Lower back pain can be debilitating, affecting your everyday activities and reducing your productivity. It is important to understand the different stages of lower back pain to determine which treatment is most appropriate for you. This article will provide an overview of the three stages of lower back pain and how chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help you alleviate your discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Stage 1: Acute Pain
The first stage of lower back pain is acute pain, which is generally defined as lasting less than four weeks. Acute pain often results from a sudden trauma, such as lifting a heavy object or a fall. During this stage, the pain is severe and localized in the lower back area. You may also experience muscle spasms, which can be quite painful. Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for acute pain as it can help to align the spine and reduce inflammation. Through spinal adjustments and other techniques, chiropractors can help you manage your pain while also improving your range of motion.
Stage 2: Subacute Pain
Subacute pain lasts between four and 12 weeks and is characterized by a gradual reduction in pain intensity. During this stage, the pain is less severe than in the acute stage, but it can still affect your daily activities. Physiotherapy is a great option for subacute pain as it can help with exercises, stretching, and strengthening techniques. By working with a physiotherapist, you can improve your muscle strength and flexibility, which can help to alleviate your pain and improve your overall functioning.
Stage 3: Chronic Pain
Chronic pain lasts longer than 12 weeks and is the most severe stage of lower back pain. During this stage, the pain can be constant and may require medication to manage. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are both great options for chronic pain as they can help to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of future injuries. Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments, massage, or soft tissue mobilization techniques to help manage your pain, while physiotherapists may provide you with targeted exercises to help you build strength and endurance.
Lower back pain can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the different stages of lower back pain and working with a chiropractor or physiotherapist, you can alleviate your pain, improve your range of motion, and get back to living your life. Whether you are experiencing acute pain, subacute pain, or chronic pain, there is a treatment option available to you. If you are struggling with lower back pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to a chiropractor or physiotherapist near you to start your journey towards recovery.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
