Sudden Low Back Pain in Alpharetta, GA: When Should You See a Chiropractor?
Sudden low back pain can turn an ordinary day into a difficult one quickly. You may notice it after lifting something, exercising, working around the house, getting out of the car, or simply bending or twisting the wrong way.
Sometimes there isn’t an obvious reason at all.
If you’re dealing with sudden low back pain in Alpharetta, GA, you may wonder whether you should give it time, change your activities, or have the problem evaluated.
At Northeast Chiropractic Center, Dr. Linsey Grant evaluates patients with low back pain to help identify factors that may be contributing to their symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
Why Can Your Lower Back Suddenly Start Hurting?
Acute low back pain generally describes a relatively recent episode of back pain. Symptoms can involve muscles, joints, ligaments, discs, irritated nerves or several structures at the same time.
Common situations that may precede an episode include:
- Lifting or carrying something heavy
- Bending or twisting
- Exercise or sports
- A sudden increase in physical activity
- Repetitive work
- Prolonged sitting
- Travel
- Household projects
- An awkward movement
In other cases, patients can’t identify one particular event that caused their symptoms.
That’s one reason an examination can be valuable. Where you hurt and how much you hurt don’t always identify the exact source of the problem.
Should You Rest When Your Back Hurts?
It’s natural to want to stop moving when your back hurts, but prolonged bed rest generally isn’t recommended for uncomplicated low back pain.
Depending on the circumstances, maintaining reasonable activity and gradually returning to normal movement may be preferable to extended inactivity.
That doesn’t mean you should push through severe pain or continue activities that significantly aggravate your symptoms.
The appropriate amount and type of activity depend on your symptoms, examination findings and whether there are signs that require additional medical evaluation.
Can Chiropractic Care Be Used for Acute Low Back Pain?
For appropriately selected patients, chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, is one conservative option used in managing low back pain.
The important phrase is appropriately selected.
At Northeast Chiropractic Center, the goal isn’t to assume that every patient with back pain needs an adjustment.
Dr. Linsey Grant begins by discussing your symptoms and performing an appropriate examination to determine whether your presentation appears consistent with a musculoskeletal problem and whether chiropractic treatment may be appropriate.
Depending upon your individual findings, recommendations may include chiropractic adjustments, mobility or rehabilitative exercises, mechanical traction or other conservative approaches when clinically appropriate.
What If the Pain Goes Into Your Buttock or Leg?
Low back pain accompanied by pain traveling into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot deserves particular attention.
Some patients may also experience:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Burning
- Leg discomfort
- Changes in sensation
- Weakness
These symptoms can sometimes occur when a nerve in or around the lower spine is irritated or compressed.
People commonly refer to radiating leg symptoms as sciatica, although not every episode of buttock or leg pain is necessarily caused by the sciatic nerve.
An examination can help determine whether your symptoms appear to involve the lower back, a nerve, another musculoskeletal structure or something requiring referral.
Do You Automatically Need X-Rays for Back Pain?
No.
Not every patient experiencing a new episode of uncomplicated low back pain requires imaging.
At Northeast Chiropractic Center, digital X-rays are available when clinically indicated. The decision should be based upon factors such as your history, examination findings, age, symptoms, previous injuries and other relevant clinical considerations.
The purpose isn’t simply to take an X-ray because your back hurts.
The purpose is to obtain imaging when it can provide clinically useful information.
When Should Back Pain Be Evaluated Urgently?
Most episodes of low back pain aren’t medical emergencies. However, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention.
Seek appropriate medical evaluation if back pain occurs with symptoms such as:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness involving the groin or saddle region
- Significant or progressive muscle weakness
- Significant trauma
- Fever or signs of systemic illness
- Other rapidly worsening or unusual neurological symptoms
Proper screening is an important part of determining whether conservative chiropractic treatment is appropriate.
What Happens at Northeast Chiropractic Center?
Your first step can be a FREE consultation with Dr. Linsey Grant.
This gives you an opportunity to discuss what’s bothering you, when the symptoms began, activities that make the problem better or worse, and whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
If you decide to proceed with care, new patients receive:
Exam + Necessary Digital X-Rays + Initial Adjustment — $47
Recommendations are based on your individual examination findings rather than automatically placing every patient into the same treatment schedule.
Chiropractic Care in Alpharetta, GA
Northeast Chiropractic Center provides chiropractic care for patients experiencing problems such as:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica and radiating leg symptoms
- Headaches associated with neck problems
- Muscle and joint complaints
- Shoulder and upper-back discomfort
- Work- and activity-related musculoskeletal problems
The practice serves patients from Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Duluth and surrounding North Fulton communities.
Don’t Let Sudden Back Pain Keep Interrupting Your Day
A new episode of back pain doesn’t necessarily mean that something serious has happened. But when symptoms are persistent, recurring, worsening or interfering with your ability to work, sleep, exercise or enjoy normal activities, an evaluation may help clarify what’s going on.
Rather than guessing about the source of your symptoms, start by discussing the problem with an experienced chiropractor.
Start With a FREE Consultation
Northeast Chiropractic Center
Dr. Linsey Grant
2650 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 140
Alpharetta, GA 30022
770-451-9494
FREE Chiropractic Consultation
If you decide to proceed:
Exam + Necessary Digital X-Rays + Initial Adjustment — $47
Schedule your FREE consultation with Northeast Chiropractic Center today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sudden Low Back Pain
How long does acute low back pain last?
The duration varies considerably depending on the individual and the underlying problem. Some episodes improve relatively quickly, while others persist or recur. Symptoms that are severe, worsening or significantly interfering with normal activities should be appropriately evaluated.
Should I see a chiropractor if my back suddenly starts hurting?
Chiropractic evaluation may be appropriate for many musculoskeletal causes of low back pain. An examination helps determine whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate or whether another type of medical evaluation should be considered.
Can a chiropractor help if my back pain travels down my leg?
Radiating symptoms may sometimes involve irritation of a spinal nerve, but several conditions can produce similar symptoms. Determining the likely source of the symptoms is an important first step.
Do I need an X-ray before getting adjusted?
Not necessarily. Imaging should be used when clinically indicated based upon your history and examination rather than automatically performed solely because you’re experiencing back pain.
Can I exercise when my lower back hurts?
It depends on the nature and severity of your symptoms. Remaining reasonably active may be appropriate for many uncomplicated episodes, but activities that significantly aggravate symptoms may need to be temporarily modified.
What if my back pain keeps coming back?
Recurring episodes are worth evaluating. Rather than focusing exclusively on temporary symptom relief, an examination may identify movement, occupational, activity or other musculoskeletal factors that could be contributing to repeated episodes.
Does Northeast Chiropractic Center offer same-day appointments?
Appointment availability varies, but patients can contact the office to ask about current appointment availability.
What areas does Northeast Chiropractic Center serve?
The office is located in Alpharetta and serves patients throughout Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Duluth and surrounding communities.