Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor, and at Avalon
Chiropractic in Belfast, we see a wide range of cases. While some patients suffer from minor
stiffness due to poor posture, others experience more severe injuries that significantly impact their
daily lives.
Among the most common injuries we treat are disc injuries, iliolumbar ligament strains, and facet
sprains. Each of these conditions affects the spine in different ways, but they all lead to pain,
restricted movement, and discomfort. The good news? Chiropractic care can help.

1. Disc Injury – The Slipped, Bulging, or Herniated Disc
Intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine. When
these discs become damaged—whether due to wear and tear, poor movement patterns, or
trauma—it can result in a bulging, protruding, or herniated disc.
Symptoms of a Disc Injury:
• Sharp, localized pain in the lower back or neck
• Pain radiating down the leg or arm (sciatica is common with lumbar disc issues)
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
• Increased pain when sitting, bending, or lifting

How Chiropractic Care Helps:
Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper spinal movement and relieve pressure on affected
nerves. In addition, cryotherapy or ice packs can be used to reduce inflammation and provide
pain relief. Soft tissue work and rehabilitative exercises can further aid in healing by improving
flexibility and strengthening the muscles that support the spine.

2. Strain of the Iliolumbar Ligament – The Overlooked Culprit
The iliolumbar ligament is a crucial stabilizer of the lower back, connecting the ilium (pelvis) to the
lumbar spine. This ligament is vulnerable to strain, especially from repetitive twisting, bending, or
poor posture. Many people mistake this type of pain for a muscle issue, but the iliolumbar
ligament is often the root cause of nagging lower back discomfort.

Symptoms of an Iliolumbar Ligament Strain:
• A deep, aching pain on one side of the lower back
• Pain that worsens with standing or prolonged sitting
• Discomfort with bending sideways or twisting
• Soreness when getting out of a chair, but pain subsides after walking a few metres
• Tenderness at the back of the pelvis near the sacrum

How Chiropractic Care Helps:
By restoring proper alignment and mobility in the lower spine and pelvis, chiropractic adjustments
take pressure off the iliolumbar ligament. Soft tissue therapy, postural correction, and targeted
rehabilitation exercises help strengthen the surrounding muscles and prevent re-injury.

Facet Sprain – The “Jammed” Joint
Facet joints are the small joints at the back of each spinal segment that allow for smooth
movement. A facet sprain occurs when these joints are overstretched or compressed, leading to
inflammation, stiffness, and pain. This often happens due to sudden movements, awkward lifting,
or prolonged poor posture.

Symptoms of a Facet Sprain:
• Sharp or aching pain in the back that worsens with movement
• Pain with arching backward or twisting
• Muscle tightness and spasms around the spine
• Stiffness in the morning or after inactivity

How Chiropractic Care Helps:
Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper facet joint movement, reducing pain and
inflammation. Soft tissue work and mobility exercises improve flexibility, while posture correction
and strengthening exercises prevent future sprains.

Don’t Ignore Back Pain – We Can Help!
Back pain is more than just an annoyance—it can impact your work, sleep, and overall quality of
life. At Avalon Chiropractic, we specialize in natural, hands-on solutions to help you recover from
disc injuries, iliolumbar ligament strains, and facet sprains.

Call our Belfast clinic on 02890 452200 or click the ‘book now’ link at the top of any page in our website.