Lower Back Pain: Causes, Relief Tips, Treatment Options

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Lower back pain is a very common condition that affects millions of Americans per year. Some people experience lower back pain for a short period of time while others struggle with it for years. Although lower back pain is prevalent in many people, it does not mean each individual’s experience is the same.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

There are many causes of lower back pain. In many instances, the exact cause is unknown. Some might experience it one morning when they wake up without a specific injury. Others experience it doing a simple activity they’ve done with no issues before.

Common causes of lower back pain is lifting a heavy object, twisting too far, or repeated bending activities. In all of these situations, pain can occur because of stress to the discs, ligaments, muscles, or joints in your lower back. Injury to either of these structures can cause slight discomfort or extreme pain. Stress to these structures can heal with the right amount of rest and specific exercises.

Other causes of lower back pain are spinal stenosis, spinal arthritis, disc herniation, and spina bifida. These are medical conditions that may cause some of the symptoms below. Treatment for spinal conditions listed above depends on the severity of symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

• Sciatica
• Aching, dull, sharp, shooting, or stabbing pain
• Tightness and stiffness with bending, standing, and walking
• Decreased tolerance to normal daily and work activities

When Should I Be Worried About Lower Back Pain?

If you are experiencing excruciating pain down your leg, tingling and numbness, and/or trouble holding or voiding your bowel or bladder, you should seek medical treatment immediately. If you have had pain more than three days, it is important to seek advice from a licensed professional. Physical therapists are extensively training in the treatment of lower back pain, conditions, and symptoms. Physical therapists can help pinpoint what structures are the source of your pain and create a treatment plan that will help you move better with less pain without surgery.

What Can I Do to Relieve My Lower Back Pain?

Since each individual experiences lower back pain differently it is important to be evaluated by a licensed professional before attempting any exercise program on your own. If you are not having severe pain or symptoms listed above, you might find some relief with the following activities:

1. Avoid staying in the same position for extended periods of time. If you sit for long periods of the day, try setting an alarm to stand and walk 1-2 minutes every 30-60 minutes.
2. Limit frequent bending and lifting activities temporarily.
3. Keep moving. Continue performing activities or movements that do not cause more pain. Slowly re-introduce movements into your day as your pain levels decrease.
4. Maintain a healthy diet and drink water. Nutrition and water intake is important for healing.

Healthlink Physical Therapy Treatment Approach

Healthlink has a variety of services that can help you overcome your lower back pain without surgery. Techniques such as dry needling, soft tissue mobilizations, joint mobilizations, therapeutic exercise, and aquatic therapy are all useful tools to help you get back to doing the activities you love. Our therapists will listen to your concerns, perform a thorough examination, and build a treatment plan that works for your individual needs.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help you overcome your lower back pain today!