Back pain is a very common ailment, but it’s easy to become overwhelmed by worst-case scenarios by researching symptoms online. Fortunately, there are a number of simple, common causes. Here are some of the more likely — and more treatable — reasons for your discomfort.

What’s Causing Your Back Pain? 

1. Posture & Fatigue

In the age of office jobs, it’s common to experience soreness simply due to the way you sit and move. An ergonomic chair or conscious adjustments to your posture can ease your symptoms. If you do more physical work, it may simply be that your back is tired or that you need to learn a better lifting technique.

2. Sprain or Strain

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, while a strain affects the muscles or tendons. They can both be eased with rest and ice, or in severe cases, may need a doctor’s attention. They occur due to overexertion or awkward movements and usually heal completely over time or with physical therapy. 

3. Nerve Compression

Also called a pinched nerve, this happens when one of the many nerves around the spine is put under pressure. There are several potential causes, but physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually enough to relieve the pressure and provide pain relief.

4. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Where the parts of your pelvis come together at the base of your back, you have two sacroiliac joints. The amount of movement in this area is small, but when the cartilage gets worn down or the joints become inflamed, it can cause pain in the back and legs. A physician can diagnose the condition and recommend physical therapy, oral medications, or exercises like yoga and Pilates to ease your pain.

5. Herniated or Bulging Disc

Disks, composed of layers of cartilage, are the cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. Over time, these discs can dehydrate and stiffen, causing them to bulge outside their cavity. A herniated disk is when a crack in the outer layer of cartilage causes the inner layer of cartilage to protrude. Both of these conditions can cause pain in the back and numbness in the legs. Once again, rest and mild medications are usually all that is needed for recovery. If this doesn’t work, your doctor will recommend treatment from a physical therapist. Surgery is only required in rare cases. 

If you’re experiencing back pain that doesn’t improve with rest, visit Physical Therapy Specialists in Dothan, AL, for treatment. For more than 10 years, they have served Dale, Henry, and Houston counties, providing compassionate, dedicated, and trained pain relief and rehabilitation. To schedule an appointment, call (334) 673-2422.