About The Back and Back Problems
The human spine (or backbone) is made up of small bones called vertebra.  The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other to form a column.  Between each vertebra is a cushion known as a disc.  The vertebra are held together by ligaments, and muscles are attached to the vertebrae by bands of tissue called tendons.

Openings in each vertebra line up to form a long hollow canal.  The spinal cord runs through this canal from the base of the brain.  Nerves from the spinal cord branch out and leave the spine through the spaces between the vertebrae.

The lower part of the back holds most of the body’s weight.  Even a minor problem with the bones, muscles, ligaments, or tendons in this area can cause pain when a person stands, bends, or moves around.  Less often, a problem with a disc can pinch or irritate a nerve from the spinal cord, causing pain that runs down the leg, below the knee called sciatica.

A low back problem may come on suddenly or gradually.  It is acute if it lasts a short while, usually a few days to several weeks.  An episode that lasts longer than 3 months is not acute.

If you have been bothered by your lower back, you are not alone.  Eight out of ten adults will have a low back problem at some time in their life.  And most will have more than one episode of acute low back problems.  In between episodes, most people return to their normal activities with little or no symptoms.

Causes of Low Back Problems
Even with today’s technology, the exact reason or cause of low back problems can be found in very few people.  Most times, the symptoms are blamed on poor muscle tone in the back, muscle tension or spasm, back sprains, ligament or muscle tears, joint problems.  Sometimes nerves from the spinal cord can be irritated by “slipped” discs causing buttock or leg pain.  This may also cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.

People who are in poor physical condition or do work that includes heavy labor or long periods of sitting or standing are at greater risk for low back problems.  These people also get better more slowly.  Emotional stress or long periods of inactivity may make back symptoms seem worse.

Lower back problems are often painful.  But the good news is that very few people turn out to have a major problem with the bones or joints of the back or a dangerous medical condition.

Seeing a Chiropractor Can Help
Many people who develop mild low back discomfort may not need to see a chiropractor right away.  Often, within a few days, the symptoms go away without any treatment.

A visit to your chiropractor is a good idea if: