Lower back pain affects millions of Americans, affecting their mobility, their health, and their quality of life. However, back problems come in a wide variety of types, and each case can be said to be surprisingly unique. The triggers of back pain are as varied as the number of cases, making it especially important to be familiar with some of the most common causes.
The vast majority of cases of lower-back pain are caused by some form of overuse or strain, whether to the musculature of the back, the ligaments, or the discs. According to many medical researchers, recurring strain can lead to an imbalance of the spinal column itself, which will naturally lead to more and more pain and strain over time.
Common Back-Pain Causes
It is important to keep in mind that back pain adds up dramatically over time, and that a problem now could mean more problems in the future. Some of the most common causes for back problems include:
- Herniated discs. The intervertebral discs along the lower spine allow for slight movement of the spinal cord, increasing mobility and comfort. However, these discs can become damaged (herniated) as a result of repeated vibration or movement, such as caused by operating machinery. Additionally, sudden strain or pressure on the lower back can lead to herniated discs.
- Damage to the musculature of the lower back. The muscles of the lower back help support your entire body. Straining or damaging them can unsurprisingly lead to serious long-term issues.
- Deformities in the spine. Scoliosis (in which the spine is curved laterally) and other conditions can cause chronic pain.
- Fractures in the vertebrae of the spine. The bones of the spine can be broken, like all bones, by sudden blunt-force trauma – as in a car accident, a sports injury, or other impact. One common way for the spine to break is through compression which causes it to bend and then snap. Fractures can be extremely serious.
- Spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a term describing the narrowing of the spinal canal – the area in the middle of the vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes – which often narrows while we age.
- Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, which is associated with the aging process, involves the breakdown of joints and bones. The deterioration of the joints can also lead to movement problems, which can in turn increase back pain.
Do I Have Back Pain?
One of the challenging aspects of treating back pain is that it can be difficult to determine non-skeletal damage in the area. You could have x-rays and scans done that find nothing out of place. However, if you find that you have developed frequent pain along the lower back, you are probably suffering from some kind of damage to the area. Discussing your case with experienced back-pain specialists may be the first step to getting the relief you need.
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