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Every year, millions of Americans suffer from lower back pain. Unfortunately, those of us in Florida are no exception. There are many reasons you may have back pain. Sometimes, it’s the result of a long day of manual labor or sitting at a desk for too long. Other times, it’s related to a serious injury or chronic condition.
If you have sudden or long-lasting back pain, you should know more about the potential causes and why you may need treatment.
Common causes of lower back pain
Lower back pain is often the result of pressure on the nerves in your spinal column created by a chronic condition or sudden injury. Usually, lower back pain is related to one of the following conditions or injuries:
- Herniated discs — The discs in your spine are filled with a thick fluid that allows the discs to absorb shock from an impact to help protect the spine. An impact to the spine or prolonged pressure on the spine from another condition or from sitting for too long can cause the fluid from one or more of these discs to burst out of the shell. When this happens, the fluid spreads out in your spinal column and puts pressure on the nerves in your spinal cord.
- Sciatica — Sciatica is inflammation in the sciatic nerve that is the result of prolonged pressure, usually from sitting for too long and not getting enough exercise. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back into each of your legs, so sciatica typically causes a burning pain to run from your back down into one of your legs.
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) — DDD is a condition that affects everyone sooner or later. It is the natural wear and tear on the discs in your spine that occurs as you age. Some people never notice the effects of DDD, while others experience lower back pain and stiffness.
- Arthritis — Arthritis breaks down the cartilage in your joints, which can affect the joints in your spine. Arthritis in your lower back can cause pain and stiffness and lead to other conditions like spinal stenosis.
- Spinal stenosis — Conditions like arthritis or a sudden injury can cause the spinal column to grow more narrow, which is known as spinal stenosis. This results in increased pressure on the nerves in your spine.
Treating lower back pain at the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute
You have multiple treatment options for lower back pain. At the Florida Spine and Joint Institute, our team can provide chiropractic care, interventional care, and surgical intervention to treat and help prevent lower back pain. If you’re tired of lower back pain getting in the way of your ability to enjoy life, talk to us about what we can do for you. Contact our team today for more information about lower back pain treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
