low back pain treatment in Markham
low back pain: causes, symptoms and effective chiropractic treatments
Looking for low back pain treatment in Markham?
Low back pain can make even simple movements like sitting, bending, or lifting feel difficult and unpredictable.
At in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic, in addition to performing functional assessments, we provide evidence-based care including:
Our goal is to to relieve lower back pain, restore mobility, and prevent future episodes so you can move more comfortably again.
Quick guide: low back pain
Condition:
Mechanical irritation of the lumbar spine caused by muscle strain, joint irritation, disc problems, arthritis, or nerve compression.
Common symptoms:
- aching or stiffness in the lower back
- pain with bending or lifting
- muscle tightness or spasms
- reduced mobility
- pain radiating into hips or legs
Common causes:
- prolonged sitting
- poor posture
- lifting injuries
- sports strain
- disc irritation or herniation
- arthritis
- weak core muscles
Treatment options:
- chiropractic adjustments
- spinal mobilization
- soft tissue therapy
- acupuncture
- rehabilitation exercises
- posture correction
- laser therapy
When to seek care:
- pain lasting longer than 1–2 weeks
- difficulty moving or standing upright
- pain radiating into the leg
- symptoms affecting sleep or daily activities
Understanding low back pain
Low back pain affects up to 80% of people at some point and is a leading cause of reduced activity, missed work and healthcare visits.
The lumbar spine supports body weight and allows bending, lifting, and twisting. Because of these demands, it is especially vulnerable to strain and irritation.
Low back pain may:
- start suddenly (lifting, sports, awkward movement)
- develop gradually (prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive strain)
While many cases improve within a few days, persistent or recurring symptoms often indicate an underlying mechanical issue in the spine that may benefit from professional assessment and treatment.
Chiropractic care focuses on:
- identifying the underlying mechanical cause
- restoring proper joint movement
- improving muscle balance and stability
Symptoms of low back pain
Low back pain can present in many different ways depending on the underlying structures involved, such as muscles, joints, discs, or nerves.
Common symptoms include:
- aching or dull pain in the lower back
- stiffness or reduced flexibility in the lumbar spine
- muscle tightness or spasms
- pain that worsens with bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting
- difficulty standing up straight after sitting
- reduced range of motion in the lower back
- pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, or legs (sometimes called sciatica)
- numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg when a nerve is irritated
- burning or shooting nerve pain
- weakness in the leg or foot
- stiffness when getting out of bed in the morning
- pain after prolonged sitting, driving, or standing
What causes low back pain?
Most cases are mechanical, meaning they arise from dysfunction of the joints, discs, muscles, or ligaments.
Common causes include:
1) Muscle and ligament strain
Overstretching or overloading the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine can cause inflammation, muscle spasm, and restricted movement.
2) Prolonged sitting
Long periods of sitting—especially while working at a computer or driving—place increased pressure on spinal discs and often lead to poor posture.
3) Poor posture
Slouched or forward-leaning posture increases strain on the lumbar spine and surrounding muscles.
4) Improper mattress or sleeping position
A mattress that lacks support or sleeping in positions that strain the spine may contribute to morning stiffness and back pain.
5) Improper lifting mechanics
Bending and lifting incorrectly can overload spinal joints and discs.
6) Weak core muscles
Insufficient strength in the abdominal, hip, and back muscles reduces spinal stability and increases stress on the lower back.
Common conditions associated with low back pain
Several different conditions can contribute to low back pain.
Mechanical low back pain
The most common type of low back pain:
- caused by joint, disc, or muscle dysfunction
- worse with movement, better with rest
Muscle spasms in the lower back
Involuntary tightening of back muscles:
- often due to strain or joint irritation
- causes sharp or cramping pain
Lumbar radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy is caused by nerve irritation in the lower spine. Symptoms may include:
- pain radiating into the leg
- numbness or weakness
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and compresses nerves. Symptoms include:
- low back pain
- leg pain or heaviness when walking
- numbness or weakness in the legs
- relief when sitting or bending forward
This condition is more common in adults over age 50.
Facet joint syndrome
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints in the spine and irritation is a common cause of mechanical low back pain.
Irritation or degeneration of these joints may cause:
- localized low back pain
- stiffness when standing or bending backward
- pain with twisting movements
Degenerative disc disease
As discs age they can lose hydration and height, leading to:
- stiffness and reduced flexibility
- may cause chronic pain
Degenerative changes are common with aging and do not always cause symptoms, but they may contribute to persistent or recurring back pain.
Spondylolisthesis
This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another. This may cause:
- persistent low back pain
- instability and pain
- stiffness
- nerve irritation or sciatica
The severity of symptoms depends on how much the vertebra has shifted.
Piriformis syndrome
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle in the buttock irritates the sciatic nerve causing symptoms similar to sciatica:
- pain in the buttock
- pain radiating down the back of the leg
- discomfort when sitting for long periods
- tightness in the hip or glute muscles
Unlike true spinal sciatica, piriformis syndrome originates in the hip muscles rather than the spine.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the spine to the pelvis.
Dysfunction in this joint can cause:
- pain in the lower back or buttock
- pain when standing or walking
- discomfort when transitioning from sitting to standing
- can mimic disc pain
Disc injuries (bulge or herniation)
Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae.
Bulging disc:
The outer layer of the disc bulges outward but remains intact.
Herniated disc:
The inner material pushes through a tear in the outer disc layer.
Both conditions may cause:
- localized back pain
- nerve irritation
- sciatica
- numbness or tingling in the leg
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed.
Symptoms may include:
- pain radiating down the buttock and leg
- burning or shooting pain
- numbness or tingling
- leg weakness
Sciatica is often caused by disc irritation, joint dysfunction, or spinal stenosis.
Osteoarthritis of the Spine
Spinal osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in spinal joints gradually wears down.
This can cause:
- joint inflammation
- stiffness
- reduced mobility
- bone spur formation
Understanding these conditions helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Low back pain from sitting, work or daily activities
Low back pain is extremely common in people who:
- work at a desk
- drive frequently
- sit for long periods
Common contributing factors:
- poor workstation setup
- prolonged sitting without breaks
- weak core muscles
- tight hips or hamstrings
Simple strategies:
- stand every 30–45 minutes
- keep screen at eye level
- maintain neutral posture
- keep feet flat on the floor
- adjust your chair to support the lower back
- perform regular stretching and strengthening exercises
Chiropractic treatment can help restore spinal mobility and correct mechanical issues contributing to sitting-related discomfort.
Low back pain when bending or lifting
Pain that occurs during bending or lifting is often related to irritation of spinal joints, discs, or surrounding muscles.
Improper lifting mechanics can place excessive strain on the lumbar spine.
Common causes include:
- muscle strain
- ligament sprain
- joint dysfunction
- disc irritation
Proper lifting technique includes:
- bending at the hips and knees
- keeping the object close to the body
- engaging the core muscles
- avoiding twisting while lifting
Rehabilitation exercises and chiropractic treatment can help improve movement patterns and reduce strain on the lower back.
Conditions sometimes misdiagnosed as mechanical low back pain
Symptoms of low back pain can overlap with other conditions, including:
- hip joint arthritis
- piriformis syndrome
- sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- kidney-related pain
- abdominal or pelvic organ disorders
- stress fractures of the spine
- tumors or systemic illness
Your in balance chiropractor will perform a thorough health assessment to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. If necessary, imaging or referral to another healthcare provider may be recommended.
Low back pain treatment – who this care is for
This treatment is ideal for people who:
- have persistent or recurring low back pain
- feel stiff, tight, or restricted in movement
- sit for long hours or have a desk job
- perform physically demanding work
- experience flare-ups with bending or lifting
- want to prevent future episodes
If your back pain is limiting your ability to move, work, or stay active, a focused assessment can help identify the cause and guide effective treatment.
How chiropractic treatment helps with low back pain
Chiropractic treatment is well-supported by research for managing low back pain.
Chiropractic treatments may include:
Chiropractic adjustments
Spinal adjustments help:
- restore normal joint motion
- reduce nerve irritation
- decrease muscle tension
- improve spinal function
- prevent recurrence
Soft tissue therapy
Muscle and fascial treatments help address tight or restricted tissues.
Techniques may include:
These treatments improve circulation, flexibility, and muscle function.
Exercise rehabilitation
Strengthening the muscles that support the spine helps prevent recurrence.
Common exercises include:
- bird-dog
- planks
- side bridge
- glute bridges
Rehabilitation programs also emphasize posture correction, hip mobility, and functional movement patterns.
Additional therapies that may help:
Some patients benefit from complementary therapies such as:
Acupuncture
Helps reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and stimulate natural pain-relieving mechanisms.
Kinesiology taping
Supports muscles and joints while allowing normal movement and circulation.
Laser therapy
A non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
Why choose chiropractic treatment for low back pain?
Research consistently shows that spinal manipulation and chiropractic care provide better pain relief and functional improvement compared to medications or surgery—without the risks of invasive procedures or side effects.
Benefits may include:
- faster recovery
- improved range of motion
- reduced muscle tension
- decreased risk of recurrent episodes
- improved posture and movement mechanics
Chiropractic care focuses on treating the underlying cause of pain rather than only masking symptoms.
Related conditions and contributing factors
Low back pain is often influenced by how other areas of the body move and function. When joints, muscles, or nerves are not working properly, it can place added stress on the lower back and contribute to ongoing or recurring discomfort.
Common related issues include:
- nerve irritation such as sciatica
- hip and pelvic dysfunction
- upper or mid-back stiffness
- knee pain caused by compensation
At in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic, treatment focuses on identifying and addressing these contributing factors—not just the area of pain.
Therefore, you may also benefit from assessment and treatment for:
- Sciatica treatment in Markham
- Hip and pelvic pain treatment in Markham
- Upper/mid back pain treatment in Markham
- Knee pain treatment in Markham
By addressing the full movement system, we help:
- improve overall function
- reduce strain on the lower back
- decrease the risk of future flare-ups
FAQs about low back pain in Markham
Lower Back Pain
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper joint mobility, reduce nerve irritation, reduce muscle tension and improve overall spinal mechanics, which often improves stiffness and discomfort.
Soft tissue therapy can address the tight muscles and fascia that frequently contribute to back pain.
Yes. Poor posture is one of the most common contributors to low back pain.
Slouching or sitting with a forward head and rounded shoulders increases pressure on the lumbar discs and surrounding muscles.
Over time this can lead to:
- muscle fatigue
- spinal joint irritation
- disc strain
- reduced spinal mobility
Improving posture and strengthening core muscles can significantly reduce stress on the lower back.
Yes. Prolonged sitting increases pressure on spinal discs and often leads to poor posture.
Taking frequent movement breaks and maintaining good ergonomics can significantly reduce strain on the lower back.
Many cases of mechanical low back pain improve within a few days to a few weeks.
However, recovery time depends on the cause of the pain, the severity of tissue irritation, and how quickly proper treatment begins.
Persistent symptoms lasting longer than several weeks may indicate joint dysfunction, disc irritation, or muscle imbalance that requires treatment.
It can be. During sleep, the spine should remain in a neutral position.
A mattress that is too soft allows your hips to sink too deeply, placing stress on the lower back. A mattress that is too firm can create pressure points and reduce the spine’s natural curve.
If your mattress, pillow, or sleep position places stress on the spine, the joints and surrounding muscles can become irritated, leading to morning stiffness and low back pain.
Yes. Walking is often one of the best low-impact activities for low back pain.
Benefits of walking include:
- improving blood flow to spinal tissues
- reducing muscle stiffness
- promoting joint mobility
- strengthening supporting muscles
Start with short walks and gradually increase duration as symptoms improve. If walking significantly worsens pain, a professional evaluation is recommended.
Yes. While sleeping, your body remains relatively still for long periods. This can cause:
- tightening of spinal muscles
- reduced joint lubrication
- mild inflammation around irritated joints
If spinal joints are already restricted or misaligned, this lack of movement can make stiffness more noticeable in the morning.
Gentle stretching and light movement can help reduce stiffness and improve mobility. Avoid aggressive stretching immediately after waking.
Exercises that strengthen the core and improve spinal stability are often helpful for low back pain.
Common exercises include:
- bird dog
- glute bridges
- planks
- side bridges
- pelvic tilts
Stretching tight muscles such as the hip flexors, hamstrings, and glutes can also reduce stress on the lumbar spine.
A chiropractor can recommend a personalized rehabilitation program based on the underlying cause of your pain.
The best sleeping positions help maintain the natural curve of the spine.
Recommended positions include:
Side sleeping
- Place a pillow between the knees
- Keep the spine in a neutral position
Back sleeping
- Place a pillow under the knees
- This reduces pressure on the lumbar spine
Avoid stomach sleeping whenever possible because it increases stress on the lower back and neck.
You should seek professional assessment if back pain:
- lasts longer than a few days
- keeps returning
- interferes with work or daily activities
- radiates into the leg
- worsens despite rest
Immediate medical attention may be needed if you experience:
- progressive weakness
- numbness in the legs
- fever or unexplained weight loss
- severe pain after trauma or a fall
A chiropractor can help determine whether imaging or referral to a specialist is appropriate.
Back pain during sleep or upon waking is very common.
Possible causes include:
- poor sleeping posture
- an unsupportive mattress
- tight hip or back muscles
- spinal joint stiffness
- disc irritation
Sleeping on the stomach can place excessive stress on the lumbar spine. Many people find that sleeping on their side with a pillow between the knees or on their back with a pillow under the knees helps maintain a neutral spinal position.
Low back pain that worsens when standing is often related to increased pressure on the spinal joints, discs, or surrounding muscles.
Common causes include:
- poor posture while standing
- weak core or glute muscles
- facet joint irritation in the spine
- spinal stenosis
- tight hip flexors or hamstrings
Standing with excessive arching of the lower back can place additional stress on the spinal joints and muscles.
Improving posture, strengthening the core and hip muscles, and restoring spinal mobility through chiropractic treatment can often help reduce standing-related back pain.
Pain during walking can occur for several reasons, including:
- spinal stenosis
- joint irritation in the lumbar spine
- muscle fatigue or weakness
- disc irritation
- hip or pelvic dysfunction
Some people with spinal stenosis experience pain that improves when bending forward slightly or sitting down.
A thorough assessment can determine whether the pain originates from the spine, muscles, joints, or nerves.
This usually occurs because the joints and muscles stiffen during sleep. Causes include: poor sleeping posture, an unsupportive mattress, muscle stiffness or underlying spinal joint dysfunction. As you begin moving during the day, circulation improves and the joints warm up, reducing discomfort.
Get help for low back pain in Markham
If you’re dealing with ongoing or recurring low back pain, the right treatment can make a significant difference.
At in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic, we provide comprehensive care to restore normal joint movement, muscle balance, and spinal stability.
Your in balance chiropractor helps patients from:
- Markham
- Cornell
- Unionville
- Stouffville
- Richmond Hill
- York Region
- Scarborough
- Durham Region
Contact in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic today to learn more about our chiropractic treatment approach to start feeling better and moving with ease.