Discussions

I've been having chronic lower back pain for a couple years now and finally want to get something done about it (I'm only in my 20's!). I have never seen a doctor about it because I don't really want to manage it with medication for the rest of my life. I've been looking into different therapies but I'm just not sure what the best option would be. I've tried doing stretches and exercises that I've found on the Internet to help with lower back pain but they haven't helped. I've never had a massage so I'm not sure if that's something that could help? Or just go to a chiropractor? I've also heard about osteopathic massage but not exactly sure what that entails or if It would help in my situation. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

It depends what is causing the pain as to what will help. I have weak ab muscles and this causes my back to hurt. Doing exercises, massage and a monthly visit to the chiropractor keeps the pain away. I would recommend seeing Dr. Stewart at Harvest Chiropractic if you are thinking of trying one. I think they now have a massage therapist there too.  
 
Best of Luck.

I don''t think the age factor means anything. When I was in high school, and that was a long long time ago, I would have my left leg go numb while sitting in my desk at school. Way back then there were chiropractors but most doctors referred to them as quacks practicing quacker, but today I believe that if I had gone to a "good chiropractor" that the back pain I experienced in following years may not have happened.  
If there is nothing medically wrong with you, and you have been checked out by a doctor, my next recommendation would be to see a chiropractor. Since you have already mention stretching excersises with no results, massage likely won''t get rid of chronic pain because your body realizes there is a problem and muscle tension is it''s way of stabilizing the are to prevent further damage and promote healing.  
I would try a chiropractor, but if you have a protruding disc or a herniated disc you will likely be dealing with a doctor and maybe even surgery.  
I was born in the 1950''s and my back problems started in the early 70''s, and still have flare ups to this very day, although I don''t know everything about back pain, I know what has worked for me.  
 
Edited by don brown, 2016-10-01 07:37:14

You have to find the source of the pain to know how to manage it or fix it. I suggest chiropractor. I also have low back pain and go regularily. Also massage once a month helps and during really bad flare ups I've gone to physio in the past. Start wherever your comfortable. I was terrified of chiropractors before I went and it helped a lot. And I also got a clear diagnosis from the chiropractor as to what was causing the pain. I also was in my 20's.

I think I will try the chiropractor then, I was always too nervous to go because I felt like I shouldn't be having this problem in my early 20's, but when I'm sitting in a chair I'm constantly readjusting the way I'm sitting at least every 10 minutes. It doesn't hurt when I'm walking but as soon as I sit it starts again or if I stand in place for a little while. Thanks for all the replies so far!

I suggest that you see your Doctor first and talk about treatment ideas. Depending on what's wrong they may do X-ray or MRI. Talk about chiropractic vs physiotherapist. If it's muscle related, chiropractic won't help but physio will. If it's disc problem then chiro is best. Find out what's wrong first and treat accordingly.

Most doctors don't know exactly how to treat various types of back injuries and pain. Everything from a massage to loosen the muscles in your back to physio, chiro, osteo, acupuncture, or regular exercise could be an option. You might have to go through a few of these but see your doctor first.

He is a Chinese acupuncturist and has helped a lot of people with back pain

Going to the doctor first to find out what the cause might be than go to physiotherapy and if needed chiropractor. The physiotherapists at dynamic are great they use massage, heat, exercises, and acupuncture . I hope you find some answers that will help

I suggest going to your family doctor and asking for a referral to the pain clinic here in town with Dr. Wong. They will diagnose your issue and then help you find a solution to manage the pain, whether it be meds, chiro, physio etc.  
 
Good luck! I literally feel your pain

Definitely try a chiropractor. So many ppl are afraid to see one due to old publications years ago. I also recommend Harvest Chiropractic, I've had chronic lower back pain and after the adjustments, my back pain is gone and my posture is even better. Don't be afraid to go and get an adjustment.

I am in my 20s as well and suffer from back pain. I got x-Rays and it turns out I have mild scoliosis. I do a mixture of physio, chiro, and massage. Luckily I have insurance that covers it. The physiotherapist gave me some low impact stretches to do every day at home and it has been helping!

Muscle pain is going to be achy and diffuse. If that's the cause a massage can definitely help as well as physio. If it's sharp or you're having sensory issues, massage physio or a chiro will be able to let you know if you're symptoms are something to be concerned or have your doctor look at. They are all trained to realize when they can't help you.