Many people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. However, because the condition is so widespread, it can be difficult to know when your discomfort indicates a serious problem that needs to be treated. That’s why it’s important to see a chiropractor when your lower back hurts. As an expert in spinal health, they’ll help determine if your pain indicates an underlying condition.

How to Know If Your Lower Back Pain Is Serious

Why Severity Isn’t the Only Factor

You might assume that the severity of your discomfort will determine whether or not you need professional care. This isn’t necessarily the case. That’s because some back conditions don’t result in intense pain. For instance, people suffering from lumbar degenerative disc disease often find their pain is relatively minimal.

That’s why you should focus instead on monitoring how long the pain lasts. Granted, if the pain doesn’t last long, but it is very intense, you should seek treatment. However, if the pain isn’t particularly strong, but it lasts for over a week, it’s time to see a specialist.

Treatment Plans

Your doctor will diagnose your condition or refer you to someone who can. Getting a proper diagnosis is crucial as this will determine what kind of treatment plan you need.

Treatments may often involve chiropractic care. This is an ideal option for many patients because it can not only alleviate their pain but also correct the underlying condition behind it. This form of treatment is also non-invasive and doesn’t involve any unpleasant side effects.

Looking for a chiropractor to treat your lower back pain? Get in touch with Ark-La-Tex Health Center, in Texarkana, AR. They work closely with patients to ensure treatment programs are tailored to their specific needs. Contact them online for more information, or call (870) 773-­7246.