Potential Causes of Low Back Pain

Back pain is perhaps one of the most common types of pain and it can be due to a wide range of causes. If you’re experiencing persistent low back pain that keeps you from your daily activities, then you should seek medical help. Determining the cause of your low back pain may help you and your doctor find the right treatment. Many individuals underestimate the impact of back pain on their quality of life, not realizing how significantly it can affect work, relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding the complexities and nuances of back pain is critical for effective treatment and recovery.

Preventative Measures

Preventing low back pain is as crucial as treating it. Engaging in regular physical activity can help strengthen the muscles that support your back. Activities such as yoga, pilates, and swimming not only enhance flexibility but also improve core strength. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet can alleviate unnecessary stress on the spine. Ergonomic adjustments in your workspace, such as using a chair that provides proper lumbar support or adjusting your computer screen to eye level, can also play a significant role in preventing back strain.

Along with physical interventions, mental health plays an important role in managing back pain. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help alleviate stress and its physical manifestations. Understanding how your mental state can affect physical well-being can empower you to adopt a more holistic approach to health.

Injuries 

As you determine the cause of your low back pain, you should first determine if you’ve suffered any injuries recently. Some back pain can result from fractures in the spine. This may be caused by a car accident or other serious injury. For instance, a fall from a height or an awkward landing during sports can lead to vertebral fractures. You can also experience pain if you’ve strained or sprained your back. Typically, this is from sudden movement such as lifting a heavy object or even from twisting or bending over. It is even possible to strain your back from sneezing or coughing. In these cases, the pain may be sharp and sudden, often accompanied by muscle spasms that can limit mobility. Treatment often includes rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, but in severe cases, you may need to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Muscle or Ligament Strain

In many cases, back pain is caused by consistent strain on the back. Repeated actions can wear down your back muscles and spine to the point of pain. This is especially common in people who are at higher risk. You are at higher risk for back pain as you grow older and put on more weight. If you don’t exercise regularly, your muscles can weaken and this too puts you at risk of becoming injured or developing back pain. Conditions such as depression can also put you at risk because stress causes muscle tension. Moreover, occupations that require lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting can significantly contribute to chronic back pain. For example, office workers may suffer from back pain due to long hours of poor posture while seated. Incorporating regular stretching and strength training exercises can help mitigate these risks. Engaging in low-impact activities such as swimming or walking can also promote overall spinal health and reduce the incidence of back pain.

A Ruptured Disc 

The spine is made up of stacked bones called vertebrae and in between each of these bones is a disc that provides a cushion between the vertebrae. In some cases, these discs can rupture or bulge which will put pressure on the nerves. This pinched nerve is often the root cause of the pain. You typically need a diagnosis from a doctor to know you have a disc issue. However, there are signs to look for. In addition to low back pain, you may also experience numbness or tingling in the lower extremities. The sensation could radiate down the leg, indicating nerve involvement. Treatment options for a ruptured disc range from conservative management, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, to more invasive procedures like epidural steroid injections or even surgery, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the impact on daily activities.

Chronic Conditions 

Low back pain can often come from a variety of chronic conditions. For example, if you have arthritis, which is pain or inflammation of the joints, it can extend into the back. In fact, arthritis in the back can lead to spinal stenosis which is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and pinches the spinal cord. Symptoms may include not only pain but also difficulties with walking or a sense of balance. You may also experience back pain if you have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is when the bones weaken and become brittle or porous. As the bones in the spine weaken, it puts strain on your back and can cause severe pain. It is essential to discuss prevention and management strategies with your doctor, which may include dietary changes, supplements, and exercises designed to improve bone density.

Moreover, other chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or ankylosing spondylitis can also lead to persistent back pain. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances. Meanwhile, ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort, particularly in the lower back. Understanding these conditions is crucial for effective management and treatment.

You may experience back pain for a variety of reasons. There are a variety of treatments available for back pain, but your best option is to find a treatment that will address the root cause rather than just the symptoms. That is the priority of the Nerve and Disc Institute. They emphasize a holistic approach to back pain management, which often includes a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers who can offer diverse treatment modalities, from physical therapy and chiropractic care to nutritional counseling and pain management strategies.

Treating the Root Cause—Not Just the Symptoms

No matter the source of your pain, treating just the symptoms with medications or temporary relief methods often leads to frustration and flare-ups.

At The Nerve & Disc Institute in Clinton Township, we focus on evidence-based, non-surgical treatments that address the underlying cause of your pain. Our patients often experience significant improvement without the need for invasive surgery or long-term medication.

The Nerve and Disc Institute provides researched-backed treatment options. Click here to learn more.