Globally, lower back pain affects approximately 577 million people (or 7.5 percent of the world’s population).
Do you struggle with ongoing pain in your lower back? If so, keep reading.
Explained below are some common causes of lower back pain, as well as some of the most effective chronic lower back pain treatment options.
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What Causes Pain in the Lower Back?
Chronic lower back pain can result from several issues. However, the following are some of the most well-known contributors:
Herniated Lumbar Disc
The term “lumbar” refers to the lower back. Discs are cushions that sit between each vertebra of the spine. When the soft center of a disc pushes through its exterior casing, this is known as a herniation.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As humans get older, the discs in their spines become dehydrated and are less resistant to force. This can lead to tears, pain, weakening, and an increased risk of herniation.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint starts the sacrum (the bottom of the spine) and connects to each side of the pelvis. It absorbs shock and tension between the upper and lower body. If this joint becomes inflamed, it may cause pain in the lower back.
Spinal Osteoarthritis
Spinal osteoarthritis results from ongoing wear and tear of the discs and spinal joints. It can lead to inflammation, pain, instability, and even stenosis. The ligamentum flavum, a yellow ligament in the spine, is one structure involved in this process. Over time, it can thicken and contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal. Stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, increases pressure on the spinal nerves and often requires surgery to correct.
Most Effective Chronic Lower Back Pain Treatment Options
There are lots of causes of chronic lower back pain, but there are lots of options when it comes to treatment for back pain. The following are some of the most well-known and effective treatments to consider:
Weight Loss
Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to struggle with chronic back pain compared to those at a normal weight.
Carrying extra pounds places additional stress on your joints, including the spinal joints. This is why losing weight through regular exercise, and a healthy diet can make such a big difference.
Massage
Many people find that regular massages improve their lower back pain. This is especially true when the massage therapist focuses on the sacroiliac joint and muscles surrounding it.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can teach you exercises that strengthen the muscles that support the spine. This can minimize pain, reduce the amount of strain placed on the lower back, and prevent future issues like facet hypertrophy.
Chiropractic Adjustments
You may also want to consider getting adjustments from a chiropractor.
As these chiropractic experts point out here, regular adjustments help to reduce inflammation and align the spine. This can resolve herniated discs and prevent disc degeneration.
Many chiropractors also teach exercises and stretches to manage and prevent additional lower back pain.
Combat Lower Back Issues Today
As you can see, there are lots of options for chronic lower back pain treatment. Keep the suggestions listed above in mind so you can find the best choice for your needs.
If you need more help managing your back pain, check out the Health section of our site today.
