Common Questions About Lower Back Pain

By Sara Butler

You may think lower back pain will never happen to you, but the odds aren’t in your favor! According to the American Chiropractic Association, up to 80 percent of adults will experience back pain at some point. Because back pain is so common, people often have a lot of questions about it. Here are some of the most common questions about lower back pain from the chiropractors at The Joint.

What Causes the Pain?

Lumbar sprains and strains are the leading cause of lower back pain. Injuries to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in your lower back are responsible for the pain, causing inflammation and muscle spasms. The most common way people get lumbar strains is through:

• Work – Jobs that involve a lot of pulling, lifting, and twisting put you at risk for a lumbar sprain or strain. Even simply sitting for long periods of time puts pressure on your spine and can cause a strain or sprain.
• Exercise – Doing too much at the gym or on the playing field can cause sprains and strains, along with high impact sports such as running, or sports that involve twisting of the torso, such as golf.
• Posture – When you hunch, stoop or slouch, your ligaments and muscles must train to help you stay balanced. This can contribute directly to lower back pain.
• Bags – If you carry a bag or backpack, then carrying too much weight in it can lead to strain over time.

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Most of the time, the lower back pain experienced by people is acute. That means it comes on suddenly and lasts a few days or weeks, then gets better. Some people experience chronic pain, which is pain that lasts for more than three months. Chronic back pain is caused by several conditions, such as:

• Ruptured or herniated spinal discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Joint dysfunction
• Compression fractures
• Sciatica
• Osteoarthritis

If you suspect you have chronic pain caused by one of these conditions, then get a consultation done by a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic. After you have a diagnosis, treatment options can be explored.

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

The chiropractors at The Joint use hands-on spinal manipulation therapy to help treat back pain. The gentle correction used by the chiropractors is safe, effective, and natural. They may also suggest other therapies to help with your specific condition.

If you struggle with lower back pain, then consult the chiropractors at The Joint! 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pasadena, Tex.

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