Most people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, and the discomfort can range from a mild annoyance to virtually debilitating. The experienced team at O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates of St. Charles County, MO, is dedicated to finding long-term pain relief solutions for their patients, and they believe that getting lasting results begins with understanding the source of your pain. Here, they provide some of the most common reasons people experience this condition.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

1. Muscle Strain

Strains and sprains of muscles and ligaments are the top cause of back pain and typically result from overuse or injury. Sports injuries, repetitive motion, poor posture, and improperly lifting heavy objects are common culprits. Always practice proper form during athletic activities, especially strength training. When lifting heavy objects, use your legs for stability and avoid twisting your hips and back. Be mindful of your posture when sitting, as hunching and slouching can put pressure on the spine. Physical therapy, in combination with pain management, provides an effective solution for this condition.

2. Spinal Problems

When the fluid between the discs in your spine leaks, it can cause inflammation of the nearby nerve, leading to a condition known as a herniated or bulging disc. Degenerative disc disease is another source of discomfort, in which the disc walls wear down, weaken, and tear. Spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the nerve roots and contributes to pain. An experienced chiropractor can diagnose the issue and provide the appropriate treatments, including spinal adjustments and non-surgical disc decompression.

3. Organ Issues 

Although your internal organs are a seemingly unlikely source of back pain, several conditions contribute to back discomfort. Kidney infection, kidney stones, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, and gynecological conditions are just some of the issues to be aware of. Pregnant women also commonly experience back pain, as the extra weight from the growing baby puts pressure on internal organs and strains the back.

4. Osteoarthritis

This condition is common in older adults. It causes soreness and stiffness in the small joints in the spine, increasing the pressure on the surrounding nerves. It can also affect the hips, causing you to shift your weight in a way that contributes to back pain.

Don’t let chronic back or neck pain diminish your quality of life. Turn to O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates for individualized, comprehensive treatment of your pain. Using a holistic approach that combines chiropractic, physical therapies, and medical treatments, their goal is to provide you with long-term pain relief and rehabilitation. To schedule an appointment, call (636) 978-3000. Visit the practice’s website to learn more about their treatment options.