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Is low back pain stopping you from doing the things you love?

Low back pain is a common complaint that affects millions of people around the world. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, from poor posture to injury, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In this blog post, we will explore some of the causes of low back pain and provide tips for preventing and managing this condition.

Causes of Low Back Pain

  1. Poor Posture: Sitting or standing with a rounded posture for extended periods of time can put a strain on the muscles and ligaments as well as the discs in the lower back, leading to pain and discomfort, possibly even into the buttuck or down the leg.

  2. Muscle Strains and Sprains: Overuse, sudden movement, or lifting heavy objects can cause muscle strains and sprains in the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.

  3. Disc pain: Pain from a disc can occur suddenly or even over time when the jelly like substance inside the disc into the all of the disc or even outside of the disc and irritates nearby nerves or the disc tissue itself, causing pain, tingling, numbness and/or weakness in the lower back and possibly down the leg.

  4. Arthritis: Arthritis can cause inflammation in the joints of the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.

  5. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, which can increase the risk of fractures in the lower back.

Preventing and Managing Low Back Pain

  1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the lower back, reducing the risk of injury and pain. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and yoga can be especially beneficial for those with low back pain.

  2. Maintain Good Posture: Maintaining good posture while sitting or standing with the use of a lumbar support to maintain the aliognment of the spine can help reduce the strain on the muscles and ligaments  and discs in the lower back. It is important to sit with your back straight and your feet flat on the ground, and to stand with your shoulders back and your weight evenly distributed on both feet.

  3. Lift with Your Legs: When lifting heavy objects, it is important to use your legs rather than your back to do the lifting. This can help reduce the risk of muscle strains and sprains in the lower back.

  4. Use Proper Ergonomics: Using proper ergonomics in the workplace can help reduce the risk of low back pain. This may include using an ergonomic chair, adjusting the height of your computer monitor, and taking frequent breaks to stand and stretch.

  5. Seek Treatment: If you experience persistent low back pain, it is important to seek treatment from a licensed physical therapist who has a history of working specifically with low back pain.  Seeing one with a certification in the Mckenzie method of mechanical evaluation has been shown to speed recovery by finding movement patterns for the spine that will help to identify the specific problem and address it quickly. 

In conclusion, low back pain can be a debilitating condition that affects many people. By practicing good posture, exercising regularly, and seeking treatment when necessary, it is possible to prevent and manage low back pain, improving overall quality of life.