In a large survey conducted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, more than a quarter of adults experience lower back pain during their lifetime. OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® discusses common lower back pain causes for our patients in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas area.
What You Need to Know About Lower Back Pain
Almost everyone will experience lower back pain during their lives. When pain strikes, either mild or severe, everyday activities can become difficult. Most back pain is short term and can resolve with self-care. Chronic back pain can persist for 12 weeks or longer and typically needs the help of a pain management physician.
The lower back is where most pain occurs in the spine. The lumbar spine is made up of first five vertebras, which supports most of the body’s weight. The spaces between these vertebras are called discs and they act like shock absorbers to cushion the bones during movement. Ligaments, tendons and 31 pairs of nerves are connected to the spinal cord. All of these items work in unison to send pain signals to the brain.
What You Need to Know About Common Lower Back Pain Causes
There are numerous causes of lower back pain. Pain can occur after lifting or bending. Pain can also occur as the spine ages. The majority of lower back pain is caused by mechanical issues. These lower back pain causes include:
- Sprains and strains which occur from twisting, lifting or bending improperly.
- Overuse which occurs from physical activity or repetitive work-related movements.
- Herniated discs which occur when the discs become compressed and bulge outward.
- Disc degeneration which occurs when the discs deteriorate and lose their cushioning ability.
- Sciatica which occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed.
- Spondylolisthesis which occurs when the vertebra of the lower spine slips out of space and pinches nerves.
- Spinal stenosis which occurs from a narrowing of the spinal column.
Additional lower back pain causes can be linked to underlying health conditions such as:
- Osteoporosis which is a progressive decrease in bone density and strength that leads to fractured and broken bones.
- Endometriosis which is a buildup of uterine tissue in places outside of the uterus.
- Fibromyalgia which is a chronic pain syndrome involving widespread pain and fatigue.
- Arthritis which includes osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that leads to pain, swelling and inflammation of the back joints.
Age, weight gain, genetics and occupational hazards are all connected to an individual’s risk of developing lower back pain. If you would like more information on lower back pain causes, call OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine®, serving patients in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas area.