Back pain will affect nearly 80% of the population at some point in their lives. Whether acute or chronic, it can compromise your performance in the workplace, social situations, and even your ability to relax and sleep. If you’ve recently started experiencing this, you may wonder what might be causing it. To help you reduce your symptoms and prevent them from worsening, here's a list of some of the most common causes of back pain.

Common Reasons for Back Pain

1. Muscle Strains

Strained muscles and ligaments are perhaps the most common causes of back pain. Heavy lifting and uncomfortable sleep positions can strain the lower back muscles and surrounding ligaments. This can lead to dull, consistent pain, or sharp pangs. To prevent issues, bend at the knees when lifting heavy objects and use a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side to keep your hips aligned. 

2. Injuries

Heavy lifting or trauma can cause the discs between the vertebrae in your spine to slip out. This creates a bulging disc, which puts pressure on the nerves in your back and results in pain. In some cases, symptoms won’t manifest for some time, which is why you need to see a chiropractor for X-rays if you’ve recently sustained an injury and are facing this type of pain. 

3. Arthritis

Back pain can also be an age-related issue. If you’re living with arthritis, flare-ups can narrow the space around your spinal cord, a condition known as spinal stenosis. When this happens, the spinal cord is compressed and pressure on the nerves can generate back pain. This process is gradual, and pain may only manifest in the later stages. In most cases, care is designed to manage side effects to prevent a need for surgery.

If you have back pain, Spectrum Healthcare of Cornelia, GA, offers several solutions. Led by Dr. Corey Mote, their health care team uses a combination of massage, chiropractic care, and physical therapy to create customized recovery plans for patients. They focus on prevention and will take every step to alleviate your pain. Call (706) 778-0077 to schedule a consultation or visit their website to explore their practice further.