The Causes of Low Back Pain (Most to Least Likely)

Are you suffering from low back pain?

Low back pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. But what are the most likely causes of this debilitating condition?

Here, we’ll take a closer look at the top five causes of low back pain, ranked in order from most to least likely.

Understanding these common causes can help you find relief and get back to living your life to the fullest!

Muscle or Ligament Strain

Muscle or ligament strain occurs when muscles or ligaments in the lower back are stretched beyond their normal range of motion, leading to microscopic tears in the tissue. This can result from the following:

• sudden movements
• lifting heavy objects improperly
• poor posture

Symptoms of muscle and ligament strains include stiffness and soreness that worsens with movement. Patients may also experience the following:

• spasms
• tenderness to the touch
• difficulty standing up straight

Fortunately, most muscle or ligament strain cases can be treated with rest and conservative measures such as stretching exercises or hot/cold therapy. In more severe cases where pain persists despite these interventions, medication, physical therapy, or chiropractic care may be recommended to help manage symptoms. If you want to go for a treatment, a good place to start is by checking Brandon Chiropractic Associates.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Herniated or bulging discs are common causes of low back pain that affect people of all ages. These conditions occur when the soft gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in its outer layer. It causes pressure on nearby nerves.

Symptoms of herniated or bulging discs may include:

• localized pain
• muscle weakness
• numbness
• tingling sensations

Depending on the severity and location of the affected disc, these symptoms can range from mild to severe. Risk factors for herniated or bulging discs include:

• age-related degeneration
• improper lifting techniques
• obesity
• poor posture
• repetitive motions

All these can strain the back muscles. Treatment options for herniated or bulging discs typically involve conservative measures such as rest and physical therapy exercises to strengthen core muscles surrounding the lower back area. In more severe cases where conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms, surgery might be necessary.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease is a common cause of low back pain in adults. It involves the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral disc. This of which acts as a cushion between each vertebra.

These discs lose their flexibility and shock-absorbing ability as we age due to wear and tear. The symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease can vary depending on the location and severity of the affected disc(s).

Generally, it causes chronic low back pain that may worsen with prolonged sitting or standing. The pain may also radiate down to the hips and legs.

Risk factors for developing Degenerative Disc Disease include:

• smoking
• obesity
• physical labor
• repetitive bending motions
• genetics
• poor posture

Treatment usually involves managing symptoms through medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy exercises to strengthen core muscles that support the spine, weight loss programs if needed, and sometimes surgery for extreme cases.

Understand Some Causes of Low Back Pain

A variety of things can cause low back pain. Common causes of low back pain often include muscle strain, bad posture, and excessive sitting. It can also be caused by more serious issues such as herniated discs, osteoporosis, and arthritis.

The cause of back pain is often hard to pinpoint. If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to seek professional help to find a solution.

For more articles aside from these types of low back pain, visit our blog.