The most common reason for lower back pain varies depending on your health, age, and lifestyle. Most cases of lower back pain stem from mechanical issues rather than serious diseases. The spine is a core bone structure in your body that endures a lot of stress. Simple movements like bending, lifting, or even sitting can strain the structures in your lower back.
The good news is that most lower back pain resolves on its own with proper care. However, knowing what causes your discomfort can help you take the right steps toward recovery.
1. Muscle and Ligament Strains
Lower back pain can often be the result of strain in a muscle or ligament. These soft tissue injuries occur when you overstretch or tear the muscles and ligaments supporting your spine.
Heavy lifting causes many muscle strains. People often hurt their backs when they lift objects incorrectly or try to lift items that are too heavy. Sudden movements can also trigger muscle strains, especially if your muscles are not warmed up.
Poor posture contributes significantly to muscle strain. Slouching at your desk or hunching over your phone puts constant stress on your back muscles. Over time, this chronic tension can lead to muscle fatigue and eventual injury.
2. Herniated Discs
Herniated discs rank as the second most common cause of lower back pain. Your spine contains cushioning discs between each vertebra. These discs act like shock absorbers, protecting your spine from daily wear and tear.
The soft inner parts of a disc can push through the tougher outer layer. This is called a herniated disc. This herniation can press on nearby nerves, causing significant pain. The pain often radiates down your leg, a condition known as sciatica.
Common Causes of Disc Herniation
Age plays a major role in disc herniation. As you get older, your discs naturally lose water content and become less flexible. This degeneration makes them more susceptible to tears and herniation.
Repetitive movements can also cause disc problems. Jobs that require frequent bending, twisting, or lifting put extra stress on your discs. Athletes who perform repetitive motions may also develop disc issues over time.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease affects many adults as they age. This condition occurs when the discs in your spine begin to break down naturally. The discs lose height and become less effective at cushioning your vertebrae.
Despite its name, degenerative disc disease is a normal part of aging rather than a true disease. Most people over 40 show some signs of disc degeneration on imaging studies. Pain does not always come with disc degeneration.
The pain from degenerative disc disease typically worsens with sitting or bending forward.
4. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis involves narrowing of the spinal canal. The narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This condition most commonly affects people over 50 years old.
Arthritis often causes spinal stenosis. The joints in your spine can develop bone spurs that encroach on the spinal canal. Thickened ligaments may also contribute to the narrowing.
Walking often triggers pain from spinal stenosis. Many people notice their symptoms improve when they lean forward, such as when pushing a shopping cart. This forward flexion opens up the spinal canal slightly.
5. Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra might misalign and slip over the one below it. This slippage can happen due to a stress fracture or degenerative changes in the spine.
Athletes who participate in sports requiring frequent back extension face higher risks. Gymnasts, football players, and weightlifters commonly develop this condition. However, degenerative spondylolisthesis can also occur with normal aging.
The slipped vertebra may pinch nerves, causing pain that radiates into the legs. Some people also experience numbness or weakness in their legs.
6. Facet Joint Dysfunction
Your spine contains small joints called facet joints that allow for movement between vertebrae. These joints can become inflamed or irritated, leading to lower back pain.
Facet joint pain often worsens with extension or twisting movements. Standing for long periods may aggravate the pain. Many people find relief when they sit down or bend forward slightly.
Arthritis commonly affects the facet joints, especially in older adults. Previous injuries or repetitive stress can also damage these joints over time.
7. Sacroiliac Joint Problems
The sacroiliac joints connect your spine to your pelvis. These joints normally move very little, but dysfunction can cause significant lower back pain.
Pregnancy often affects the sacroiliac joints due to hormonal changes and increased stress on the pelvis. The pain typically occurs on one side and may extend into the buttocks or thighs.
Previous injuries, such as falls onto the buttocks, can damage the sacroiliac joints. Arthritis may also affect these joints, particularly in people with inflammatory conditions.
8. Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle runs from your lower spine to your thighbone. This muscle can tighten or spasm, which causes irritation in the nearby sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome causes pain that mimics sciatica. The pain typically starts in the buttocks and may radiate down the leg. Sitting often aggravates the symptoms.
Long periods of sitting can contribute to piriformis syndrome. The muscle becomes tight and inflamed from prolonged compression. Athletes who run or cycle frequently may also develop this condition.
Common Cause of Lower Back Pain in Dover, NJ
Knowing the cause of your aching is the first step toward effective treatment for lower back pain. Most cases respond well to appropriate care when properly diagnosed. Dr. Joel Spielman at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey specializes in spine conditions. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Spielman has the expertise to help you find relief from your lower back pain.
Do not let lower back pain control your life. Call (973) 989-0888 or use our online appointment request form to request a consultation. The sooner you address your pain, the sooner you can return to the activities you enjoy.
The best back pain doctor near you looks forward to serving you!
