Most Common Causes of Low Back Pain and How to Avoid Them

August 28, 2018

If the first thing you notice in the morning is your aching, sore back, you’re not alone. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that about 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know what’s causing your pain. Our doctors at Healthcare Associates of Texas understand the underlying causes of sudden and long-term back pain, and while we can’t review all of them with you here, we would like to tell you about a few that are the most common.

Sprain or Strain

Your low back is made of many muscles and other soft tissues that can be overstretched or torn during movements such as twisting, lifting, or bending. If you suffer from a strain, your muscles were overextended during movement. And if you have a sprain, the ligaments that hold bones together are pulled or torn. Both of these injuries can be caused by sudden injury or overuse that happens over time and can cause mild to severe back pain.

Herniated Discs

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a herniated disc—also called a “slipped” disc—is a common source of back pain. This back condition might cause you significant pain, or no pain at all. The discs are soft, rubbery pads that lie between the spinal bones. They absorb shock that naturally occurs as you move about during your day.

When the disc herniates, the center portion pushes through to the outer edge of the disc towards the spine, putting pressure on the nerves that run along the inside of the spinal column. This pressure on the nerves causes pain.

Spondylolisthesis

Another cause of your back pain might be spondylolisthesis, which happens when a bone in your spine slips forward out of alignment. This is a common occurrence in your lower back and can cause pain that spreads across your back and runs down one or both of your legs.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, which puts pressure on the nerves that run through this space. This commonly happens as a regular part of the aging process. Along with back pain, you might notice pain, numbness, or weakness that runs through your buttocks and down one or both legs (known as radiculopathy).

If you’re struggling with back pain, you probably need a thorough assessment to get to the bottom of your discomfort. Give Healthcare Associates of Texas a call today so you can finally rest easy.