Back pain can be one of the most debilitating and uncomfortable conditions. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations that can make even the simplest movements difficult. While lower back pain is often caused by an acute injury, understanding its more common causes is essential for finding relief. Fortunately, many treatments are available through experienced back pain doctors at The Spine and Rehab Group to help treat your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
1. Muscle Strain
One of the most common causes of lower back pain is a muscle strain or ligament sprain due to incorrect lifting techniques or poor posture. When these muscles are stretched beyond their limits, they become overstretched and cause inflammation in the surrounding area leading to discomfort and pain. Treatment typically involves physical therapy exercises aimed at strengthening core muscles which provide support for the spine and stretching to increase flexibility in those same muscles.
2. Poor Posture
Poor posture often leads to unnecessary stress on your spine, causing it to become misaligned, creating tension in the joints and muscles that lead directly into your lower back area. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help keep your spine aligned while loosening tight muscles so that you don’t have any additional pressure on them. Ergonomic chairs, pillows, mattresses, etc., may also be recommended by back pain doctors at The Spine and Rehab Group, if you spend prolonged periods of time sitting down or lying down each day since having proper support during these activities, can prevent further issues from developing in the future.
3. Stress & Anxiety
Stress has been linked to many ailments throughout the body, including lower back pain, as it increases cortisol levels, which can lead to chronic inflammation and muscle tension if left unchecked for long periods of time. Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation have not only physical but also psychological benefits, allowing us to step away from our daily lives and focus on ourselves without anything else getting in the way. In addition, counseling sessions with qualified mental health professionals can be beneficial in managing anxiety-related issues, which could ultimately reduce pain levels significantly over time with consistent practice/treatment plans designed specifically for you by experienced back pain doctors at The Spine and Rehab Group.
4. Osteoarthritis & Degenerative Disc Disease
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between two vertebrae wears away due to age-related changes, such as wear and tear from years of use or poor posture over long periods up to the present day. The onset of the condition is usually gradual but gets worse with each passing year unless it is properly treated by a licensed doctor who specializes in treating this type of condition, such as those found at The Spine and Rehab Group. Similarly, degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs between two vertebrae begin to break down, causing increased friction and, if severe enough, significant discomfort when performing everyday activities such as walking or exercising. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition but typically include lifestyle changes combined with medications/injections along with physiotherapy exercises designed specifically for you by trained specialists within The Spine and Rehab Group team.
5. Herniated discs
Herniated discs occur when fragments of a disc between two vertebrae break off and press against nearby nerves leading into the lower spine area, causing painful sensations that radiate outward to other parts of the body, depending on how extensive the herniation actually is (i.e. mild vs. extreme cases). Treatment options include rest accompanied by ice/heat packs, followed by physiotherapy exercises aimed at increasing strength/flexibility in the affected areas, while also helping to reduce any associated swelling around the nerve endings (if necessary).
More invasive measures such as surgery may require the recommendation of experienced medical professionals, especially if no improvement has been noticed after trying all the non-invasive methods discussed previously – fortunately, this type of service is readily available through experienced back pain specialists within The Spine and Rehab Group located near you today!
