If most people have lived very long, they have experienced low back pain at some point in their life. There are various causes of chronic back pain, some skeletal and some muscular. This article focuses on the condition of the muscles that can develop into chronic pain. If the body is healthy, it may often heal itself. However, it is wise to seek the help of a chiropractor to find the underlying cause of pain to better determine what type of low back pain treatment may be needed for your particular problem.

A muscle strain or ligament strain is one of the most common causes of acute lower back pain. Lifting a heavy object, twisting, or a sudden movement can cause muscles or ligaments to stretch or develop microscopic tears. Lower back pain symptoms may include any combination of the following:

• Difficulty moving, including walking or standing
• Pain that moves around to the groin, buttock or upper thigh
• Pain that tends to be achy and dull
• Muscle spasms
• Local soreness upon touch

There is a large and complex group of muscles that works together to support the spine, help hold the body upright, and allow the trunk of the body to move, twist and bend in many directions. They are composed of three types of muscles that help the spine function; extensors, flexors and obliques.

• The extensor muscles are attached to the posterior (back) of the spine and enable standing and lifting objects. These muscles include the large paired muscles in the lower back, which help hold up the spine and gluteal muscles.
• The flexor muscles are attached to the anterior (front) of the spine (which includes the abdominal muscles) and enable flexing, bending forward, lifting, and arching the lower back.
• The oblique muscles are attached to the sides of the spine and help it rotate as well as help one maintain proper posture.

Back muscles, like any other muscle in the body, require adequate exercise to maintain strength and tone. Unless muscles are specifically exercised, back muscles and abdominal muscles tend to weaken with age. Physical therapy and back exercises as part of prescribed low back pain treatment focuses on the lower spine to strengthen the flexor, extensor and oblique muscles to reinforce support of the spine and in turn, reduce back pain and possibly eliminate the need for back surgery.

The chiropractors at McKim Chiropractic specialize in a low back pain treatment using the DRS Protocol™, a non-surgical alternative treatment for pain associated with spinal and disc problems. Call McKim Chiropractic today for more information and to schedule a consultation. Following a thorough examination, a course of low back pain treatment will be customized uniquely for you. Our licensed and certified staff is happy to help the residents of Nampa, ID take the first step on the road to recovery.