Most people get back pain at some time. A survey in 2004 found that at any one time in the UK, 33% of the population are suffering with back pain and up to 80% of the adult population will suffer significant back pain at some time in their life.

Therefore it's not surprising that here at Skelian Chiropractic Clinic low back pain makes up a major portion of the conditions we help. Back pain can range from a simple strain that recovers quickly to a severe disc injury causing nerve damage.

Many low back injuries result from repetitive daily activities such as bending, lifting or twisting. Some may also result from an accident or sports injury. Poor posture can also be a culprit. Your chiropractor will assess your spine and ask you questions about the factors responsible for your condition. Your treatment will include life-style advice designed to help you avoid further problems.

Discs do not slip! They are strongly attached to the vertebrae above and below. The outside layers are made up of tough elastic ligaments and the inside centre is a soft gel. Over time, with repetitive small injuries, tears can occur in the outer layers allowing the inner gel to bulge through. This is sometimes called a slipped disc but is more accurately known as a bulging, herniated or prolapsed disc. The inflammation caused by the bulging disc can irritate the spinal nerves lying close by. This can result in nerve pain, often radiating down the leg (sciatica).

Chiropractors help disc and nerve injuries by restoring the normal function of the spine, thereby removing the added strain to the area and allowing it to heal efficiently. This frees stiff joints and reduces spinal nerve irritation.