How to self adjust your own low back

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. That nagging ache in your lower back that just won’t quit, making you want to twist and turn until you hear that satisfying ‘pop’. It’s tempting, isn’t it? The idea of being your own chiropractor, sorting out your low back pain with a quick crack. I have even been tempted (as a Chiropractor) to try and treat myself. But hold on a minute! Before you start contorting yourself into a pretzel, let’s have a chat about self-adjusting your low back and why it might not be the best idea.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But it feels so good when I do it!” And you’re not wrong. That immediate sense of relief can be addictive. It’s like scratching an itch – oh so satisfying in the moment, but not always the best solution in the long run. You see, our bodies are complex machines, and our spines are particularly intricate. Trying to self-adjust your low back is a bit like trying to fix your car engine with a hammer – you might make some noise, but you’re unlikely to solve the problem and you could end up doing more harm than good. Ultimately a Chiropractor or Osteopath is moving just the trapped area. When you try and manipulate your own spine its impossible to be accurate.

So, why are we even talking about this? Well, low back pain is incredibly common, especially in areas like the West Midlands, Birmingham, and Stourbridge. It’s as if our backs are rebelling against our modern lifestyles! Sitting for hours at a desk, hunching over our phones, or lifting heavy objects incorrectly – all of these can contribute to that persistent ache in your lower back. And when that pain strikes, it’s natural to want to do something about it.

But here’s the rub (pun intended) – self-adjusting your back isn’t as simple or safe as it might seem. You might think you’re mimicking what a chiropractor or osteopath does, but there’s a world of difference. These professionals have years of training and experience. They understand the intricacies of the spine and the surrounding muscles. They’re like skilled pilots, navigating the complex landscape of your back with precision and care.

When you try to self-adjust, you’re essentially flying blind. You can’t see what’s going on inside your body, and you might end up putting pressure on the wrong areas. It’s a bit like trying to scratch an itch on your back – you know it’s there, but you can’t quite reach it accurately. Only in this case, getting it wrong could lead to more than just frustration.

Let’s talk about some of the risks. When you forcefully manipulate your own spine, you could potentially cause muscle strain, ligament sprain, or even disc injuries. Ouch! And if you’re dealing with sciatic pain, improper movements could aggravate the nerve, leading to increased pain or numbness. It’s like adding fuel to the fire – the very thing you’re trying to extinguish!

Chiropractic treatment often focuses on adjusting the spine to improve function and alleviate pain. It’s based on the idea that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself faster without surgery or medication. Sounds pretty good, right?

Osteopathy, on the other hand, takes a more pain based approach. They might use techniques like stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance to improve the mobility of your joints and relieve muscle tension. Essentially focussing their effort on a single part of the spine.

Both chiropractic and osteopathic treatments (by a qualified practitioner) can be effective for managing low back pain, sciatica, and associated symptoms like numbness. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to perform safe, controlled adjustments – something that’s hard to replicate at home.

But here’s the thing – chiropractic and osteopathy aren’t just about cracking backs. These practitioners can offer a wealth of advice on managing your condition at home. They might suggest specific exercises, advise on ergonomics, or recommend lifestyle changes to support your back health. It’s like having a personal trainer for your spine!

Let’s circle back to our main point – the temptation to self-adjust your low back. I get it, really I do. When you’re in pain, you want relief, and you want it now. But remember, your spine is precious cargo. It’s the highway for your nervous system, the support structure for your entire body. Messing with it without proper knowledge could lead you down a painful road.

Instead of trying to be your own chiropractor, focus on prevention and proper care. Maintain good posture, stay active, and listen to your body. If something hurts, stop doing it! It’s like the old saying goes – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

And if you do find yourself battling persistent low back pain or sciatica, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to a professional. Whether you choose a chiropractor or an osteopath, these trained experts can provide safe, effective treatment tailored to your specific needs. They’re like detectives for your body, piecing together the clues to solve the mystery of your pain.

Remember, your back has been faithfully supporting you your entire life. Isn’t it time you returned the favour? Treat it with care, seek professional help when needed, and say goodbye to the temptation of DIY adjustments. Your future self will thank you for it!

So, the next time you feel that urge to twist and crack your own back, pause for a moment. Take a deep breath, do some gentle stretches or try using some ice or heat on it, and if the pain persists, pick up the phone and call a professional. Your back deserves the best care possible, and that means leaving the adjustments to the experts, so book a consultation and find out if we can help you.

After all, you wouldn’t perform your own dental work or cut your own hair (well, maybe during lockdown, but let’s not go there). So why risk your spinal health with self-adjustments? Trust in the professionals, take care of your back, and here’s to a future of pain-free, comfortable movement. Your back’s got your back – now it’s time for you to have its!