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Back pain comes in many different forms and can affect people in a variety of ways. Pain in the low back, buttocks, and radiating pain down the leg are all forms of low back pain. Low back pain can limit one’s life in many ways and is an extremely common complaint among adults, regardless of their age. It is one of the most common reasons why people go to the doctor, miss work, or stop participating in activities they enjoy.

Joint Irritation: Joint irritation is often caused by poor posture, remaining in awkward positions for a prolonged time, or by sudden movements, including whiplash. The facet joints connecting the spinal bones may swell and become painful and limit movement.

• Disc Injuries: Disc injuries (bulge, herniation, degeneration) are a common cause of back pain. The disc acts to absorb shock during the body’s daily activities and keeps the vertebrae (bones in the spine) separated. When damaged, the disc can create pressure on the nerve or spinal cord and cause pain in the lower back and legs.
• Pinched Nerves/Sciatica: Pinched nerves/sciatica occur when there is excessive pressure on the nerve, leading to weakness, numbness or pain radiating down the leg.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is the wearing out or degeneration of the joints, leading to pain in the joints of the low back. This can be caused by trauma/injury, repetitive movements over time, or normal conditions of aging.
• Muscle Spasms  Strains: Muscle spasms and strains are irritation and injury to the back muscles, causing them to involuntarily contract or become excessively tense and cause significant pain. This may occur from an injury, accident, or prolonged poor posture and repetitive movements.
• Posture Imbalances: Posture Imbalances can often lead to back pain. This source of back pain is on the rise with the use of computers, increased sitting, and long commutes to work. Imbalances can develop, including tightness in certain muscles along with weakness in the core which can eventually lead to back pain. 

If you continue to struggle with finding the underlying cause of your back and haven’t made much progress yet in trying to treat it on your own, reach out to an expert in the field. These problems are oftentimes not as complicated as they first appear. We are here to help.