Just about every person has suffered from low back pain at one time or another. In some situations, a bit of rest and relaxation is all that is needed to recover. However, there are several more concerning conditions that could lead to chronic low back pain, which requires professional treatment from a board-certified physical therapist to relieve.

If you are continually afflicted with pain in your low back, please contact Optimum Therapies to schedule a personalized consultation with one of our experienced Physical Therapists. New patients may set up an appointment by calling their preferred location directly, or by scheduling a virtual consultation through our secure form. We have six convenient locations throughout Wisconsin and North Dakota.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

The possibilities are endless when it comes to all of the things that can lead to discomfort in the lower region of the back. However, at Optimum Therapies, our therapists most frequently treat the following sources of low back pain.

Strains and Sprains

Muscles, tendons, and ligaments located throughout the entire body are susceptible to overstretching and small tears. If a muscle or tendon in the back is affected by this type of injury, it is known as a strain, whereas if a ligament is impacted, it is known as a sprain.

While strains and sprains are more likely to affect the upper back, they can certainly occur in lower areas as well. This is most often caused by some sort of abrupt movement of these various tissues, which may result from lifting excessively heavy objects. Even small amounts of force can lead to a sprain or strain within the low back if the tissues have become too weak to handle much movement.

Osteoarthritis

As we age, it is the body’s natural process to begin experiencing some gradual wear and tear. Frequently used joints are typically among the first areas affected by this wear and tear, which is known as osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis can also affect the spine, leading to significant discomfort. More specifically, the cartilage that exists between the vertebrae of the spine begins to wear down, resulting in direct contact between the vertebrae themselves. Not surprisingly, this harsh movement tends to cause a substantial amount of pain that may stem from one or several particular arthritic vertebrae along the spine.

Referred Pain

In some cases, low back pain may have nothing to do with a problem of the back at all. If an individual’s pain is caused by an underlying medical condition such as kidney disease, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, etc. then it is known as referred pain. To effectively treat this symptomatic discomfort in the lower back, the underlying condition must be properly addressed.

Structural Abnormalities

Over time it is possible for the spine to become misaligned. Alignment issues can put considerable pressure on nearby muscles or nerves, causing mild to severe pain in the lower back.

It is also quite possible for skeletal deformities to gradually develop during the person’s lifetime. Conditions such as scoliosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis fall into this category, many of which require ongoing medical treatment to maintain. 

Problems with Spinal Discs

Spinal discs help to support the vertebrae by acting as a natural shock-absorber for the entire back. Unfortunately, these discs can be heavily impacted by continued stress and pressure that is put on the spine during everyday activities, and especially during a traumatic incident to the spine. As a result, the following conditions may arise:

• Herniated, torn, or ruptured disc
• Bulging disc
• Disc degeneration

Spinal Stenosis

If the discs of the spine have been compromised in some way, it is likely that spinal stenosis will develop soon afterward. This condition involves the formation of bone spurs to help replace the support that the spinal discs are no longer able to provide. This natural defense mechanism will allow the spine to remain structurally intact, though over time it can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal and severe pain that radiates from the lower back through the legs.

When to Schedule an Appointment with Optimum Therapies

If you have attempted to relieve your low back pain by resting, using over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, or applying ice and/or heat regularly without much success, it may be time to consider more effective treatment options. The first step should always be to uncover the root of your pain, whether it be any of the common conditions already discussed, or perhaps something more unique.

At Optimum Therapies, our specialists possess extensive experience in diagnosing and treating conditions of the low back. We strive to provide actionable insights about a patient’s condition and to guide them through the entire treatment process from start to finish.

To address your issues of chronic low back pain, please call your preferred location today to schedule a consultation!

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906 

https://www.verywellhealth.com/common-causes-of-back-pain-diagnosis-and-treatment-2548504