In Tucson? Have lower back pain?

Does your lower back ache by the end of the day? Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care.

Low back pain is very common, and the exact cause can be hard to find. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate the spine and the muscles and joints around it. Dr. Rosseland looks for what may be contributing to your pain.

Keep the following points in mind as you look for help.

When to get emergency care

Seek emergency care right away for back pain with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or new weakness in the legs.

Your habits between visits matter

Along with care for your current pain, Dr. Rosseland can share exercise and ergonomic habits. These habits may lower the chance of the pain coming back. Following them between visits is an important part of care.

Treatment options for low back pain

Treatment options for low back pain vary from office to office and from patient to patient. After your evaluation, Dr. Rosseland suggests the options that suit your condition. Common options include:

• Spinal adjustments, delivered by hand or with an instrument
• Hot or cold compresses
• Therapeutic procedures such as interferential therapy
• Myofascial and other soft tissue work

Ask Dr. Rosseland which of these make sense for you.

If you already take pain medication

If a medical doctor prescribed pain medication before you started chiropractic care, keep taking it as prescribed. Talk with that doctor before you make any changes. Some patients find their pain eases as care goes on. Dr. Rosseland and your medical doctor can talk through what is right for you.

Exercises to strengthen your core

As your pain eases, Dr. Rosseland may recommend exercises to strengthen the core muscles that support your lower back. You may practice them in the office first. That way, you learn to do them without aggravating your original complaint. Once you know how to do them correctly, you can keep doing them at home.

Talk about all your options

Some people with low back pain want to try conservative, non-surgical care first. Whether that is appropriate depends on your condition. If your evaluation points to a problem a medical doctor or specialist should look at, Dr. Rosseland will tell you so.

Care starts with a thorough consultation and examination. When you need imaging such as X-rays, Dr. Rosseland refers you out for it. The results can help guide your treatment plan.

If low back pain keeps getting in your way, Dr. Rosseland can take a careful look at what is going on. Call (520) 444-1937 or request an appointment online. Same-day appointments are available when there is an opening.