Lower Back Pain, Sacroiliac Pain or Sciatica from a Herniated Disc?
Pain in the lower back or down the leg can make everyday activities difficult — sitting, standing, walking, or even sleeping comfortably.
Dr. Robert Shortell at Cromwell Chiropractic Center has been helping patients with lower back pain and disc problems in the Cromwell area since 1997.
- ✔ Detailed spinal evaluations
- ✔ Treatment for disc injuries and sciatica
- ✔ On-site X-ray facilities
- ✔ Most major insurance plans accepted including Aetna, Anthem BC/BS, ConnectiCare, United Healthcare, Medicare, attorney liens, and workers’ compensation.
Understanding Lower Back Pain, Sacroiliac Pain, and Sciatica
The lower back, also called the lumbar spine, supports much of the body’s weight and allows you to bend, twist, and move. Because it works so hard during daily activities like lifting, sitting, and walking, it is also one of the most common areas where people experience pain.
Several important structures work together in the lower back.
Spinal Discs
Between each vertebra is a disc, which acts like a cushion or shock absorber for the spine.
Each disc has two parts:
- A soft, gel-like center
- A stronger outer ring
Discs help absorb pressure when you walk, bend, or lift. If a disc becomes irritated, bulges, or herniates, it can place pressure on nearby nerves and cause symptoms such as:
- Lower back pain, especially when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Pain traveling into the leg (sciatica), especially below the knee
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
Facet Joints
The facet joints are small joints located at the back of each vertebra.
These joints guide and control how the spine moves, allowing you to bend forward, lean backward, and twist.
When facet joints become irritated or inflamed, they may cause:
- Localized lower back pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
- Stiffness when standing or walking
- Pain when bending backward or twisting
Sacroiliac (SI) Joints
At the base of the spine are the sacroiliac joints, often called the SI joints.
These joints connect the spine to the pelvis and help transfer the weight of the upper body to the hips and legs.
When the SI joints become irritated, they may cause symptoms such as:
- Pain on one side of the lower back or buttock
- Pain during transition movements such as standing up, sitting down, or turning in bed
- Pain that causes a person to stand with most of their weight on one leg to relieve discomfort
Why a Detailed Evaluation Matters
Because the discs, facet joints, and sacroiliac joints can all produce similar symptoms, a careful spinal evaluation can help determine the exact source of the problem.
At Cromwell Chiropractic Center, we take a whole-body approach to lower back pain.
This starts with a careful spinal evaluation and may include examining the:
- Lower back
- Pelvis
- Hips
- Knees
- Feet
This helps identify the underlying cause of the problem, which is an important first step toward developing an effective treatment plan.
Treatment recommendations may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory recommendations
- Individually tailored exercises
- Lumbar decompression to reduce disc pressure
- Custom orthotics or heel lifts when needed to assist with flat arches or a short leg syndrome
Call the Office – 860-635-4455
Text the Office – 860-999-2435
Dr. Robert Shortell, DC
Cromwell Chiropractic Center