Back Pain Treatment in New Iberia
Back pain can affect nearly every part of your day—from sitting at work and exercising to sleeping, bending, or simply getting out of bed. Whether your pain started suddenly or has gradually become part of your daily routine, understanding what may be contributing to it is an important first step.
At Theriot Family Chiropractic Center in New Iberia, LA, we take a personalized approach to back pain. We listen to your concerns, evaluate your symptoms and movement, and help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can have many different causes, and the source isn’t always obvious. Sometimes pain develops after an injury or specific activity. Other times, it gradually develops without one clear event.
Common contributors to back pain may include:
- Muscle or soft-tissue strain
- Joint or spinal dysfunction
- Repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Changes in activity level
- Poor movement mechanics
- Sports or work-related injuries
- Disc-related problems
- Age-related changes in the spine
- Previous injuries
Back pain can occur in the upper, middle, or lower back, and symptoms can vary considerably from person to person.
Everyday Activities Can Contribute
Sometimes the things you do every day can aggravate or contribute to back pain, including:
- Sitting for long periods
- Working at a desk
- Lifting or carrying
- Repetitive movements
- Driving
- Exercise or sports
- Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
- Suddenly increasing your activity level
This doesn’t necessarily mean one activity is “bad” for your back. Often, it’s the combination of activity, movement, workload, and other individual factors that matters.
Our Approach to Evaluating Back Pain
Every person’s back pain is different. At Theriot Family Chiropractic Center, we start by understanding your symptoms, how they began, and how they’re affecting your everyday life.
Your evaluation may include:
- Reviewing your symptoms and health history
- Assessing your range of motion and movement
- Evaluating strength and neurological function when appropriate
- Performing orthopedic or other relevant tests
- Identifying areas that may be contributing to your symptoms
Our goal is to understand what may be contributing to your back pain and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
If your symptoms indicate that another type of medical evaluation is needed, we’ll help you determine the appropriate next step.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
If you’re nervous about your first chiropractic appointment, knowing what to expect can make the process easier.
1. We’ll Talk About Your Pain
You’ll have an opportunity to explain what you’re experiencing, when it started, and how it’s affecting your daily life.
2. We’ll Evaluate Your Symptoms
Your chiropractor will perform an examination based on your symptoms and may assess movement, range of motion, strength, neurological function, and other relevant findings.
3. We’ll Explain What We Find
We’ll discuss the findings from your evaluation and answer your questions so you have a better understanding of what may be contributing to your symptoms.
4. We’ll Discuss Your Options
If chiropractic care is appropriate, we’ll explain what we recommend and why.
If your symptoms suggest that you need additional medical evaluation or another type of care, we’ll help guide you toward the appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain
What causes back pain?
Back pain can have many possible causes, including muscle or joint irritation, injuries, repetitive activities, changes in movement, disc-related problems, and other conditions. Sometimes there isn’t one obvious cause.
When should I see a chiropractor for back pain?
If your back pain is interfering with your normal activities, continuing longer than expected, or repeatedly returning, an evaluation may help you better understand what could be contributing to it.
A chiropractor can also help determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate or whether another type of evaluation would be more suitable.
Can chiropractic care help with back pain?
Chiropractic care may be an appropriate conservative option for some types of back pain. Depending on your individual situation, care may include adjustments, mobility work, exercise, soft-tissue techniques, and education.
The appropriate treatment depends on your symptoms and examination findings.
Should I rest if my back hurts?
Not necessarily. For many types of uncomplicated back pain, prolonged bed rest is generally not recommended. Appropriate movement and activity may be beneficial, although the right level of activity depends on the individual.
If a particular activity significantly increases your symptoms, it’s important to have your symptoms evaluated and determine an appropriate approach.
Can back pain cause pain down my leg?
It can. However, pain traveling into the leg may indicate involvement of a nerve or another condition rather than simple localized back pain.
If you’re experiencing back pain along with leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
When is back pain an emergency?
Seek immediate medical attention for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, significant weakness, new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle region, or significant symptoms following serious trauma.
These symptoms may require urgent medical evaluation.
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