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How is acute low back pain treated? 

acute low back pain treatment

You rate your pain at 8/10 on the visual analog scale. You forced yourself to lift a piece of furniture, then felt a back pain acute?

Does the pain increase when you walk or bend over? Is this your first attack of low back pain, or are recurrences becoming more frequent, and you're wondering what to do?

Low back pain is the most frequent reason for consultation for locomotor problems. And the first consultation can be a determining factor in the long-term evolution of low-back pain, which can be recurrent and remittent. 

The aim is to avoid the transition to chronic pain.

The prognosis for acute low back pain is generally favorable, with 82 % of patients returning to work within one to three months. However, there is always a risk of recurrence and remission.

It's important to consult a chiropractor as soon as possible if you think you may have low back pain, so that you can be guided in your recovery, heal better and, consequently, avoid recurrence and chronicity. 

 

What types of low back pain are there?

When you visit a chiro, it's important to find out what type of low back pain you're suffering from first! There are many different types.

When we first meet a patient suffering from low back pain, we try to take a history and carry out a physical examination. The reason for the consultation will guide us in our questioning and in the choice of tests to be carried out. 

The targeted history must specify the type of pain: somatic or neuropathic. 

During the examination, certain clinical tests may be postponed until a later visit, depending on the patient's acute condition.

By taking a patient history and performing a thorough physical examination, we can begin to determine the possible causes of low back pain and develop a treatment plan.

 

Simple lumbago

Lower back pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. Visit herniated discsScoliosis, facet or segment dysfunction, and muscle and ligament damage are all possible causes of back pain. 

In most cases, back pain is not a sign of serious illness, and will resolve itself over time. 

However, if the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, it's important to consult a professional. Imaging tests may be necessary to rule out more serious conditions, such as nerve-threatening spinal stenosis. 

 

Low back pain

Lumbosciatica is a type of back pain that radiates down the leg and sometimes has a neurological component. 

Pain is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the pelvis and down the leg.

Low back pain can be extremely painful and can make it difficult to walk, stand or sit for long periods. 

 

Gluteal pain-gluteal pain

Gluteal pain is a common and often debilitating condition that can cause great discomfort. There are two main causes of gluteal pain: mechanical dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint, which can be accompanied by hypertonicity of the buttock muscles and affect the hip, and inflammatory lesions. 

Mechanical sacroiliac dysfunction occurs when the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spinal column to the pelvis, doesn't work properly. This can lead to pain in the buttocks and lower back, and even radiate down the leg.

In some cases, the sciatic nerve passes through the pyramidal muscle and is compressed as it passes, directly causing sciatic pain.

Manipulations or manual therapy-type adjustments and exercises are very effective ways of relieving the symptoms of this condition. 

Inflammatory damage occurs when the tissues surrounding the joint become inflamed. This can be caused by arthritis, bursitis or tendonitis. 

Treatment of gluteal pain varies according to the underlying cause. If the pain is due to mechanical dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint, physical therapy is recommended. 

 

acute low back pain treatment

 

Low back pain with presumed severe spinal disease

Severe spinal disease is a very painful and debilitating condition.

Especially when the spinal cord is affected and neurological functions such as sensitivity, muscle strength and vital functions are impaired.

Urinary incontinence and lack of sensation in the perineum are serious signs that can be a manifestation of horseshoe syndrome.

People who suffer from a serious disease of the spinal column sometimes require surgery or other invasive procedures for relief.

Damage to the spinal cord and the integrity of the peripheral nervous system is the chiropractor's primary concern when diagnosing...

 

What are the warning signs when making a diagnosis?

 

At your first appointment, we'll ask you a few questions about your medical history and the duration of your lower back pain. 

We'll also ask about other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as pain radiating down the leg, numbness or loss of strength. 

Once we have a better understanding of your symptoms, we will proceed with a physical examination.

This will include checking your spinal range of motion, orthopedic and neurological tests, dynamic palpation of each of your spinal segments, a weight distribution study, thermography and medical imaging studies such as radiology, magnetic resonance imaging or ct scan. 

This will help the chiropractor make an accurate diagnosis and establish an appropriate intervention plan for the patient.

By carrying out a thorough history and physical examination, this promoted recovery towards better health.

Here are the signals that are often important to consider in the diagnosis: 

 

  • Recent major trauma
  • Constant, progressive pain
  • Duration of one month or more, no response to conservative treatment
  • Non-mechanical nocturnal pain, chest or abdominal pain
  • History: cancer, immunosuppression, HIV infection, intravenous drug abuse, corticosteroids
  • Impairment of general condition, fever, etc.
  • Extensive neurological damage and cauda equina syndrome
  • Persistent and severe ankylosis

 

How do chiropractors treat low back pain?

As a chiropractor, our goal is to help patients regain their level of function quickly and safely. 

To do this, they need to encourage patients to be active and participate in their therapy. Here are the steps and options for patient management.

 

Non-pharmacological treatments

Non-pharmacological treatments include ice therapy, which can help reduce inflammation, relative rest, which allows muscles and tissues to heal, and encouragement to stay active, which helps maintain flexibility and prevent recurrent injury. 

 

Pharmacological treatments for somatic or neuropathic pain.

Various medications can be used to treat pain, including non-narcotic analgesics such as acetaminophen and tramadol. 

Acetaminophen is generally considered safe and effective for most people, although it is not always effective in relieving pain. 

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are slightly more effective in the acute phase of pain, but no more so than other drugs (acetaminophen, analgesics, narcotics or muscle relaxants). 

Muscle relaxants are effective in the short term, but can have adverse effects if used for too long. A combination of NSAIDs and muscle relaxants may be more effective than either alone. 

Narcotic analgesics can be prescribed for a short period if other medications don't work, but should only be used as a last resort due to their dependence potential and other side effects. 

Morphine has been shown to be effective over the long term for neuropathic pain, but it's a highly potent drug with a strong addiction potential.

 

Restoring posture and mobility through chiropractic care.

An important part of chiropractic is encouraging patients to actively participate in their own treatment. Habits and lifestyles will be evaluated for best results.

This may involve exercises that the patient can do at home, as well as lifestyle changes such as posture, no longer sleeping on the stomach, modifying diet with the aim of regaining a healthy weight or reducing inflammation. 

By working with a chiropractor, patients can improve their posture and mobility, and regain the ability to lead an active life.

acute low back pain treatment

 

Preventing relapses

To prevent the recurrence of a lumbar sprain, it's important to follow the advice we give you in chiropractic. 

This can mean avoiding activities that put excessive pressure on the lower back, such as lifting heavy objects or playing contact sports, maintaining a good posture and keeping a good posture. good posture and proper alignment to relieve pressure on the lower back, as well as exercise and periodic monitoring.

 

Clinical follow-up

Periodic follow-ups are important to monitor the evolution of symptoms and signs, and the patient's response to treatment. The first follow-up visit is also an important tool for determining whether adjustments need to be made to an intervention plan... 

Pain management is a key element in this process, as it can help the patient to cope better with his or her condition. It is also important to ask patients about their perception of their condition, as this can help identify any obstacles to returning to work. 

By sharing clinical information between all stakeholders, we can ensure that the patient receives the best possible care and has the best chance of recovery.

 

Chiro Ste-Rose for your back pain

Looking for a solution to your back pain? Chiro Ste-Rose can help. Our team of experienced chiropractors is committed to providing the highest quality of care. 

We offer a variety of services, including: spinal adjustments, massage and rehabilitation exercises, ultrasound, as well as neurovertebral decompression. 

We tailor our approach to each patient, so that you can be sure of receiving the best possible treatment, tailored to your needs. 

We offer emergency, corrective and preventive care.

So if you're suffering from pain, we're ready to offer you our support and guidance in your recovery and return to health.

 

Make an appointment for a free initial consultation! 

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