Lower Back Pain 101 Part 1: Common Causes and Risk Factors

Lower back pain is a common ailment that many individuals face. Acute lower back pain usually lasts for a few days and goes away on its own. Chronic low back pain, however, causes long-term discomfort, persisting for 12 weeks or more. In today’s post, your expert back pain rehab clinic, Terrapin Care Center, discusses some common causes of lower back pain.

Strained Muscles or Ligaments

Poor posture and improper body mechanics put strain on your back muscles and ligaments, especially when you are lifting heavy objects. This can also occur when you suddenly stretch or twist your back, particularly if you have a sedentary lifestyle. Eventually, this strain can cause debilitating acute or chronic lower back pain.

Herniated Lumbar Discs

Herniated lumbar discs causes irritation to the nerves surrounding your spine, resulting in a searing pain. Your trusted back pain specialist explains that this may affect not only your lower back, but your limbs and the rest of your body as well.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops when your bones lose density and mass as you age, causing them to become brittle. People with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of suffering spinal fractures, which may result in back pain that usually worsens over time.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory musculoskeletal condition. Your reliable back pain doctor explains that the lower back is a typical site for arthritis pain. In fact, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious arthritis often cause vertebral irritation, resulting in persistent low back pain. This discomfort may be more severe for overweight individuals, since there is more pressure and stress on their spines.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a hereditary condition that involves consistent nerve stimulation. As a result, your brain increases neurotransmitter release, causing your pain receptors to become overly sensitive to any sensation. This condition may cause long-term, widespread, and debilitating pain in your back and the rest of your body.

These are the most common causes for low back pain, but they are not the only causes. To learn more, call us at (301) 220-1930 or complete our form. We serve Silver Spring and Greenbelt, MD. Don’t forget to check out the second half of this two-part blog to learn about our effective low back pain treatment options.