Common Causes of Lower Back Pain and How to Treat Them

Have you experienced a dull ache in your lower back? You are likely wondering how it started and what can be done. Lower back pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain. Symptoms usually occur after an injury to back muscles or tendons, or due to a health problem such as arthritis. While many forms of back pain improve after rest, some patients experience ongoing discomfort, signifying an underlying issue. Improving your overall lifestyle can reduce your pain and promote better health in the long run, and that starts with Integrated Health Solutions. Below, our chiropractors examine a few of the most common causes of lower back pain and how it can be treated. 

Understanding the Causes of Lower Back Pain

Typically, lower back pain is caused by an injury, disease or condition affecting the muscles or tendons in the back. The pain can be mild or severe and, in some cases, debilitating. Some forms of back pain make everyday activities difficult. 

An estimated four out of every five people develop back pain at some point, and it’s one of the major reasons people see a healthcare provider. Low back pain is more common in people with certain risk factors, including: 

• Age. Adults over 30 usually have an increased risk of back pain. This is due to age-related deterioration of the discs that cushion spinal bones. 

• Overall Health. A healthy lifestyle supports a healthy body. If you spend too much time being sedentary, smoking or drinking alcohol, it can increase your risk of chronic pain. 

• Occupation and Lifestyle. Back pain is more common in people who have careers that place stress on the back, such as desk jobs or ones involving heavy lifting. 

• Changes to the Spine. Osteoporosis, arthritis and certain injuries can cause lower back pain. Often, the pain is accompanied by stiffness and limited mobility. 

Low back pain is also associated with various health conditions and injuries:

• Strains and Sprains. Most of us have pulled a back muscle at some point. Strains often occur when someone lifts something heavy without the necessary precautions, but it can also happen due to bending, twisting or even coughing. 

• Fractures. Spinal bones can break in an accident, such as a fall or a car crash. Some conditions, such as osteoporosis, make fractures more likely. 

• Disc Problems. Discs, which are the soft tissues cushioning the spinal vertebrae, sometimes are forced out and press against nearby nerves. This condition is known as a herniated disc, although some cases are caused by degenerative disc disease, which is a gradual deterioration. 
• Arthritis. When osteoarthritis affects the lower back, it leads to inflammation, stiffness and soreness that can make it difficult to move. 

Treatment for your lower back pain depends on its cause. For many people, chiropractic provides holistic pain relief no matter what specific health condition is causing their pain. Other treatments, such as spinal decompression therapy, can also relieve back pain and its associated tension without the need for surgery or medications. 

Whether you are trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle or if you need dependable support when dealing with a chronic health condition, our team is here to help. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with our chiropractors.