Whether it strikes after a long day at work or sneaks in after a seemingly harmless movement, lower back pain is one of the most common and frustrating issues people face. It’s also one of the leading reasons people seek chiropractic care—and for good reason.
At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we specialise in finding and correcting the root cause of lower back pain using the Gonstead System, a highly specific and results-driven approach to chiropractic care. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through what lower back pain really is, why it happens, and how chiropractic care can help you find lasting relief.
🔍 What Is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or pain in the lumbar spine—the area between your ribcage and hips. Pain may be dull and achy, sharp and shooting, or even cause numbness and tingling down the legs (sciatica).
It can be acute (lasting a few days to weeks) or chronic (lingering for 3+ months), and while it’s common, it should never be considered “normal.”
💡 Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can stem from a variety of sources. Here are the most common ones we see in our clinic:
1. Joint Dysfunction or Misalignment (Subluxation)
Misalignments in the spine, particularly in the lumbar vertebrae or pelvis, can create uneven pressure on the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and nerve irritation.
Gonstead Chiropractic specializes in detecting and correcting these misalignments with incredible precision.
2. Muscle Strain or Sprain
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly, poor posture, or sudden movements can cause the muscles or ligaments in the lower back to stretch or tear. Muscle strains are commonly as a result of a misalignment in the spine that puts these muscles at a disadvantage, making them vulnerable to a strain or sprain. Getting to the cause of muscle strains is important for long term relief.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease or Disc Bulges
The discs between your vertebrae can wear down over time or become herniated, pressing on nearby nerves and causing radiating pain or sciatica. Degeneration can't be reversed however it can be slowed down by addressing the cause of the degeneration (and no it's not age)!
4. Poor Posture & Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting too long, especially with poor posture, puts stress on the lower back and weakens core muscles that are vital for spinal support as well as slowly traumatising the joints in the spine leading to spinal misalignments.
5. Stress & Emotional Tension
Believe it or not, stress can tighten your lower back muscles and contribute to chronic tension or flare-ups.
🚨 Red Flags: When to Seek Help Immediately
While many cases of lower back pain resolve with conservative care, some symptoms require immediate attention:
- Pain that radiates down the legs or into the feet
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain following a fall, accident, or trauma
- Pain that doesn’t improve after a few weeks
If you’re experiencing any of these, don’t wait—contact us right away for an evaluation.
🧠 How Chiropractic Helps: The Gonstead Approach
Unlike general chiropractic techniques, the Gonstead System used at Northwood Chiropractic Oxford is known for its meticulous analysis and targeted adjustments. Here’s what sets it apart:
✅ Comprehensive Examination
We don’t guess—we assess. Our process includes:
- Full spine weight-bearing X-rays (when required)
- Motion and static palpation
- Visualization of posture and spinal curves
- Nervoscope (instrument) analysis to detect nerve pressure
- Full neurological assessment to assess the function of your nervous system
- Photographic structural analysis
✅ Precise, Gentle Adjustments
Once we identify the exact segment causing the problem, we deliver a specific manual adjustment designed to restore normal motion and alignment—no twisting or guesswork involved.
✅ Root-Cause Correction
We don’t chase symptoms. By correcting the root misalignment, we help your body heal naturally, improving not just your pain, but your overall function.
💬 When Should You See a Chiropractor?
If you’re experiencing:
- Recurrent or chronic lower back pain
- Pain that interferes with sleep, work, or daily life
- Limited mobility or stiffness
- A sense that “something just isn’t right” in your back
…it’s time to book a consultation.
Early intervention leads to faster healing and prevents long-term damage. And if you’ve never had your spine properly assessed? There’s no better time than now.
🏡 Why Northwood Chiropractic Oxford?
At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we believe your body was designed to heal—and we’re here to help remove the interference. Whether your pain is new, persistent, or just confusing, we’ll get to the root of the issue with honesty, precision, and care.
📍 Located in Littlemore, Oxford and proudly serving our local community.
📞 Book online today here or call us to start your journey to a pain-free life.
