Condition Guide
Low Back Pain
Low back pain can make sitting, standing, lifting, walking, sleeping, and working more difficult. CorAxis evaluates how the lower back, hips, pelvis, posture, and daily movement may be contributing to the problem.
Understanding Low Back Pain
Low back pain is common and can develop for many reasons. It may begin after lifting, twisting, exercising, prolonged sitting, repetitive work, or an accident. It can also develop gradually without one clear event.
Symptoms may include stiffness, aching, muscle tightness, limited movement, or discomfort that changes with position. Some patients feel pain mainly in the lower back, while others also feel symptoms in the hip, buttock, or leg.
The presence of low back pain does not automatically identify its cause. Muscles, joints, discs, nerves, the hips, and other structures may influence symptoms. This is why care should begin with an appropriate history and examination.
How CorAxis Evaluates and May Support Low Back Pain
Dr. Angie Espinal asks how the pain started, where it is located, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects daily activity. The evaluation may include posture, spinal and hip movement, joint mobility, muscle function, strength, sensation, reflexes, balance, and orthopedic or neurological testing when appropriate.
When conservative chiropractic care is appropriate, recommendations may include chiropractic adjustments, low-force techniques, movement assessment, muscle release therapy, corrective exercises, mobility work, or other supportive services.
Care is individualized. The purpose of the evaluation is to understand how the body is moving, identify mechanical stress or restricted movement, and determine which options are appropriate and safe.
Safety and When Medical Referral Is Needed
Some low back symptoms need prompt medical attention. Seek immediate medical evaluation for new loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, significant or worsening leg weakness, or difficulty walking.
Medical evaluation may also be needed when back pain follows a serious fall or accident, occurs with fever, is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, is severe and constant, or occurs in someone with a history that raises concern for fracture, infection, cancer, or another medical condition.
If Dr. Espinal identifies findings that are outside the appropriate scope of chiropractic care, she will tell the patient and recommend medical evaluation. Depending on the findings, referral may be made to a primary care physician, emergency department, orthopedic specialist, neurologist, or another appropriate provider.
Referral is an important part of responsible, patient-centered care.
Schedule a Low Back Pain Evaluation
Visit CorAxis Chiropractic & Wellness in Spartanburg for an individualized evaluation of your movement, mobility, and function.