Low Back Pain Treatment Toronto
Low back pain can make it difficult to sit, stand, walk, sleep, work or exercise. It may develop suddenly or gradually and may be associated with problems involving the spinal joints, discs, muscles and other tissues of the lower back.
At My Toronto Chiropractor Clinic, Dr. Leslie Horowitz has more than 34 years of experience examining and treating patients with acute and chronic low back pain.
Depending on your condition and examination findings, treatment may include spinal manipulation or mobilization, PulStar® computerized multiple impulse therapy, soft-tissue treatment, physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound and interferential current, rehabilitative exercises, and advice about posture, ergonomics and activities.
Your examination helps determine the likely cause of your symptoms, whether chiropractic care is appropriate, and which treatment approaches may be most suitable for you.
Low Back Pain Treatment in Toronto
Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization
The goal of spinal manipulation and mobilization is to improve movement in spinal and peripheral joints that have become stiff or are not moving normally.
Spinal manipulation is a type of manual treatment in which the chiropractor uses a quick, controlled movement to move a joint beyond its usual physiological range.
Spinal mobilization is a lower-force technique performed in a slower, gentler manner without taking the joint beyond its usual physiological range.
The technique Dr. Horowitz uses is individualized for each patient and depends on your diagnosis, examination findings, whether manual chiropractic manipulation is appropriate for you, and your preferences.
When spinal manipulation is not appropriate or preferred, joint mobilization techniques may be used instead.
PulStar® Computerized Multiple Impulse Therapy
PulStar® spine treatment is a form of spine mobilization that provides controlled mechanical impulses to selected areas of the spine.
Dr. Horowitz has been certified in the use of PulStar® computerized treatment since 2012.
Soft-Tissue Therapy & Physical Therapy Modalities
Dr. Horowitz may use deep shiatsu-type massage, trigger-point therapy, vibration massage, ultrasound and interferential current to help reduce pain and muscle tension and improve movement.
Exercise Rehabilitation for Low Back Pain
An important part of a treatment and rehabilitation plan for low back pain is understanding which activities, postures, movements and exercises are appropriate for your condition, which may aggravate your symptoms, and which may place injured or vulnerable tissues at risk.
Exercises are selected according to your examination findings and abilities and may focus on mobility, flexibility, core and hip strength, muscle control and a gradual return to activities that have become difficult because of your back pain. Your exercises may be modified as your symptoms and function change.
Posture & Ergonomics for Low Back Pain
Prolonged sitting, workstation setup, lifting, repetitive movements and changes in activity can contribute to low back pain and may aggravate existing symptoms.
Treatment may include advice about sitting and working positions, lifting techniques, changing positions during the day and modifying activities while your back is recovering.
The goal is not simply to avoid movement, but to help you understand how to modify your body positions and movements to remain appropriately active, reduce the risk of aggravating or reinjuring your back, and gradually return to your usual activities.
Low Back Pain Examination in Toronto
Your examination begins with a detailed history of your low back pain, including when it started, where you feel the pain, what makes it better or worse, previous episodes or injuries, and activities that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Dr. Horowitz examines your lower back and related areas to assess spinal movement, joint function, muscle tenderness and spasm. Depending on your symptoms, the examination may also include orthopaedic and neurological testing to assess muscle strength, reflexes and sensation.
The examination helps determine the likely cause of your symptoms, whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate and which treatment approaches may be suitable for you.
If your history or examination findings suggest that further investigation or medical assessment is needed, referral may be recommended.
Conditions Associated with Low Back Pain
Low back pain can arise from the muscles, joints, discs and other tissues of the lower back. Sometimes a specific source of pain can be identified, while in other cases there may not be one clearly identifiable structure responsible for the symptoms.
Low back pain may be associated with muscle strains and back spasms, facet joint problems, disc degeneration, disc herniation, sciatica, sacroiliac joint problems and lumbar spinal stenosis.
What Factors Can Contribute to Low Back Pain?
Low back pain is influenced by many factors. Some cannot be changed, while others involve physical activity, lifestyle, work demands, previous injuries and general health. The importance of each factor varies from person to person.
Non-Modifiable or Less-Modifiable Factors
- Increasing age
- Genetic and inherited factors
- Congenital or structural abnormalities of the spine
- Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
- A history of previous episodes of low back pain
- Changes in walking or lower-limb mechanics associated with a painful foot, knee or hip condition or a structural leg-length difference
Physical and Lifestyle Factors
- Low levels of physical activity
- Sudden increases or substantial changes in exercise or physical activity
- Reduced muscle strength or physical conditioning
- Reduced flexibility or restricted range of motion
- Muscle overuse and repetitive physical loading
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sleep problems and persistent fatigue
- Sports and exercise-related injuries
- Incomplete rehabilitation following a previous back injury
Work and Mechanical Factors
- Heavy or repetitive lifting
- Improper lifting techniques
- Repeated bending, twisting or working in awkward positions
- Prolonged sitting or driving
- Physically demanding work
- Whole-body vibration, such as prolonged exposure while driving some vehicles or operating certain machinery
Psychological and Social Factors
Psychological and social factors can also influence low back pain, particularly the persistence of pain and disability. These may include psychological distress, anxiety, depression and work-related psychosocial stressors.
Low Back Pain Is Common and Can Recur
Low back pain is one of the most common health conditions worldwide and is a leading cause of disability.¹
Although many people with acute low back pain improve substantially during the first several weeks, recurrence is common. A systematic review found that approximately 73% of patients experienced at least one recurrence within 12 months following an episode of acute low back pain.²
Because low back pain can recur, treatment and rehabilitation may include exercises, activity modification and ergonomic recommendations based on your examination findings, with the goals of improving function and helping you return to your usual activities.
Book a Low Back Pain Examination in Toronto
If low back pain is interfering with your work, sleep, exercise or daily activities, a chiropractic examination can help determine the likely cause of your symptoms and whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate for you.
Dr. Leslie Horowitz has more than 34 years of experience examining and treating patients with acute, recurring and chronic low back pain at My Toronto Chiropractor Clinic in midtown Toronto.
Book a Low Back Pain Examination Online
My Toronto Chiropractor Clinic in Midtown Toronto
My Toronto Chiropractor Clinic is located in midtown Toronto. Use the map below for directions to the clinic.
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