Roughly 80% of adults will experience back pain in their lifetime, and it is one of the top reasons for disability leave and sick days. Although not always a sign of a serious condition, back pain should be monitored in case it turns into a chronic issue. Take a look at the top five causes and find out if you need to seek treatment. 

What Are the Common Causes of Lower Back Pain?

1. Bad Posture

When you sit at a desk all day, it’s easy to develop poor posture and slouch. Similarly, technology has also made us attached to our electronic devices, but constantly bending your neck or hunching over to read your phone can stress the muscles in your back.  

Avoid straining your neck while standing, and sit with your knees slightly below the hips and with your ankles at 90 degrees.

2. Lifting 

Whether you’re playing with your kids or carrying groceries, if you don’t lift correctly, you may cause a sprain that twists the back and leads to soreness. Always bend at the hips and straighten the knees when lifting to prevent muscle strain.

3. Lack of Activity

A sedentary lifestyle can create back pain, especially if you’re not practicing good posture. But if you already experience back pain, a lack of activity will make the problem worse. Weak muscles mean the body has to work harder to make up for lack of strength.

Participating in regular physical activity will lubricate the spine and improve the health of the discs and soft tissues responsible for support and movement. Adults should perform at least 150-minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity to promote a healthy heart and spine.

4. Degenerative Discs

Spinal discs are made of fibers that connect the vertebra and protect them by acting like cartilage. Over time, the discs can wear down from pressure on the spine, placing much of your body weight on the discs in the lower back and causing degeneration. This condition often presents as a frequent or constant ache that can be treated with manual manipulation and massage therapy. 

5. Herniated Discs

Herniated discs occur when the middle of the disc comes out through a crack in the outer shell, often because of a compressed nerve. This pain often shoots down from the low back to the legs or feet, sometimes causing sciatica.

If you need chiropractic services to address lower back pain, contact North Pole Chiropractic, serving Fairbanks, AK. The practice has been open since 2001 and offers customized treatment plans for back pain, injuries, and poor posture. Call (907) 488-1885 or visit the website for information on how Dr. Jack can help you be pain-free.