting conditions, genetic and biopsychosocial factors being known contributing factors for low back pain and disability.
Chiropractic treatment for non-specific low back pain
Chiropractic is an allied health profession dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractors maintain a unique focus on spinal manipulation and treatment of the surrounding structures. Chiropractic focuses on the functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system, in relation to the nervous system and general health and well-being.
The goal of the Chiropractic adjustment is to restore normal range of motion and reduce nerve irritation, thereby improving physiological function. There is firm literature support for Chiropractic treatment of non-specific lower back pain. Many of the publications recommend Chiropractic to be included in the early stages of care for non-specific low back pain. There is evidence that high-velocity low-amplitude spinal manipulation therapy for non-specific low back pain may immediately reduce pain in patients.
When patients suffering from non-specific lower back pain are treated by Chiropractors, the long-term outcome is improved by undergoing maintenance Chiropractic care after the initial therapeutic phase. The consensus amongst all guidelines referring to lower back pain treatment is the importance of preventing chronic pain. Patient-driven active care such as exercise, ergonomic and activity modifications should also be emphasised to help accomplish this goal. Many studies have also concluded that manual therapies commonly used by Chiropractors are generally effective for the treatment of other lower back pathologies such as radiculopathy from disc herniations, in addition to musculoskeletal pain in other regions of the spine.¹
Lower back pain is a complex problem and the treatment has to be tailored to the individual’s needs. It is not acceptable if your lower back pain medical specialist is using a “one size fits all” approach to your treatment. Consult a qualified lower back pain specialist locally in Singapore to properly diagnose, relieve and treat your back pain.
Our Australian trained and registered Chiropractors are experienced in treating non-specific lower back pain effectively.
Find out more about Dr Richard Kissun.
Kissun Chiropractic is a trusted and leading chiropractic clinic in Singapore offering affordable and effective treatments for all ages in the community. We are experienced in treating routine and complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions such as headaches, neck, shoulder and backaches, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, sciatica, pregnancy aches and pains, sports injuries, performing ergonomic assessments and postural checks. Patients’ conditions are managed through natural, safe, non-invasive, drug and surgery free treatments, relying on the bodies’ inherent recuperative functions. Treatment plans are customised to patients’ specific needs and preferences.
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Source:
1. Ruddock JK, Sallis H, Ness A, Perry RE. Spinal Manipulation Vs Sham Manipulation for Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Chiropr Med. 2016 Sep;15(3):165-83. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.014. Epub 2016 May 25. PMID: 27660593; PMCID: PMC5021904.