Everyone experiences lower back pain at some point in life, and for a lot of people, the pain goes away quickly. Lower back pain is not always severe and often gets better on its own. However, for some people, lower back pain can be chronic, which means the pain does not go away or continues to come back after short periods of relief.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
The lower section of your back or your lumbar spine has five vertebrae. These vertebrae are in charge of heavy lifting and bearing the weight of your body. This area undergoes a lot of movement and pressure, which, in turn, may lead to wear and tear and injuries that cause pain symptoms. If you experience lower back pain, see an orthopedic doctor. It’s important to get a diagnosis on what’s causing it.
Below are the most common causes of lower back pain.
Sprains and Strains
Both sprains and strains are typical causes of acute back pain. While sprains and strains can happen in different areas of your body, both can occur from sudden injury to or overuse of the lower back. People often think that these injuries only happen to athletes or people living active lifestyles. However, this isn’t necessarily true. We are all vulnerable to sprains and strains when we do our everyday activities improperly. For example, bending to pick up something on the ground and lifting a heavy load can lead to these injuries, as well. You may also overstretch and twist your back incorrectly.
Arthritis of the Spine
One of the most prevalent causes of lower back pain is arthritis of the spine, the gradual degeneration of spinal joints. As you age, it is normal to feel discomfort in your lower back due to the wear and tear that has transpired over time. Surrounding tissues can also be affected due to the cartilage breaking down between the spinal joints. However, arthritis increases the damage to spinal joints due to a rapid degeneration of cartilage. This increases friction, which leads to pain in the affected joints.
Traumatic Injuries
Sports and other physical activities, car accidents, or a bad fall can all cause trauma and injury to your lower back. Additionally, these injuries may also cause compression in your spine, which can lead to a herniated disc.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is a disc that has “spilled out” of its lining, and it is most common in the lumbar spine. Herniated discs may not always result in immense distress and can cause little to no pain. However, it can aggravate nearby nerves, inducing a different kind of pain in the lower back and other areas. This condition can cause permanent nerve damage if not treated quickly and effectively.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips over an adjoining one. There are different kinds of spondylolisthesis. The most common type is degenerative spondylolisthesis, in which the spinal discs lose water and are thus unable to assist with the vertebrae’s movement. The instability in the back or compression of nerves caused by this condition can lead to pain symptoms.
Lower Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment in New Jersey
Lower back pain can limit mobility and interrupt your daily activities. Back pain is the second most common reason why people visit doctors and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Therefore, it is vital to take care of your back as soon as possible by getting a diagnosis on its cause and seeking effective treatment.
Visit the professionals at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey to relieve your back pain today. To make an appointment, call us at (973) 989-0888, or schedule an appointment online.
