Back Pain Treatment & Chiropractic Care in Ortonville, MN
Understanding Why Back Pain Happens—and What Can Be Done About It
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care.
Sometimes it starts suddenly after lifting, twisting, falling or getting injured. Other times it develops gradually after years of repetitive work, prolonged sitting, driving, physical labor or changes in movement.
And while back pain is sometimes caused by a strained muscle, the muscles aren't always the whole story.
The joints of the spine, discs, nerves, ligaments, muscles and surrounding tissues can all contribute to back pain.
At Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center, Dr. Chance Haugen evaluates the individual rather than assuming every case of back pain has the same cause.
The goal is to understand what may be contributing to the problem and determine whether chiropractic care, rehabilitation, ARPwave Neuro Therapy or another approach is appropriate.
[Schedule a Back Pain Evaluation]
What Can Cause Back Pain?
Back pain can develop from many different causes.
Some common contributors include:
Muscle Strains
Lifting, pulling, twisting, repetitive work and sudden movements can strain the muscles surrounding the spine.
Spinal Joint Problems
The small joints of the spine help control movement between the vertebrae. Irritation or restricted movement in these joints can contribute to localized back pain and stiffness.
Disc Problems
The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions and allow movement of the spine. Disc problems can sometimes cause back pain, and in some cases may contribute to symptoms traveling into the leg.
Nerve Irritation
Irritation or compression of a spinal nerve can produce pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that may extend beyond the back.
Sacroiliac Joint Problems
The sacroiliac joints connect the pelvis with the lower spine. Problems in this region can contribute to pain in the low back, buttock or hip area.
Repetitive Stress
The body may tolerate an activity for years before repetitive stress eventually contributes to pain or movement limitations.
Poor or Altered Movement Patterns
Pain can sometimes change the way a person moves. Those changes may place additional stress on other muscles and joints.
Why Does My Back Hurt?
One of the most important questions isn't simply:
“Where does it hurt?”
It is:
“Why does it hurt?”
For example, two people may both report lower back pain but have completely different contributing factors.
One person may have developed pain after lifting a heavy object.
Another may spend eight hours a day sitting in a tractor.
Another may have pain that travels into the leg.
Another may have recurring pain every time a particular movement is performed.
These situations may require very different approaches.
That's why Dr. Haugen begins with the patient's history and an appropriate examination rather than assuming every case of back pain should be treated the same way.
Back Pain in Farmers
Long Hours in a Tractor Can Be Hard on the Back
Farmers place unique demands on their bodies.
Long periods of sitting in tractors and other equipment, repeatedly looking behind the machine, climbing in and out of equipment, lifting, bending and performing repetitive physical tasks can all contribute to back problems.
Planting and harvest can be especially demanding because long workdays often mean hours of repetitive movement with little opportunity to change position.
Big Stone Chiropractic has specifically addressed the connection between farming and back pain in its patient education resources.
[Why Farmers Get Back Pain From Sitting in the Tractor]
Back Pain When Bending Forward
If bending forward causes back pain, the source isn't necessarily a tight muscle.
Depending on the individual, forward bending can place stress on different structures of the lower back, including muscles, joints and discs.
The type of pain, location, timing and other symptoms can provide important clues.
[Why Does My Back Hurt When I Bend Forward?]
Can a Bulging or Herniated Disc Cause Back Pain?
Yes, disc problems can contribute to back pain and, in some cases, symptoms involving the leg.
However, a bulging or herniated disc on an imaging study does not automatically mean it is the source of every symptom.
Disc findings need to be considered alongside the person's symptoms and examination.
If back pain is accompanied by significant weakness, progressive numbness or other concerning neurological symptoms, medical evaluation may be necessary.
[Learn More About Bulging & Herniated Discs]
Sciatica and Back Pain
Sciatica generally refers to pain or other symptoms traveling along the path of the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms may include:
Pain traveling into the buttock or leg
Tingling
Numbness
Burning sensations
Weakness
Not every case of leg pain comes from the sciatic nerve, however.
An evaluation can help determine whether symptoms appear consistent with nerve involvement and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
[Learn More About Sciatica]
SI Joint & Lower Back Pain
The sacroiliac joints connect the pelvis with the lower portion of the spine.
Irritation or altered movement in this area can sometimes contribute to pain around the low back, buttock or hip.
Because the SI region is close to several other structures that can cause similar symptoms, an evaluation is important before assuming the SI joint is the source of pain.
[Learn More About SI Joint Problems]
Facet Joint Pain
Facet joints are small joints located toward the back of the spine.
They help guide spinal movement and can become irritated or restricted.
Depending on the individual, facet-related pain may be aggravated by certain movements or positions.
[Learn More About Facet Joint Problems]
How Big Stone Chiropractic Approaches Back Pain
1. Listen to the History
The circumstances surrounding the onset of pain can provide important information.
Questions may include:
When did the pain begin?
Was there an injury?
What activities make it worse?
What positions make it better?
Does the pain travel?
Has this happened before?
What treatments have already been tried?
2. Evaluate Movement
Movement can provide clues about which structures may be contributing to the problem.
The evaluation may include looking at range of motion, muscle function, joint movement and other relevant findings.
3. Develop an Individualized Plan
There isn't one treatment that is appropriate for every type of back pain.
Depending on the individual, care may include chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, rehabilitation exercises, ARPwave Neuro Therapy or other appropriate approaches.
4. Monitor Progress
The goal is to determine whether the patient is improving and whether the treatment plan needs to be changed.
What Treatment Might Be Used for Back Pain?
Treatment depends on the individual and the cause of the problem.
Potential components of care may include:
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments may be used to address restricted joint movement and certain mechanical musculoskeletal problems.
Rehabilitation
Exercises may be used to improve strength, mobility, coordination and movement.
ARPwave Neuro Therapy
ARPwave may be incorporated into rehabilitation for appropriate patients, particularly when muscle function or recovery from an injury is part of the treatment goal.
Patient Education
Understanding what aggravates symptoms and how to modify activities can be an important part of recovery.
Lifestyle & Health Factors
Sleep, physical activity, nutrition, stress and other factors can influence how a person feels and recovers.
Not every patient needs every component.
When Should Back Pain Be Evaluated?
Many episodes of back pain are not emergencies, but certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation.
Seek urgent medical attention for back pain associated with symptoms such as:
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness in the groin or saddle area
Significant or progressive weakness
Severe pain following major trauma
Fever or signs of serious infection
Unexplained significant weight loss
Severe pain accompanied by other concerning symptoms
When symptoms suggest a condition outside the appropriate scope of chiropractic care, referral for medical evaluation is appropriate.
Back Pain Questions We Hear Frequently
Can a chiropractor help lower back pain?
Chiropractic care may help certain types of mechanical or musculoskeletal lower back pain. An evaluation helps determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for the individual.
How long does back pain take to go away?
Recovery time varies considerably depending on the cause, severity, duration and other factors. Some acute injuries improve relatively quickly, while recurring or chronic problems may require a longer approach.
Should I see a chiropractor or a medical doctor for back pain?
It depends on the symptoms and circumstances. Chiropractic care may be appropriate for many mechanical musculoskeletal problems, while certain symptoms require medical evaluation. When necessary, appropriate referral is part of responsible patient care.
Can sitting cause back pain?
Yes. Prolonged sitting can contribute to back discomfort for some people, particularly when combined with repetitive positioning, limited movement or other contributing factors.
Can tractor driving cause back pain?
Long periods of sitting and repetitive movements associated with operating farm equipment can contribute to back discomfort. Farmers may also experience additional stress from lifting, bending and other physical work.
Can a bulging disc cause back pain?
A bulging disc can be associated with back pain or nerve-related symptoms, but imaging findings don't always explain a person's symptoms. The findings should be considered together with the history and examination.
Is chiropractic care appropriate for everyone with back pain?
No. Back pain has many potential causes. An appropriate evaluation helps determine whether chiropractic care is reasonable or whether another type of evaluation or treatment is needed.
Back Pain Resources From Big Stone Chiropractic
Explore more information about specific causes and types of back pain:
[Back Pain: Is It Just a Muscle Problem?]
[Why Farmers Get Back Pain]
[Bulging & Herniated Discs]
[Facet Joint Problems]
[SI Joint Problems]
[Sciatica]
Don't Let Back Pain Decide What You Can Do
Back pain can interfere with work, farming, exercise, sleep and everyday activities.
If back pain is limiting normal activities or keeps returning, an evaluation may help identify factors contributing to the problem and determine an appropriate course of action.
Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center
Ortonville, MN & Milbank, SD
320-487-1010
[Schedule an Appointment]