According to the World Health Organization “Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide and the condition for which the greatest number of people may benefit from rehabilitation.”
It's crucial to understand that not all instances of low back pain are caused by sciatica. There are numerous muscles and ligaments in and around your spine that can result in such discomfort. Consequently, the key to treating low back pain lies in identifying what is causing it, which can be done through a comprehensive history and assessment. Often, low back pain is caused by referred muscular pain from an overused muscle. If a muscle is weak and needs to remain contracted to perform its primary function, it can become overused, leading to increased sensitivity and pain. It's also important to note that pain is merely a warning sign, much like a check engine light on your car. It indicates that a problem exists, but it doesn't necessarily indicate where the problem is. That's why it's critical to seek the help of a professional to diagnose the problem.
Additionally, it's necessary to recognize that several muscles in and around your back can create sciatic-like symptoms. If you have low back pain, it's more likely that it is a sprain or a strain than sciatica. Here are some indications that you more than likely do not have sciatica: the pain goes away with movement, does not travel past mid-thigh, is pinpoint discomfort, only lasts for a few minutes then goes away, or returns every few days to months with no mechanism of injury.
When treating low back pain, the first step is to determine the cause of the pain and what might be aggravating it. It's essential to avoid movements and postures that are causing irritation to the tissue, as continuing to irritate the tissue can slow down the healing process. Once the cause has been determined, a plan can be put in place that involves massage, chiropractic treatment, and exercise to rehabilitate the condition.
Soft tissue, chiropractic treatment, and exercise rehabilitation are the best treatments for Low back pain.