Do Lower Back Problems present themselves only in the lower back?

Lower Back Pain: A Daily Struggle

Lower back pain can make life truly miserable. Even if you can tolerate it, it remains a constant presence in the background, affecting your mood and overall enjoyment of life. There is nothing more exhausting than having to work all day while dealing with a persistent, nagging ache.

However, lower back pain isn’t always confined to the back itself. Pain in the following areas is common and may actually be linked to the lower back.

Hip and Groin Pain

Lower back pain isn’t always limited to the lower back. Many people report pain in the groin and hips, often assuming it must be hip arthritis or bursitis. While that is possible, it is often the case that the root cause lies in the lower back.

Buttock Pain

Another frequent complaint is pain in the buttocks, leading people to believe they have a muscle-related issue, such as piriformis syndrome. But how can the problem originate in the lower back? Because the nerves from the spine extend to the hips, buttocks, and legs. Similar to sciatica, this type of pain can radiate. Irritation or pressure on the nerves can cause muscles in the lower back, pelvis, and legs to become tight, sensitive, and reactive.

How Do You Know If Your Pain Comes from the Spine?

Determining the source of your pain isn’t always straightforward. Painkillers or muscle relaxants may provide temporary relief, and massage might help for a while—or even make it worse. But if the pain persists with little sign of wear and tear or no history of injury, it often indicates that the problem originates in the spine.

Chiropractic Treatments

In our approach to identifying the root cause of your back pain, we view pain as just one aspect of a comprehensive assessment. As chiropractors, our goal is not merely to treat symptoms but to address the underlying cause. Often, the source of discomfort is located outside the area where pain is actually felt.

That’s why we evaluate multiple factors, including spinal function, neurological stress, tension patterns, muscle strength, posture, and even potential organ-related stress. Our chiropractic methodology uses efficient systems to analyze and synthesize this information, helping us make informed decisions about treatment focus. As a result, the target area for treatment may or may not directly correspond with the location of your pain.