Understanding Low Back Pain: Common Causes and When to Seek Help

Low back pain is one of the most frequent medical issues, affecting millions globally. Whether it manifests as a dull ache, sharp stabbing pain, or discomfort that restricts movement, low back pain can severely impact your daily life. The causes of low back pain vary, and determining the root cause is essential for effective treatment.

Low back pain can arise from a variety of causes, each requiring different approaches for effective treatment. Understanding the root cause of your discomfort and knowing when to seek medical care is crucial for proper management and relief.

At the Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas, our experienced team is dedicated to diagnosing and treating low back pain to help you achieve lasting relief and an improved quality of life.

Muscle or Ligament Strain

One of the most common causes of low back pain is muscle or ligament strain. This occurs from overexertion, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements, leading to stretched or torn muscles or ligaments. This type of injury often causes muscle spasms, stiffness, and localized pain.

Causes of Strain:

• Improper lifting techniques
• Sudden movements or falls
• Overuse from repetitive physical activities
• Poor posture

Treatment for Strains:

Strains typically heal with rest, ice/heat therapy, over-the-counter pain relief, and gentle stretching. If the pain persists beyond a few weeks, physical therapy or further medical evaluation might be necessary.

Herniated or Bulging Disc

The discs between your spinal vertebrae act as cushions, absorbing shock and facilitating movement. A herniated (slipped or ruptured) disc occurs when the inner gel-like substance leaks out through a tear in the outer disc, irritating nearby nerves. This often results in intense pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs, known as sciatica.

Causes of Herniated Discs:

• Age-related disc degeneration
• Lifting heavy objects or twisting suddenly
• Traumatic spinal injuries

Symptoms of Herniated Discs:

• Sharp pain in the lower back or down one leg
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the leg

Treatment for Herniated or Bulging Discs:

Conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections usually help. Severe cases may require surgical intervention to remove the part of the disc pressing on the nerve.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As we age, spinal discs lose water content and shrink, becoming less flexible and more prone to injury. Degenerative disc disease occurs when this natural process leads to chronic low back pain. Not everyone experiences pain, even with disc degeneration, but for some, it can become a significant issue.

Causes of Degeneration:

• Natural aging
• Genetic factors
• Repetitive stress on the spine

Symptoms:

• Chronic low back pain with periodic flare-ups
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
• Relief when walking or lying down

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease:

Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle changes (like weight management and exercise) can help. Severe cases might need surgical solutions like spinal fusion.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the spinal cord or nerves. It’s often caused by age-related changes, such as bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or herniated discs, and is more common in older adults.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis:

• Age-related osteoarthritis
• Bone spurs
• Herniated discs
• Thickened spinal ligaments

Symptoms:

• Pain or cramping in the legs while standing or walking
• Relief when sitting or leaning forward
• Numbness or weakness in the legs

Treatment for Spinal Stenosis:

Mild cases can be treated with physical therapy, pain medications, or corticosteroid injections. More severe cases may require surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Sciatica

Sciatica results from compression of the sciatic nerve, causing pain to radiate from the lower back down one or both legs. This condition is often due to a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the nerve, leading to sharp, shooting pain, along with leg numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Common Causes of Sciatica:

• Herniated discs
• Bone spurs on the spine
• Spinal stenosis

Symptoms of Sciatica:

• Radiating pain from the lower back to the leg or foot
• Numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve
• Weakness in the leg

Treatment for Sciatica:

Sciatica generally improves with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. Severe cases might need surgery to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joints wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It can affect the joints in the spine, causing chronic low back pain.

Causes of Osteoarthritis:

• Age-related wear and tear
• Joint injuries
• Obesity (which increases joint strain)

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

• Chronic low back pain, especially during activity
• Morning stiffness
• Reduced range of motion

Treatment for Osteoarthritis:

Options include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, and lifestyle changes. Joint injections or surgery may be needed for more advanced cases.

Poor Posture and Sedentary Lifestyle

Spending long hours sitting, poor posture, or limited movement can strain your lower back muscles and ligaments, causing discomfort. Sitting improperly places excess pressure on the spine and leads to muscle imbalances.

Causes of Poor Posture:

• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Poor ergonomics at work
• Lack of physical activity

Symptoms:

• Aching or stiffness in the lower back
• Pain that worsens after sitting for long periods
• Difficulty standing straight

Treatment for Poor Posture:

Improving posture, incorporating regular movement and stretching, and adjusting your workspace ergonomically can alleviate pain. Regular exercise, especially core-strengthening routines, helps prevent future problems.

When to See a Doctor

While many cases of low back pain resolve with home care, you should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Pain lasting more than a few weeks
• Pain radiating down the leg or accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements
• Severe pain after an injury
• Unexplained weight loss along with back pain

Low back pain is a common condition with a wide range of causes, from muscle strain to more serious conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. The key to effective treatment is understanding the root cause of your pain.

At the Neuroscience and Spine Center of the Carolinas, located in Gastonia, North Carolina, our team is committed to diagnosing and treating low back pain to help you find relief and restore your quality of life.

If you're dealing with chronic low back pain, schedule a consultation with us today to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward lasting relief.