Evidence suggests back pain is the leading cause of absenteeism from work. Since 75% of the population will experience back pain, it causes a considerable loss in productivity. Dr. Shawn Taher provides expert advice and pain management to restore your quality of life. Find out what causes low back pain and potential non-surgical therapies to address the pain.
What causes low back pain?
Low back pain usually occurs due to anatomical changes caused by aging. You may experience low back pain as the spinal disc deteriorates. The vertebral disc is a cushion that absorbs excessive pressure from the spine.
The degeneration diminishes the vertebral disc’s capacity to absorb shock and affects fluid retention. As the nerve openings contract, the spine squeezes the surrounding sensory tissue. The spinal column becomes rigid, leading to discomfort and pain that may spread from your lower back to your limbs.
The vertebral disc may degenerate as you grow older. But a herniated disc may affect people of different ages. Most of the 12 million people with disc degeneration in the United States are between 20 and 65.
Who is at risk of low back pain?
While low back pain can affect anyone, several factors may predispose you to the condition. Statistics show women have a slightly higher risk of low back pain than men. The prevalence increases with age, with more incidences in elderly adults.
Conditions that affect the bones, like osteoporosis, can also increase the risk of back pain. Some of the characteristics of osteoporosis are brittle bones and a weak spine. Parts of the spinal column may deteriorate, leading to discomfort or a change in posture.
Heavy smokers had a significantly higher prevalence of low back pain than non-smokers. Nicotine encourages tissue inflammation, which damages blood vessels around the disc. Smoking impairs nerve function, which may intensify the pain sensations.
Tobacco consumption impairs the immune system and impacts your body’s bone regeneration process. Evidence suggests nicotine can weaken the bones, making them susceptible to fractures and disc deterioration.
People in physically-demanding occupations that involve lifting heavy items are at risk of back pain. Construction workers, drivers, and nurses can sustain back injuries that may affect the lower back.
Workplace factors may also increase the risk of LBP for people in various occupations. Employees can strain their backs working for prolonged hours without breaks. Poor posture when bending and lifting could also lead to chronic back pain.
How is low back pain treated?
Your healthcare provider will conduct x-rays and MRI scans to assess your spine and nervous system. There are various treatments for LBP. The appropriate one will depend on your symptoms and the assessment results.
Your treatment may involve spinal decompression, which releases the pressure on the discs by stretching the spine. Spinal decompression can reduce pain and is a proven chiropractic process for managing low back pain.
Physical therapy can also strengthen the muscles to support the spine. Regardless of your symptoms, your chiropractor could use several non-surgical treatments to restore function and alleviate pain.
To find out more about our minimally-invasive low back pain treatments, contact Body Balance Chiropractic & Wellness Center today.