What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Did you know that 80% of people living in the United States are going to experience lower back pain at some point in their life? It’s not uncommon, especially as you grow older. As we age, we’re more likely to experience lower back pain.
What is worse, of those who do experience lower back pain, up to 10% will develop chronic lower back pain. This can cause on-going pain and discomfort for months at a time. So, what causes this to happen in the first place?
The main cause of lower back pain stems from mechanical stress and strain. Throughout each day we put a lot of stress on that area of our body through our ordinary movements. This compounding stress and pressure can lead to a herniated or degenerative disc. Each of these conditions can cause lower back pain.

Worn Down Discs

Our spinal column supports our weight throughout each day, not to mention the stress of constant twists and movements. Our spine is made up of discs which act as shock absorbers, these discs, over time, being to wear down. Eventually, a disc may begin to bulge or crack. This can lead to lower back pain.
Other conditions that can also cause lower back pain include:

• Disc tear
• Spondylolisthesis
• Vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis

How Genetics Can Cause Low Back Pain

Additionally, chronic lower back pain can also be caused by your genes. As mentioned previously, the discs in your spine degenerate over time which can lead to conditions that cause low back pain. Well, some individuals are more likely to experience disc degeneration – or, at least, at a faster rate than others. This can be due to your genes.
The genetic factors that influence disc degeneration and potentially lead to low back pain may even be more influential than lifestyle choices. In other words, one person with genes that are more susceptible to disc degeneration could have a sedentary lifestyle and still be worse off than someone who lifts weights or has a physically stressful lifestyle.

Treating Lower Back Pain with Chiropractic Care – Wichita, KS

One of the most effective ways of treating chronic low back pain is with chiropractic care. A chiropractor can adjust the spine, helping to realign discs. This can reduce the recovery time of spinal conditions and help alleviate the pain. Chiropractic care is much safer than pain meds and doesn’t have the risk of addiction.
Give us a call today to schedule an exam. (316) 685-4965