5 Common Conditions That Fuel Lower Back Pain

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, about 75-85% of people suffer from low back pain at some point in life. However, 90% of those cases, it's temporary and doesn't cause significant disability.

You may have low back pain for various reasons, including an injury or degenerative conditions in your spine. Understanding the cause behind low back pain is essential for proper treatment.

At Pinnacle Health Chiropractic, Dr. Jason Ablett and his team offer effective nonsurgical treatments at his office in Kirkland, Washington.

Dr. Ablett is an esteemed board-certified chiropractor, providing patients with manual manipulations and other cutting-edge treatments to get rid of back pain for good.

The facts on low back pain

Low back pain is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can stem from a sudden traumatic injury or be caused by degenerative diseases in the spine.

The pain related to low back problems varies from mild to severely debilitating. It can be acute and go away within a few weeks or become chronic, lasting several years.

Pain isn't the only symptom of low back pain; there are various other signs and symptoms as well, including:

• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Pain with movement
• Posture issues
• Muscle spasms

Various problems in your spine and other body areas can lead to low back pain. For instance, fibromyalgia or kidney stones can cause low back symptoms, even though neither directly affects your spine.

Five culprits behind low back pain

Various conditions can lead to low back pain, some that affect your spine and some that cause referred pain in your back.

It's crucial to determine your pain's cause to receive the most effective treatment. Although there are many causes, five of the most notable culprits behind low back pain include:

1. Sprains and strains

Back injuries are an unfortunate part of life; they can happen at work or while doing something simple at home. Sprains and strains are common causes of low back pain after an injury.

2. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints in your spine and other joints in your body. It leads to the breakdown of the joints, leading to pain and discomfort.

3. Vertebral disc problems

Bulging or herniated discs are another major cause of low back pain. Discs are the spongy shock absorbers between each vertebra.

Injuries or degenerative conditions can cause these discs to bulge or rupture, leading to severe pain and other debilitating symptoms.

4. Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a structural problem in your spine where the spinal canal becomes too narrow to accommodate your spinal cord. When this happens, the spinal canal traps nerves, causing low back pain and stiffness.

5. Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition where something compresses your sciatic nerve or any other nerves in your spine. When you're living with sciatica, low back pain, and leg pain are common.

What's the next step?

If you're living with low back pain, the first step is to try home remedies for pain relief. These include ice, heat, rest, and stretching.

However, if you've tried home care without significant relief, the next step is to see a doctor about your discomfort. While you can see any doctor, a chiropractor is a good starting point, as they specialize in spinal conditions.

Dr. Ablett thoroughly evaluates your pain and asks when it started and what you've tried for relief. He then customizes your treatment to your symptoms and the root cause of the pain.

He often manually manipulates your spine and muscles to relieve pain, along with fascial release and TENS therapy.

You may need to come in a few times per week to start and cut back as your back pain diminishes.

To get a fast and efficient treatment for low back pain, don't hesitate to call our office today to consult Dr. Ablett or schedule an appointment online using the booking tool.