Lower Back Pain

Low back pain is a common issue in the United States. According to various health statistics:

Low back pain is a common issue in the United States. According to various health

• Approximately 80% of Americans will experience low back pain at some point in their lives.
• 20% of adults report experiencing low back pain at any given time, with many dealing with chronic or recurring pain.
• Around 31 million Americans are affected by low back pain at any given time, making it one of the most common reasons for missed work and medical visits.

Here are some common causes of lower back pain:

• Muscle Causes (Very Common and Most Often Overlooked by Other Pain Management Doctors and Spine Surgeons)

• Overuse or improper lifting: Lifting heavy objects improperly, or sudden awkward movements, can strain the muscles and ligaments in your lower back.
• Chronic muscle tension: Prolonged poor posture, stress, or sitting for long periods can cause muscle strain and discomfort in the lower back.
• Poor posture, such as slouching while sitting or standing, can place additional stress on the lower back muscles and spine, resulting in pain over time.
• All of these can lead to the formation of trigger points deep within muscles.
• Deep trigger points are areas of tight, hyperirritable muscle fibers that form within a muscle and cause pain in the local area or sometimes in another part of the body. These points are often deeper within the muscle tissue and are typically more difficult to reach than superficial trigger points. Trigger points are often associated with myofascial pain syndrome and can result from muscle overuse, poor posture, stress, injury, or other factors.
• When pressure is applied to a deep trigger point, it may cause localized tenderness or a referred pain sensation in another area. This referred pain is one of the hallmark characteristics of trigger points, where pain is felt at a site distant from the trigger point itself. For example, a trigger point in the neck might cause pain, tingling, numbness in the head, shoulder, arm, or hand. Lower back trigger pointscan cause pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates down the leg, potentially mimicking sciatica/radiculopathy/ pinched nerve.

Herniated or Bulging Disc

A disc in the spine can bulge or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. This is commonly referred to as a “slipped” or herniated disc.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As people age, the discs between the vertebrae may wear down, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. This can be part of the natural aging process and may cause chronic lower back pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the legs, is compressed or irritated. This can cause sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs.

Spinal Stenosis

This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It can result in pain, weakness, or numbness in the back and legs, often worsening with activity or standing for long periods.

Spondylolisthesis

This occurs when one of the vertebrae in the spine slips out of place, potentially compressing nerves and leading to pain in the lower back.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the spine can lead to the breakdown of cartilage between the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. This can affect the lower back, leading to chronic pain.

Trauma or Injury

• Accidents, falls, or sports injuries: Sudden trauma, such as from a car accident or fall, can damage the muscles, ligaments, or discs in the lower back.
• Fractures: Compression fractures in the vertebrae can occur due to trauma or conditions like osteoporosis.

Stress and Psychological Factors

Emotional stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to muscle tension and pain in the lower back, as the muscles may become tighter in response to emotional or psychological strain.

Poor Sleep Habits

Sleeping in an awkward position, on a mattress that doesn’t provide adequate support, or sleeping for too long can contribute to lower back pain.

Obesity

Carrying excess weight can put additional strain on the lower back and contribute to pain, as it increases the load on the spine and surrounding muscles.

Lifestyle Factors

Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity can weaken muscles and lead to poor spinal health, contributing to lower back pain.

Age-related Changes

As people age, changes such as disc degeneration, loss of muscle mass, and decreased spinal flexibility can increase the likelihood of developing lower back pain.