Common Causes of Lower Back Pain & How Chiropractic Can Help
The number of people complaining about back pain is increasing. Recent studies reveal that 23% of adults worldwide suffer from chronic low back pain, and the lifetime prevalence of back pain in adults can be as high as 84%.
Ignoring back pain can be detrimental, as it often leads to a worsening of the condition over time. If you start experiencing pain in your lower back, you must not ignore it, as it may be a sign of sciatica. Seeking chiropractic care early on can help detect and prevent further issues. If you're unsure when to visit a chiropractor, this guide will walk you through common causes of lower back pain and help you determine the right time to consult a chiropractor in Kahului.
6 Common Causes for Lower Back Pain
Here are some common causes for lower back pain, and if you relate to any of these, consult with Maui Chiropractor as soon as possible.
Poor Posture
One of the main causes of lower back pain is poor posture, which might lead to strain on the muscles, ligaments, and spinal structures. Slouching or leaning forward can put excessive pressure on your spine and neighbouring muscles. Additionally, modern habits like sitting at a desk for long hours, bending over smartphones, or sleeping in uncomfortable positions can make poor posture worse and cause back pain.
Muscle Strain or Sprain
Muscle strains or ligament sprains are also frequent causes of back pain. Such a type of pain occurs when you lift heavy weights, make sudden movements, or experience overexertion during physical activities. These strains and sprains happen when the muscles or ligaments in the back are stretched or torn, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is also known as a slipped or ruptured disc. It happens when one of the soft, rubbery discs between the vertebrae in the spine slips out of position or ruptures. This can pressure nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the back, legs, or arms. Herniated discs often develop as the spine naturally ages, but activities like heavy lifting, improper posture, or physical trauma can also trigger them.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition where the discs between the spinal vertebrae wear down over time, often due to aging or repeated stress. As these discs lose their ability to cushion the spine, it can cause back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Although the term disease may be concerning, the degenerative disc is not a disease. It’s a condition in which a damaged disc causes pain.
Sciatica
Sciatica is the pain that radiates from your lower back or buttocks down through one or both legs along the path of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica pain typically occurs when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots. This causes inflammation, pain, and numbness in the affected legs that can become serious if left untreated. So, you should consult an expert and seek sciatica treatment from a chiropractor in Maui.
Osteoarthritis
Especially in older adults, osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time. When the cartilage in the spine joints wears away, the bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Other factors like family history, being overweight, or past joint injuries can also increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
How Can a Chiropractor Help with Back Pain
Now comes when you need to consult a Maui chiropractor for back pain and how they can help you.
While mild lower back pain or sciatica usually goes away with time, you should never ignore the pain. Even if you get short-term relief from self-care measures, you must consult with a chiropractor for lower back pain immediately. They can help you with the following treatments:
Spinal Adjustments: Spinal adjustments or manipulations can restore proper alignment to the spine, reduce nerve interference, help relieve tension, improve mobility, and promote healing by restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system.
Physical Therapy & Exercises: Chiropractors use physical therapy and exercises in their treatments. These help strengthen spine-supporting muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility. By focusing on these muscles, chiropractic care can prevent future injuries and enhance back health.
Massage Therapy: Chiropractic care doesn’t just focus on spinal adjustments—it often includes therapeutic massage, too. Massage helps loosen tight muscles, relieve tension, and decrease inflammation, making it a great addition for treating muscle strain, sciatica, and general back pain.
Pain Management without Drugs or Surgery: Chiropractic care also offers a natural, non-invasive approach to pain relief. Instead of relying on medications or surgical procedures, chiropractors use pain management techniques like corrective exercises to reduce strain on backs and avoid long-term issues.
Conclusion
Back pain is a common problem with many potential causes, such as poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, or age-related conditions like osteoarthritis. If left untreated, even mild pain can become severe, leading to chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, and a significant impact on daily life.
Seeking timely care, such as chiropractic treatment, can help address the root cause of the pain, prevent it from worsening, and restore overall spinal health. At Central Maui Chiropractic, we offer a range of services designed to provide relief and promote long-term wellness. Our treatments include spinal adjustments, therapeutic massage, corrective exercises, and ergonomic guidance to help you manage pain, improve posture, and enhance your quality of life.
FAQs
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Sciatica is pain along the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disc or spinal compression. Chiropractors use adjustments, massage, and exercises to relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
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Yes. Chiropractic care reduces nerve pressure, alleviates pain, and improves spinal alignment, helping heal herniated discs and prevent further issues.
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Yes. It’s a safe, non-invasive option for osteoarthritis, focusing on pain relief, improved mobility, and better spinal health without drugs or surgery.
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It depends on your condition. Initially, frequent visits may be needed, followed by maintenance sessions to prevent recurrence and support long-term health.
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Yes. Poor posture strains muscles and spinal structures. Chiropractors correct posture through adjustments, exercises, and ergonomic advice to reduce pain and prevent future problems.