Why Low Back Pain Keeps Coming Back: A Movement-Based Approach in Southwest Edmonton

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek care. Yet for many people in Southwest Edmonton, the bigger frustration is not the first episode — it’s the second, third, or fifth.

Research suggests that recurrence is common. Estimates indicate that up to 60–70% of individuals who experience low back pain will have another episode within a year (Hoy et al., 2014; da Silva et al., 2017). That statistic alone tells us something important:

Low back pain is rarely just about a single structure.

At Dr. Harman Braich, Chiropractor, operating out of Creekwood Physiotherapy in Southwest Edmonton, care focuses on understanding why symptoms return — not just how to quiet them temporarily.

This article explains:

• Why low back pain often recurs 
• The difference between symptom relief and resilience 
• The role of spinal joints, discs, muscles, and load 
• How a structured, movement-based approach may help reduce recurrence 

Why Does Low Back Pain Come Back?

Low back pain is rarely caused by one isolated issue. Clinical guidelines emphasize that most cases are “non-specific,” meaning no single tissue can be definitively blamed (Foster et al., 2018).

Common contributors include:

• Reduced spinal mobility 
• Deconditioning of trunk musculature 
• Load management errors (too much, too soon) 
• Prolonged sitting with low variability 
• Poor recovery between activity bouts 
• Incomplete rehabilitation after a prior episode 

Research suggests prior history of low back pain is one of the strongest predictors of future episodes (da Silva et al., 2017).

In other words, once the system has been sensitized, it may require strategic rebuilding — not just short-term symptom relief.

Understanding the Load–Capacity Model

Low back pain often emerges when load exceeds tissue capacity.

Load includes:

• Gym training volume 
• Running mileage 
• Occupational lifting 
• Prolonged sitting 
• Stress and sleep deficits 

Capacity includes:

• Joint mobility 
• Muscle endurance 
• Movement coordination 
• Tissue tolerance 

If load rises faster than capacity adapts, symptoms may appear.

This is especially common in active adults who increase training in the spring and summer in Edmonton — runners, golfers, recreational soccer players, and gym-goers.

As a former captain of the University of Alberta Golden Bears soccer team, Dr. Braich understands how subtle load changes can trigger recurring flare-ups if foundational strength and mobility are not maintained.

Are Discs the Main Cause?

Disc-related pain often receives significant attention, but imaging findings alone do not predict symptoms.

Systematic reviews suggest that disc bulges and degenerative changes are common even in asymptomatic individuals (Brinjikji et al., 2015).

That does not mean discs are irrelevant — only that structural findings must be interpreted within clinical context.

When disc irritation is suspected, approaches such as:

• Targeted mobility work 
• Core endurance training 
• Gradual loading strategies 
• In some cases, Spinal Decompression Therapy 

may be considered.

The goal is not “fixing” an image — it is restoring movement tolerance.

The Role of Spinal Joints and Mobility

Restricted spinal joint motion may alter load distribution through the lumbar region.

Research suggests spinal manipulation may provide short-term relief for some individuals with acute and chronic low back pain (Paige et al., 2017).

Within a broader plan, Chiropractic Care may help:

• Improve joint mobility 
• Reduce local sensitivity 
• Facilitate more effective movement training 

However, passive care alone is rarely sufficient to prevent recurrence.

Why Exercise Matters More Than Most People Realize

Clinical guidelines consistently recommend exercise as a cornerstone of low back pain management (Foster et al., 2018).

Exercise may help:

• Improve trunk endurance 
• Increase spinal load tolerance 
• Enhance neuromuscular coordination 
• Reduce fear-avoidant behaviour 

The key is specificity.

Generic core exercises may not address:

• Rotational deficits 
• Hip mobility restrictions 
• Asymmetrical loading patterns 
• Sport-specific demands 

A structured Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy plan is tailored to the individual’s goals and movement demands.

Why Flare-Ups Often Happen After “Feeling Fine”

A common scenario:

1. Pain decreases 
2. Activity returns quickly 
3. Strength work stops 
4. Symptoms return weeks later 

Pain reduction does not equal tissue resilience.

Research suggests improvements in symptoms often precede full restoration of capacity (Hodges & Smeets, 2015). Without continued progressive loading, the system remains vulnerable.

This explains why many individuals feel “good enough” — until they don’t.

The Importance of Endurance Over Max Strength

Studies suggest trunk muscle endurance may be more strongly associated with low back pain outcomes than maximal strength alone (McGill, 2007).

For active adults in Southwest Edmonton, this matters.

It is not about deadlifting maximal weight.
It is about:

• Sustaining neutral posture under fatigue 
• Maintaining hip mobility 
• Controlling rotation 
• Managing cumulative weekly load 

Endurance-based progressions are often central in recurrence prevention.

Adjunctive Therapies: When Are They Appropriate?

In certain cases, additional interventions may be integrated:

• Shockwave Therapy for persistent soft tissue irritation 
• Dry Needling & Acupuncture for muscle-related sensitivity 
• Custom Foot Orthotics when lower limb mechanics contribute to lumbar stress 

These are not first-line for everyone — but may be appropriate based on assessment findings.

What About Motor Vehicle Accidents or Workplace Injuries?

Low back pain after collisions or occupational strain requires structured documentation and staged rehabilitation.

Care pathways are available for:

• Motor Vehicle Accident Care 
• Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) cases 

These programs emphasize graded return to function.

A Practical Plan for Recurring Low Back Pain

A movement-based plan typically includes:

1. Thorough assessment 
2. Identification of mobility restrictions 
3. Load history review 
4. Endurance testing 
5. Graduated exercise programming 
6. Strategic manual therapy integration 
7. Ongoing load progression 

The objective is not dependence — it is resilience.

Localized Care for Southwest Edmonton Residents

Dr. Harman Braich, Chiropractor proudly serves:

Creekwood Chappelle & Chappelle Gardens
Ambleside, Keswick & Windermere
Glenridding Heights & Glenridding Ravine
Heritage Valley, Paisley, Desrochers & Jagare Ridge
Rutherford, Callaghan, Allard, Cavanagh & Blackmud Creek
Richford, Macewan & Blackburne

Operating out of Creekwood Physiotherapy in Southwest Edmonton, care is designed for active adults seeking long-term function.

When Should You Seek Assessment?

Consider booking if:

• Pain recurs every few months 
• Sitting tolerance is declining 
• You feel “tight” but not injured 
• Training volume is increasing 
• Symptoms limit performance 

Early assessment may help reduce the severity and duration of future episodes.

Final Thoughts: Long-Term Function Over Quick Fixes

Recurring low back pain is rarely solved by a single adjustment, massage, or rest period.

Research suggests resilience is built through progressive loading, endurance development, and movement variability.

The goal is not simply pain reduction.

It is restoring confidence, capacity, and consistency.

To learn more about services offered, visit the All Services Page or book directly at braichchiro.com.

 

Research & References

Brinjikji W, et al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015.

da Silva T, et al. Recurrence of low back pain is common: a prospective cohort study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017.

Foster NE, et al. Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions. Lancet. 2018.

Hodges PW, Smeets RJ. Interaction between pain, movement, and motor control. Clin J Pain. 2015.

Hoy D, et al. The global prevalence of low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014.

McGill SM. Low back stability: from formal description to issues for performance and rehabilitation. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2007.

Paige NM, et al. Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain. JAMA. 2017.