Lower back pain has become a very common condition due to the modern lifestyle we live in today. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) lower back pain is the leading cause of disability and affects the quality of daily activities of up to 80% of the population in North America. Almost every adult will experience lower back pain some time in their life as our sedentary lifestyle and demands of our jobs and activities lead to injuries and conditions to our bodies. Chronic lower back pain can lead to long term physical and mental health issues.
Chronic lower back conditions is one of the main reasons for patients to seek medical help from their general practitioners. Many patients are given anti-inflammatory and pain reducing medications as these kinds of treatments only mask the overall health complications of the patient that have led to their current chronic lower back pain.
Some patients seek chiropractic-based treatments at True Health Studio to examine for the underlying causes of their lower back pain. After a thorough history and examination from our chiropractor, Dr. Marcus Wong, will explain to the patient the diagnosis and treatment plan. Finding the root cause of the lower back pain is crucial to overall prognosis to the patient’s condition. This may include muscle imbalance, spinal misalignment and/or restrictions, and overall health changes to the patient’s physical activities.
Understanding the Root Causes of Back Pain
Most of the population work from a desk in front of the computer. This sustained position of the back in a flexed position creates muscle imbalances leading to tightness and weakness of the supporting back muscles of the spine. The spine can also be misaligned with the wrong sitting posture leading to more discomfort in the lower back and hips. On some occasions the prolonged sitting can also cause compression of the sciatic nerve from the piriformis and hamstring muscles leading to pain and numbness radiating down the leg. This along with lower back pain can be debilitating to patients leading to lowering quality of life.
The lack of exercise and stretching and/or strengthening of the core muscles of the lower back compounds the suffering of lower back pain. Spinal misalignments can lead to restrictive movements that hinders the patient from physical activities.
Sports in general can be affected by this. An example of this is when a cyclist with a misaligned hip and imbalanced core and hip muscles can lead to lower back pain over long periods of riding. Some patients may also have experienced sciatic pain as well. Our chiropractor at True Health Studio is an avid cyclist and understands the importance of proper bicycle fit and posture as well as a well adjusted sacroiliac joint and muscle strengthening exercises.
Why You Need a True Back Pain Solution, Not a Temporary Fix
There are many options and treatments for lower back pain. A common solution is using painkillers as they are very effective with acute injuries, but may not be the ultimate solution and carry risks and side effects (please consult with a pharmacist and/or your family physician for more information).
Other options for lower back pain are with a holistic approach such as chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy and physiotherapy. These practitioners such as a chiropractor would assess the cause of the lower back condition and devise a treatment plan that treats the root of the cause of the back pain, and not mask its symptoms for short term relief.
For most acute injuries pain management with medication is required initially, but for long term relief and spinal health chiropractic care can help. The chiropractor will provide treatment for the spine and prescribe exercises to strengthen the core muscles and spine. This is a preventative course of action and helps avoid any future injuries.
True Health Studio’s Holistic Approach to Lower Back Solutions
At True Health Studio our chiropractor, Dr. Marcus Wong, takes a different approach than other conventional chiropractors. His initial treatment usually takes up to an hour long where he will take a thorough history of the patient. Then a physical exam will be rendered and a diagnosis is made. Dr. Wong will give the patient a report of findings and discuss the patient’s condition, treatment options, and prognosis. Dr. Wong is never afraid to refer out to other practitioners especially with the medical physicians as he believes that every patient is entitled to the best care possible.
Dr. Wong has a strong fundamental belief in the whole-body chiropractic philosophy. This is the foundation of treating each condition from the root of the problem such as from the spinal correction to muscle/core imbalance that may cause the injury. He will focus on posture correction, core strengthening, muscle stretching and spinal alignment.
Real Backache Relief: Combining Chiropractic with Lifestyle Support
Postural exercises taught by our chiropractor at True Health Studio are the fundamental basis in the role of ergonomics and movement re-education. Dr. Wong is a strong believer in teaching patients about work ergonomics. During the initial exam he would like to examine and assess the patient’s set up and position at work as this is usually the leading cause of muscle imbalance and weakness for the patient which leads to chronic lower back and neck pain.
The chiropractor will also address the patient’s daily activities and/or hobbies/sports. Dr. Wong will give critical advice within his scope of practice to the patient to prevent future and further injuries. Such recommendations may be the way the patient is lifting weights at the gym or how the patient is running or sitting on the bicycle.
Other daily activities can be everyday chores such as gardening, washing dishes, carrying groceries and/or doing the regular housework at home. Dr. Wong emphasis proper lifting techniques and erognomics.
“Marcus has been my chiropractor for the past 4 years. He helps me with my neck and elbow pain, and gives me great advice on appropriate strengthening exercise with my cycling.”
I was referred to True Health Studio to seek treatment from Marcus, the chiropractor after I injured my lower back. He was informative and took the time to analyze and treat my condition. Great location and facility as well!”
“Marcus has been the best Chiro I’ve been to, hands down. I’ve had a few in my lifetime and most of them shuffle through clients like on a conveyor belt, but none take the effort like Marcus who takes the time to fix those tight knots in your neck or back during the regular adjustments. He manages to fix issues Ive had that others just haven’t. Go to Marcus for an honest trustworthy chiro that pays attention to you, not your benefits coverage maxes!”
Book Your Chiropractic Assessment Today
If you are suffering from lower back pain and/or any spinal complaints please don’t hesitate to contact True Heath Studio and Dr. Marcus Wong.
For other FAQs please click on this link. If you have further questions not in this link please feel free to email our chiropractor at info@truehealthstudio.com.
