Low Back Pain: Why It Happens, What Helps, and When to Get It Checked
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people walk through our door on Fort Street. Most adults will have it at some point. It can come on after lifting something awkward, after a long weekend of gardening, or for no obvious reason at all when you get out of bed. The good news is that most back pain settles, and there’s a lot you can do to help it along.
Why does my lower back hurt?
Most low back pain is what clinicians call “mechanical.” That means it comes from the muscles, joints, ligaments and discs of the spine rather than from a serious disease. Common contributors include:
- Muscle strain from lifting, twisting or a sudden awkward movement
- Stiff or irritated joints in the lower spine or the SI joints where the spine meets the pelvis
- Disc irritation, which can sometimes send pain down the leg (sciatica)
- Long hours sitting, at a desk, in the car, or on the couch
- Weak or tired core and hip muscles that leave the back doing more than its share
- Stress and poor sleep, which really do make pain feel worse
Often it’s a mix of several of these. That’s why a proper assessment matters: two people with the same “sore back” can need quite different care.
What can I do at home?
- Keep moving. Bed rest used to be the standard advice, but research now shows that gentle activity, like short walks, usually helps you recover faster. Move within what’s comfortable.
- Change positions often. If you sit for work, get up every 30 to 45 minutes, even for a minute.
- Try heat or cold. Warmth often feels good on stiff, tight muscles. Some people prefer cold in the first day or two. Use whichever feels better.
- Don’t panic. Back pain can be very painful without meaning anything is seriously damaged. Most episodes improve within a few weeks.
When should I get it checked?
Book an assessment if your pain isn’t improving after a week or two, keeps coming back, travels down your leg, or is stopping you from working, sleeping or doing what you enjoy.
Get medical care right away (see your doctor, or go to emergency) if back pain comes with any of these: loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that’s getting worse, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain after a serious fall or accident.
How we help with low back pain
Because we’re a multidisciplinary clinic, you don’t have to guess which kind of practitioner to see. Our team works together and can refer you in-house if another approach would suit you better.
Chiropractic
Our chiropractors assess how your spine, pelvis and hips are moving and use hands-on care such as spinal manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue work and exercise to ease pain and restore movement. Our chiropractors are Dr. Tessa Bryan, DC, who uses soft tissue therapies, manipulation, cupping and therapeutic exercise; Dr. Alexia Grelson, DC, who has a background in personal training and extra training in prenatal care; Dr. Matthew Bryan, DC; and Dr. Krisjan Gustavson, DC, who has been practising since 1986.
Spinal decompression
For back pain related to discs or pinched nerves, especially pain that hasn’t settled with other care, spinal decompression is a non-surgical, drug-free option. A specialized table gently and gradually takes pressure off the lower spine. Your practitioner will let you know whether it’s a good fit for you.
Physiotherapy and IMS
Our physiotherapists focus on getting you moving with confidence through manual therapy, education and an exercise plan built around your goals. They include Kanu Priya, MPT, who has over 10 years of experience in musculoskeletal and sports rehab; Ivy Elling-Quaintance, MPT, whose evidence-based approach looks at the whole person; and Spirit Donahue, MPT, who centres care on therapeutic exercise and manual therapy. For tight, guarded muscles, IMS (intramuscular stimulation) may also be an option.
Registered massage therapy
When back pain comes with tight, sore muscles, massage therapy can help them relax and make it easier to move. Our RMTs include Morag Hart, Craig Lawrence, McKenzie Connell, Braedan Pearce and Alex Baan-Meiklejohn.
Kinesiology
Once the pain is under control, the goal is keeping it from coming back. Our kinesiologists, Angelina Schaaf and Christian Schwarz, build practical strength and movement programs that fit into your life.
Book an appointment
If your back has been bothering you, we’d be glad to help. We bill most insurance plans directly, so you can focus on getting better.
Book online or call us at 250-382-0018. You’ll find us at 1063 Fort Street in downtown Victoria.
This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for an assessment by a qualified health professional.
