Lower back pain is a widespread issue, affecting millions of people and presenting challenges to daily life and physical activity. At Midwest Spine and Sport, we follow a structured, evidence-based approach to address lower back pain. Our process—Get Pain Free, Increase Mobility, and Gain Stability—is designed to address pain's root causes, restore function, and build resilience. By integrating contemporary rehabilitation techniques, pain science, and movement-based strategies, our approach provides effective and lasting relief.
Lower Back Pain Management: Our Three-Step Approach
Dr. Jimmy Keutzer
Common Diagnoses and Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can stem from a variety of conditions, including:
- Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains: Overuse, improper movement mechanics, or sudden trauma can cause localized pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
- Disc Herniation: When spinal discs bulge or rupture, they may irritate nerves, leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
- Facet Joint Dysfunction: Irritation or inflammation in the small joints of the spine can result in sharp pain and restricted movement.
- Lumbar Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses nerves, causing pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities.
- SI Joint Dysfunction: Misalignment or irritation of the sacroiliac joint can cause pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks.
Symptoms of lower back pain often include dull aches, sharp pains, stiffness, radiating discomfort, and challenges performing daily activities.
Our Three-Step Process
Step 1: Get Pain Free
The first step is alleviating pain to allow the body to reset and begin healing. Pain management strategies address both the physical and neurological aspects of discomfort, helping patients regain confidence in their movement.
What We Do in This Stage:
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue work and joint mobilizations reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore motion.
- Targeted Exercises: Specific movements are used to alleviate pain and centralize discomfort back to its source.
- Nervous System Reset: Pain can cause the nervous system to become hypersensitive. By promoting proper movement and reducing unnecessary strain, we help the nervous system recalibrate.
This phase focuses on reducing pain signals, allowing patients to move without fear of aggravating their condition.
Step 2: Increase Mobility
Once pain is managed, we address mobility. Poor flexibility and restricted motion in the spine, hips, or surrounding areas often lead to compensatory patterns that worsen lower back pain.
Why Mobility Matters:
Improving range of motion allows the body to move more efficiently, reducing unnecessary strain on the lower back. It also addresses the imbalances that often cause pain in the first place.
What We Do in This Stage:
- Active Mobilizations: These exercises help restore flexibility and range of motion in key areas like the spine, hips, and hamstrings.
- Segmental Spine Movement: This technique ensures that each part of the spine contributes properly to movement, rather than forcing one area to overcompensate.
- Breathing Mechanics: Many people overlook the role of proper breathing in back health. Diaphragmatic breathing enhances core stability and supports spinal function.
Mobility training prepares the body for the demands of daily life and physical activity, laying the foundation for lasting stability.
Step 3: Gain Stability
With mobility restored, the final step is building strength and stability. Without a stable core and support system, the lower back remains vulnerable to reinjury.
The Role of Stability:
Core and overall stability provide a strong foundation for all movement. When the body can maintain proper alignment and control, the risk of injury decreases dramatically.
What We Do in This Stage:
- Core Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the deep core muscles supports the spine during movement.
- Functional Strength Training: Multi-joint exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts are introduced to improve overall strength and coordination.
- Proprioceptive Training: Enhancing body awareness and balance optimizes movement efficiency and reduces injury risk.
This phase ensures that patients are not only pain-free but also equipped with the strength and control to stay that way.
A Full-Body Approach to Lower Back Health
Lower back pain rarely exists in isolation. It is often the result of dysfunctions elsewhere in the body, such as the hips, knees, or thoracic spine. Treating these areas ensures that the lower back is not overburdened.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Hip Mobility: The hips play a critical role in supporting lower back function. Limited hip flexibility can force the lower back to compensate, leading to pain.
- Thoracic Spine Mobility: A stiff upper back can strain the lumbar spine, especially during rotational movements like bending or twisting.
- Proper Movement Patterns: Retraining functional movements like bending, lifting, and sitting ensures that the body moves in a way that minimizes strain and maximizes efficiency.
By addressing the entire body, we create a balanced, efficient system that supports lower back health and overall well-being.
Why Our Approach Works
At Midwest Spine and Sport, we believe in personalized, patient-centered care. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, we address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Comprehensive Assessments: Each patient undergoes a detailed evaluation to identify their specific needs and goals.
- Individualized Care Plans: We tailor treatments to each person, ensuring that every intervention is purposeful and effective.
- Focus on Long-Term Results: Our goal is not just pain relief but equipping patients with the tools and knowledge to maintain their progress independently.
We prioritize education and empowerment, teaching our patients how to take control of their health and prevent future injuries.
Take Control of Your Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain doesn’t have to define your life. With the right approach, you can reduce pain, restore function, and build the resilience needed for a healthy, active lifestyle. Our three-step process offers a clear and effective path to recovery, addressing pain, improving mobility, and building stability in a comprehensive and personalized way.
If you’re ready to start your journey to a stronger, pain-free back, contact us at Midwest Spine and Sport to schedule your assessment. Together, we’ll help you move better, feel stronger, and live your life to the fullest.