Low Back Pain: Why It Happens and How to Treat It!

At our clinic, we see patients every week who come in frustrated by ongoing or sudden lower back pain. Whether it started after lifting something heavy, sitting too long at work, or seemingly out of nowhere, back pain can quickly interfere with daily life. Back pain can range in intensity from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp, or shooting pain that can radiate down one or both legs.

The good news is that most causes are treatable, and early attention can help prevent long-term issues.

Why Does Low Back Pain Happen?

The lower back supports much of your body’s weight and movement, making it prone to strain and injury. Common causes include:

1. Muscle or ligament strain
Lifting something heavy, twisting suddenly, or poor posture can strain the muscles and ligaments in your back, leading to pain and stiffness.

2. Degenerative changes
As we age, the discs that cushion the vertebrae begin to wear down. This can cause conditions such as degenerative disc disease or arthritis in the spine.

3. Herniated or bulging discs
When the soft inner material of a disc pushes out through a crack in the outer layer, it can press on nearby nerves—often causing sharp, radiating pain down the leg (sciatica).

4. Poor posture and weak core muscles
Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, can stress the lower back. Weak abdominal muscles fail to support the spine properly, contributing to pain.

5. Underlying medical conditions
In some cases, low back pain can result from kidney problems, infections, or other internal conditions. It’s always best to have new or persistent pain evaluated by your healthcare provider.

How to Treat Low Back Pain:

Most cases of low back pain improve with conservative treatment and lifestyle adjustments. The goal is to reduce inflammation, restore movement, and prevent future episodes.

1. Rest—but not too much
A brief period of rest may help, but extended bed rest can make the problem worse. Gentle movement promotes healing and prevents stiffness.

2. Heat and cold therapy
Applying ice for the first 24–48 hours helps reduce inflammation and ease initial pain. After that, switching to moist heat can soothe tight muscles, improve flexibility, and increase blood flow to promote healing.

3. Physical therapy
Guidance from a trained physical therapist is one of the best treatments for improving back pain. Sessions may involve stretching and strengthening your back muscles to help improve your posture and reduce strain.

4. Exercise

Low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming can improve flexibility and core strength.

5. Over-the-counter medications
Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage mild pain and inflammation. Always follow your provider’s advice when using any medication.

5. Posture correction and ergonomic support
Adjusting your workstation, improving sitting posture, and using lumbar support can significantly reduce strain on your lower back during daily activities.

6. Advanced treatments
If pain persists, your healthcare provider may recommend additional therapies such as muscle relaxants, injections, or imaging studies to rule out more serious causes.

Key takeaway points for preventing low back pain:

• Exercise regularly to maintain flexibility and improve core strength.

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your spine and joints

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet to support bone and muscle health.

• Take movement breaks- periodically stand, stretch, or walk around your office throughout the day, and consider using an ergonomically designed workstation.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects or use proper lifting techniques to protect your lower back.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

You should see your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Pain lasting longer than two weeks

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs

• Pain following an injury or fall

• Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function

• Unexplained weight loss or fever accompanying your pain

Early evaluation helps identify the cause and prevent long-term problems.