Lower Back Pain
Conditions
Lower Back Pain Treatment in South Bristol
At the Bristol Back Pain Clinic, our chiropractors and osteopaths are experts in assessing, diagnosing and treating back pain. Harry Kauntze, chiropractor at the clinic explains how we can help: “We are experienced in finding the cause of back pain and treating it effectively with a range of techniques designed to provide pain relief and restore normal function. If required, we can also order MRI and Xrays to assist diagnosis.”
Focus on Back Pain
If you’ve ever struggled with back pain, you’re certainly not alone. Whether it’s a dull ache that lingers after a long day at work or sudden sharp pain that stops you in your tracks, back pain comes in many forms, is the second most common reason for visiting a GP, and – as our name suggests – is one of the most common problems we help our patients with at the clinic.
Most people will experience one or more episodes of back pain during their lives. While back pain can be short lived, it can also extremely painful, debilitating and persistent, and some people suffer repeated episodes. It can also be associated with other symptoms, such as leg pain or sciatica. It may start following a specific incident, or it can develop gradually and progressively get worse.
Most people will experience one or more episodes of back pain during their lives. While back pain can be short lived, it can also extremely painful, debilitating and persistent, and some people suffer repeated episodes. It can also be associated with other symptoms, such as leg pain or sciatica. It may start following a specific incident, or it can develop gradually and progressively get worse.
Types of Back Pain
There are many different types of back pain with different causes.
Mechanical back pain
The majority of people with back pain are suffering from what is known as ‘simple’ or ‘mechanical’ back pain. This means that the pain is unrelated to any serious underlying condition and there are no trapped or compressed nerves, however muscles, joints and ligaments can all be involved. Mechanical back pain is relatively common and can be caused by poor posture, prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position, and even muscular tension due to emotional or work-related stress.
Age-related back pain
Age can also contribute to back pain. The shock-absorbing pads or discs between the bones of the back can narrow with age, and this can cause stiffness and pain and make it difficult to move.
Nerve-related back pain
Less frequently, the nerves of the back can sometimes become irritated, compressed, or trapped. Again, there can be many reasons why this happens, but slipped discs or age-related changes to the spine can lead to pain spreading down the leg, which is commonly referred to as sciatica. This can be accompanied by pins and needles, tingling, numbness, and weakness in all or part of the leg and foot.
Acute or chronic back pain
Back pain can happen suddenly or gradually build in intensity. It is classed as acute back pain if it lasts for a few days to a few weeks. If your pain lasts over 12 weeks and occurs daily, it is classified as chronic back pain and becomes more difficult to resolve the longer you leave it.
Effective Treatment for Back Pain
Chiropractors and osteopaths specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain. When you visit our clinic for back pain treatment, you will first receive a full assessment. This will involve taking details about your condition, current health and medical history and performing a physical examination. Your practitioner may refer you for additional tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans or blood tests if necessary. Your practitioner will then explain what is causing the problem, what can be done and what you can expect from treatment. After you have had your assessment and agreed on the proposed plan of management, treatment can begin.
Harry Kauntze, chiropractor at The Bristol Back Pain Clinic explains: “Identifying the cause of pain and giving our patients a clear understanding of the problem and how we can treat it are the first steps to recovery. Once we know what the problem is, we can use a range of effective treatments for lasting improvement.”
Harry Kauntze, chiropractor at The Bristol Back Pain Clinic explains: “Identifying the cause of pain and giving our patients a clear understanding of the problem and how we can treat it are the first steps to recovery. Once we know what the problem is, we can use a range of effective treatments for lasting improvement.”
Back Pain Treatment Options
Chiropractors and osteopaths are best known for manual treatments such as spinal manipulation, using their hands to relieve stiff or restricted joints, and mobilisation, which gradually moves joints. However, this is only part of their overall care approach. Our practitioners may also use other recommended treatments, such as soft tissue massage, and provide specific exercises to stretch, mobilise, and strengthen your back. In addition, they can also offer lifestyle advice to help recovery and prevent repeated episodes of back pain. This is in line with the NICE guidelines for the management of back pain.
