Bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction and support joint movement—become inflamed. This can lead to significant pain and mobility issues in areas such as the lower back, hips, shoulders, and knees. When bursitis affects the lower back, it may contribute to chronic lower back pain, making daily activities uncomfortable and limiting movement.
At Spine Sport Feet, our chiropractors are trained to address bursitis holistically—supporting bursa function, relieving inflammation, and restoring mobility. Techniques such as spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and rehabilitation exercises are all part of an evidence-based plan to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
For example, bursitis occurring in shoulders is believed to be caused by other biomechanical dysfunction, e.g. subacromial bursitis is frequently related to subacromial impingement, adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, supraspinatus tendinopathy or bicipital tendinopathy1.
Chiropractic is a type of healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It is perhaps most well-known for treatments relating to the spine, however chiropractors are also trained and skilled in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions affecting other parts of the body.
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques, including spinal adjustments and therapeutic modalities, to improve joint function and relieve pain.
What is Bursa Function and Why Is It Important?
The bursa acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles, reducing friction and allowing smooth joint movement. There are over 150 bursae in the human body, and when functioning correctly, they help maintain pain-free mobility. However, when irritated or compressed due to injury or biomechanical dysfunction, the bursa becomes inflamed—leading to bursitis.
Understanding and supporting healthy bursa function is key to preventing and recovering from bursitis, especially in high-load areas like the lower back and hips.
Can Bursitis Cause Lower Back Pain?
Yes—bursitis in the lower back or pelvic region can cause referred pain and stiffness. The iliopsoas bursa and sacroiliac joint bursae are particularly vulnerable to inflammation, especially in people with poor posture, muscle imbalances, or a sedentary lifestyle.
Chiropractic care for lower back pain bursitis involves identifying the underlying cause of inflammation, relieving pressure on the affected bursa, and restoring alignment through manual therapy, exercise, and soft tissue work.
Can chiropractic help with bursitis?
There is evidence to suggest that chiropractic care can be effective in treating shoulder pain. A 2007 study2 published in the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, found that patients with shoulder impingement syndrome who received chiropractic care experienced significant improvements in pain and function. Another study3 found a multimodel chiropractic approach was very effective in reducing pain and improving movement in shoulder impingement syndrome.
Treatment of bursitis
Chiropractors may use a variety of techniques to treat bursitis, including:
- Adjustments or manipulations: Chiropractic adjustments can help to improve joint function and stimulate sensory nerves, which is believed to assist with coordination and improve mobility4
- Identifying contributing factors and provide advice around behaviour modification
- Soft tissue therapy: Soft tissue therapy techniques, such as massage and stretching, can help to reduce muscle tension and improve range of motion.
- Myofascial release technique: is a focused soft tissue therapy technique that can help to release muscle adhesions and improve range of motion.
- Therapeutic modalities: Therapeutic modalities, such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation, can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Newer technologies that can help include high intensity laser, low level laser and shockwave therapy.
- Therapeutic exercises – used to re-introduce active movements that were lost, re-train weakened areas and rebuild tissue tolerance to forces. Exercise is a crucial component of shoulder treatment.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for bursitis?
There are a number of potential benefits to chiropractic care for bursitis and related musculoskeletal conditions, including:3,4
- Reduced pain
- Improved joint function
- Faster recovery time
- Reduced need for medication
- Protect from future occurrence: Chiropractors have the knowledge and expertise to create exercise programs and educate patients to enhance strength and help prevent future exacerbations.
If you suffer from bursitis or other painful musculoskeletal conditions, our friendly and professional chiropractors would love to help. To find out more or to make an appointment, please call us on (07)5580 5655 or visit our website at https://spinesportfeet.com.au/contact-us/.
FAQs
Q: What causes bursitis in the lower back?
A: Lower back bursitis can result from prolonged sitting, poor posture, or repetitive movements that irritate the bursa near the lumbar spine or hips.
Q: Does massage therapy help relieve bursitis pain?
A: Yes. Massage improves circulation, reduces muscle tightness, and can relieve pressure on the inflamed bursa, especially when combined with chiropractic care.
Q: How can chiropractic care improve bursa function?
A: Chiropractic adjustments can restore alignment and reduce joint stress, which may indirectly relieve pressure on the bursa and enhance its function.
References
- Walker‐Bone, Karen, et al. “Prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb in the general population.” Arthritis Care & Research 51.4 (2004): 642-651.
- Munday, S. L., Jones, A., Brantingham, J. W., Globe, G., Jensen, M., & Price, J. L. (2007). A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Chiropractic Shoulder Girdle Adjustment in the Treatment of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, 44(6).
- Pribicevic, M., Pollard, H. A multi-modal treatment approach for the shoulder: A 4 patient case series, Chiropr Man Therap 13, 20 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-13-20
- Jinmo Yang, Byoungkwon Lee, Changbeom Kim, Changes in proprioception and pain in patients with neck pain after upper thoracic manipulation, Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2015) Volume 27, Issue 3, Pages 795-798, https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.795
