Low back pain is one of the most common disorders for which patients seek health care. Acute low back pain by nature is usually very sudden in onset and commonly results from activities of daily living as well as recreation and sport activities. Research has revealed that 90 to 95% of acute low back pain is due to musculoskeletal or mechanical dysfunction. 5 to 10% can be secondary to a pathological cause including disc protrusions and herniations. Low back pain, due to mechanical reasons, generally present differently than the less common form of pathological back pain.

A detailed history and examination will most often uncover which category of low back pain the patient experiences. If a patient falls into the category of mechanical low back pain, or mild to moderate disc pathology, chiropractic care along with therapeutic exercise can help to resolve this condition.