Low back pain is one of the most common health conditions that people deal with today, affecting nearly 80% of adults at some point in their lives. It’s a leading cause of missed workdays and limited mobility, ultimately impacting daily routines and overall quality of life. Why is it so prevalent? It is how the lower back is designed. The low back is a complex structure that supports much of your body’s weight and has a wide range of movement. This makes it vulnerable to strain and injury.
The lower back consists of muscles, ligaments, joints, and discs that work together to stabilize and move your body. When any of these are overused, injured, or misaligned, it can lead to pain and dysfunction in the low back. For example, strained muscles or ligaments might cause localized soreness, while issues with spinal joints or herniated discs can lead to more widespread pain, sometimes even affecting the legs.
It’s crucial to address low back pain early because delaying treatment often causes minor issues to grow into major problems. Untreated low back pain can cause compensation patterns in your body, where other muscles and joints overwork to make up for the injured area. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even permanent structural changes in the spine.
Effective treatment not only relieves low back pain but also helps restore proper alignment and function, preventing future flare-ups and keeping your body moving the way it was designed to. The sooner you address the root cause of your low back pain, the better your chances of long-term relief and overall health.
$99 New Patient Special
Includes:
- Consultation
- Thorough Health History
- Chiropractic Exam
- Postural Analysis
- X-rays if indicated
- Report of Findings
How Our Low Back Pain Care Plan Works
1. Corrective
This initial stage focuses on addressing specific spinal misalignments and dysfunctions. Through targeted adjustments and specialized techniques, the goal is to restore proper alignment and function to the spine. This phase often involves intensive care to correct existing issues and alleviate pain.
2. Stabilization
The stabilization stage aims to reinforce the changes made. This involves strengthening surrounding muscles, improving posture, and ensuring that the spine maintains its proper alignment over time. Patients typically engage in exercises and receive ongoing adjustments to support long-term stability.
3. Wellness
The final stage emphasizes maintaining optimal spinal health and overall well-being. Wellness care involves regular check-ups and adjustments to prevent future issues and support a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach helps patients maintain their progress, enhance quality of life, and promote overall health and wellness.
How We Treat Lower Back Pain in Fargo, ND
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
What to Expect During Your First Visit: Comprehensive Exams for Accurate Diagnosis
At Peak Spine and Wellness, our goal is to provide answers, not just temporary relief. That’s why we are thorough and precise in our approach during your first visit to uncover the root cause of your discomfort and low back pain. Every patient is unique, and understanding each individual’s health concerns starts with a detailed process designed to get to the core of the issue.
During your initial consultation, we start by taking a comprehensive health history. This helps us understand not only your current symptoms but also any past injuries, lifestyle habits, or underlying factors that could be contributing to your condition or low back pain. From there, we perform a complete chiropractic examination to evaluate your spine, muscles, and nervous system.
In our exam process we highlight the importance of x-rays and a postural analysis. Using state-of-the-art imaging technology and advanced marking techniques, we gain a clear and detailed view of your spine’s structure and alignment. This allows us to identify any abnormalities or structural misalignments that could be causing low back pain or dysfunction.
By combining these diagnostic tools, we ensure we’re addressing the actual root cause of your problem—not just masking symptoms. This level of precision is critical because treating only the symptoms often leads to temporary results or recurring issues. Our goal is to correct the underlying problem so you can achieve long-term relief and improved function.
This comprehensive first visit sets the foundation for a personalized care plan to help with low back pain but is also designed to restore your body’s natural alignment and help you feel your best. At Peak Spine and Wellness, we’re committed to partnering with you on your journey to optimal health.
Digital X-Rays
The Role of Digital X-Rays in Diagnosing and Treating Low Back Pain
At Peak Spine and Wellness, digital X-rays are a vital tool in accurately diagnosing and addressing low back pain. They allow us to see what’s happening beneath the surface, providing insights that aren’t always visible during a physical exam or through observation alone. We don’t like to guess.
Digital X-rays give us a clear, detailed view of the structure of your spine. They can reveal:
- Spinal misalignments: Shifts or distortions in your spine’s natural curves and alignment.
- Disc issues: Signs of degeneration, thinning, or herniation that may be contributing to pain.
- Joint degeneration: Arthritis or other wear-and-tear changes that impact movement and function.
- Structural abnormalities: Conditions like scoliosis or advanced structural shifts.
- Injuries: Fractures or damage from trauma that may not be immediately apparent.
This allows us to identify the exact cause of your low back pain, which is crucial for creating an effective treatment plan.
Are X-Rays Safe?
Yes, digital X-rays are safe and use significantly lower radiation compared to traditional X-ray technology. At Peak Spine and Wellness, we prioritize your safety by using modern imaging systems that minimize exposure while maximizing image clarity.
How Digital X-Rays Enhance Chiropractic Care
Digital X-rays are especially important in the Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) method, which focuses on correcting the spine’s alignment to restore proper function. The X-rays provide measurable data, enabling us to:
- Pinpoint the root cause of your pain or dysfunction.
- Accurately assess the severity of structural misalignments.
- Create a customized care plan tailored to your specific spinal needs.
- Track progress over time, comparing follow-up X-rays to see how your spine is responding to care.
By using digital X-rays, we move beyond guesswork and ensure our approach is based on precise, scientific data. This not only improves the effectiveness of your treatment but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your care is grounded in a clear understanding of your spine’s condition.
At Peak Spine and Wellness, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and solutions. Digital X-rays are just one of the ways we provide exceptional care designed to help you achieve long-term relief and a stronger, healthier spine.
Spinal Decompression
At Peak Spine and Wellness, we combine advanced therapies to promote healing and address the root causes of pain. Two of the most effective treatments we offer for conditions like low back pain are spinal decompression and shockwave therapy. These therapies work synergistically to relieve pain, restore function, and enhance your body’s natural healing process.
Relieving Pressure, Promoting Healing with Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression is a non-invasive therapy designed to gently stretch the spine and alleviate pressure on compressed discs, nerves, and joints. This therapy is particularly effective for conditions such as:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Chronic low back pain
By creating negative pressure within the spine, spinal decompression allows bulging or herniated discs to retract, reducing nerve irritation. It also improves blood flow and nutrient exchange to the affected areas, accelerating the body’s natural healing process.
This gentle, targeted approach not only provides relief but also addresses the underlying structural issues causing your pain, helping you achieve long-term results.
Shockwave Therapy: Stimulating Tissue Repair
Shockwave Therapy is another innovative treatment we use to enhance healing. This non-invasive therapy delivers high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area, stimulating the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Shockwave therapy is highly effective for:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chronic inflammation
- Tendon and ligament pain
- Muscle tightness or trigger points
The acoustic waves increase blood flow, break down scar tissue, and stimulate collagen production. This leads to faster healing, improved mobility, and reduced pain. For patients with low back pain, shockwave therapy can help alleviate tension in surrounding muscles and promote recovery in damaged soft tissues.
How These Therapies Work Together
Spinal Decompression and Shockwave Therapy complement each other beautifully. While spinal decompression focuses on relieving mechanical stress and restoring alignment to the spine, shockwave therapy targets the soft tissues to reduce inflammation and promote repair. Together, they create a comprehensive approach to healing that addresses both structural and soft tissue components of pain.
At Peak Spine and Wellness, our goal is to provide you with cutting-edge solutions tailored to your unique needs. By incorporating therapies like spinal decompression and shockwave therapy into your care plan, we can help you achieve faster recovery, long-term relief, and a stronger, healthier body.
How Restoring Spinal Curves Benefits Low Back Pain
Restoring the natural curves of the spine through Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) directly addresses the root causes of low back pain. Proper spinal alignment reduces pressure on discs, nerves, and joints in the lower back, alleviating pain and inflammation. It also restores balance to the surrounding muscles and ligaments, reducing strain and preventing future injuries. By improving spinal biomechanics, CBP helps enhance mobility, relieve chronic discomfort, and support long-term spinal health, providing a sustainable solution for low back pain.
Common Causes of Low Back Pain in Fargo, ND
Understanding the Causes of Low Back Pain: Disc Anatomy, Disc Bulges, and Effective Treatment
Anatomy of a Disc
The discs in your spine act as cushions between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and providing flexibility to the spine. Each disc has two main components:
- Annulus Fibrosus: The tough, outer layer made of strong fibrous tissue that protects the inner core.
- Nucleus Pulposus: The gel-like center that provides cushioning and distributes pressure evenly across the disc.
Healthy discs keep the spine aligned and the nerves free from compression, allowing for smooth movement and proper spinal function.
Bulged Lumbar Discs
A bulged lumbar disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc (annulus fibrosus) weakens, causing the inner gel-like nucleus to push outward without rupturing. This condition can irritate nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as localized back pain, stiffness, and sometimes radiating discomfort in the legs or buttocks. A bulged disc places additional pressure on the spine and surrounding structures, which, if untreated, can worsen over time. The best treatment includes chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment, spinal decompression therapy to reduce disc pressure, and postural rehabilitation to strengthen supporting muscles and prevent recurrence.
Causes:
- Poor posture, such as slouching or prolonged sitting.
- Repetitive strain from bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects.
- Aging and wear-and-tear that weaken the outer layer of the disc.
- Trauma or injury, like a fall or car accident.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like nucleus of the disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer. This can cause significant nerve irritation, resulting in sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, particularly in the legs (sciatica). Herniated discs can disrupt mobility and cause chronic inflammation if not addressed. Treatment focuses on spinal decompression to retract the herniated material, Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) to correct spinal alignment, and targeted exercises to stabilize and strengthen the surrounding area.
Causes:
- Sudden trauma or injury causing a tear in the disc’s outer layer.
- Repetitive stress or improper lifting techniques.
- Advanced disc degeneration making the disc more prone to rupture.
- Heavy or excessive physical exertion without proper body mechanics.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Degenerative disc disease refers to the gradual breakdown of spinal discs due to aging, repetitive stress, or injury. This condition causes the discs to lose hydration and elasticity, reducing their ability to cushion the spine. Symptoms include chronic low back pain, stiffness, and potential nerve compression leading to radiating symptoms. DDD can accelerate spinal degeneration and reduce mobility over time. The best treatment includes chiropractic care to optimize spinal function, spinal decompression therapy to reduce stress on the discs, and nutritional support to promote joint health and reduce inflammation.
Causes:
- Aging, leading to loss of hydration and elasticity in spinal discs.
- Long-term repetitive stress or poor posture that accelerates degeneration.
- Genetic predisposition to early disc wear.
- Smoking and poor nutrition, which can reduce blood flow to the discs.
Muscle Strain
A muscle strain in the lower back occurs when the muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn, often due to improper lifting, sudden movements, or overuse. Symptoms include localized pain, stiffness, swelling, and muscle spasms, which can restrict movement. Although muscle strains do not directly affect the spine, they can lead to compensation patterns, increasing strain on other structures. Treatment focuses on soft tissue therapies such as shockwave therapy, chiropractic adjustments to address any compensatory misalignments, and targeted exercises to strengthen and support the injured muscles.
Causes:
- Overexertion or improper lifting.
- Sudden movements, such as twisting or jerking motions.
- Weak or imbalanced muscles that cannot support the spine adequately.
- Poor posture, which strains the lower back muscles over time.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when the SI joints, which connect the pelvis to the spine, become inflamed or move improperly. This can result in pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks, sometimes radiating to the legs. The condition often causes instability or stiffness in the pelvis, affecting posture and gait. Treatment includes chiropractic adjustments to restore proper joint movement, soft tissue therapies to reduce inflammation, and exercises to stabilize and strengthen the pelvic region.
Causes:
- Trauma, such as a fall or car accident, leading to joint misalignment or inflammation.
- Uneven leg length or pelvic imbalance.
- Pregnancy or childbirth, which can loosen the ligaments around the SI joint.
- Overuse or repetitive stress in activities that involve twisting or lifting.
Subluxation
A subluxation is a partial misalignment or restricted movement of a vertebra, which can interfere with normal nerve function and cause pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility. Subluxations can also lead to muscle tension and inflammation in the affected area. Left untreated, they may contribute to chronic pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body due to poor nervous system communication. The best treatment includes Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) to correct spinal alignment, improve nerve flow, and restore function. Regular adjustments, combined with postural training, help prevent future misalignments and maintain overall spinal health.
Causes:
- Poor posture, such as slouching or forward head posture.
- Sudden trauma, including falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.
- Repetitive stress or strain that gradually misaligns the vertebrae.
- Weak core muscles and poor spinal stability.
Each of these conditions often develops due to a combination of lifestyle factors, repetitive strain, and age-related changes. At Peak Spine and Wellness, we emphasize identifying the root cause of your condition and tailoring a treatment plan to correct the issue and restore optimal function.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be concerned about low back pain?
You should be concerned about low back pain as soon as it starts. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something deeper may be wrong—it’s like an internal alarm system. Typically, pain is the last symptom to appear and often the first to subside, but that doesn’t mean the underlying issue is resolved. Addressing pain early is crucial to prevent it from developing into a chronic, more difficult-to-treat condition. Taking action now can make all the difference in achieving long-term health and relief.
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
All back pain should be taken seriously, as it can indicate dysfunction not only in the low back but also in the entire body. However, certain symptoms may suggest a more urgent or severe condition that requires medical attention. Signs to watch for include numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs, as well as loss of bladder or bowel control. These symptoms should be addressed by a healthcare professional right away. While general low back pain is common, it’s always best to seek evaluation to address the root cause and prevent further complications.
What causes low back pain?
Low back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, or issues with spinal discs. Everyday activities like prolonged sitting, improper lifting, or repetitive motions can strain muscles and ligaments, leading to discomfort. Structural problems such as bulged or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction can also contribute to pain by irritating nerves or destabilizing the spine. In some cases, low back pain may result from trauma, aging, or chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root cause early to prevent further complications.
How should I sleep with low back pain?
Low back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, or issues with spinal discs. Everyday activities like prolonged sitting, improper lifting, or repetitive motions can strain muscles and ligaments, leading to discomfort. Structural problems such as bulged or herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction can also contribute to pain by irritating nerves or destabilizing the spine. In some cases, low back pain may result from trauma, aging, or chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root cause early to prevent further complications.
How do I tell if lower back pain is muscle or disc?
To determine if your lower back pain is muscle or disc related, pay attention to the symptoms. Muscle pain is usually localized, feeling sore, stiff, or achy. Disc pain, on the other hand, may cause sharp, radiating pain down the legs or buttocks (sciatica), along with numbness, tingling, or weakness if nerves are compressed. Disc-related pain often worsens with sitting, bending forward, or coughing, and may not improve with rest alone. The best thing to do is to get examined by a doctor that specializes in determining what the problem is.
Can a chiropractor help with my low back pain?
YES! A chiropractor can help with back pain by addressing the root cause of your discomfort, whether it’s due to muscle strain, disc issues, poor posture, or misalignments in the spine. Chiropractors use non-invasive techniques like spinal adjustments, which restore proper alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and improve mobility. They may also incorporate therapies such as spinal decompression, postural rehabilitation, and soft tissue treatments to alleviate pain and promote healing. By focusing on correcting the underlying issue rather than just masking symptoms, chiropractic care can provide long-term relief and improve your overall spinal health. If you’re experiencing back pain, a consultation with a chiropractor can help determine the best course of action for your specific condition.
If you are in Fargo, North Dakota (ND), and suffering from lower back pain, why not meet with our chiropractor? Our chiropractor can help you determine the underlying cause of your pain and develop a plan to correct the condition. Contact us today.
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain
https://comprehensivespine.weillcornell.org/understanding-lower-back-pain/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906
https://familydoctor.org/condition/low-back-pain/
https://brighamhealthhub.org/the-physiatrists-corner-healing-low-back-pain-part-i/
At Peak Spine + Wellness we believe in empowering our patients to reach their peak potential! We offer chiropractic treatment for lower back pain. Additionally, we offer wellness plans for those looking to reach peak potential while continuing to remain healthy once their problem is corrected. Get started with us today!
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3260 Veterans Blvd Suite 105, Fargo, ND 58104
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