Why do I have lower back pain?

Figuring out why you have lower back pain is a vital first step in the process of treating your pain. It can be difficult to determine the cause of your pain on your own, but working with a physical therapist can make it easier to learn the source of your pain. 

There are many Americans who are suffering from lower back pain at this moment, and it’s estimated that about 31 million U.S. adults have lower back pain at any given time. There are many structures in your back that could be the cause of your pain. Physical therapists have an extensive knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system. This knowledge allows them to help you learn why you have lower back pain. In addition, they offer many effective treatment options for lower back pain. 

These common issues could be why you have lower back pain

Your lower back is a complex part of the body, and many of the structures in this area can be a source of pain. Some of the structural issues that can cause lower back pain include: 

1. Spinal osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis of the spine occurs when the cartilage in facet joints and discs wears out as we age. 

2. Herniated lumbar discs — Lumbar herniated discs occur when the outer shell of a disc is damaged, allowing the disc’s inner material to poke out.

3. Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction — SI joint dysfunction happens when the joints that link the pelvis to the lower spine become inflamed and painful.

4. Sciatica — This condition occurs when one of the sciatic nerves is pinched or irritated.

5. Back muscle strain — Straining a lower back muscle happens when the affected muscle is overstretched during physical activity. 

What physical therapists can do to treat your lower back pain

After determining why you have lower back pain, physical therapists can offer many treatment options for your pain. Physical therapy plans are typically customized to fit each patient’s needs, and they can include a combination of therapy techniques, such as: 

• Manual therapy designed to improve facet joint mobility and reduce tension in lower back soft tissue. 

• Therapeutic exercises intended to strengthen back and core muscles that help support your spine. 

• Spinal rehab that focuses on helping you improve your posture and lifting techniques thus decreasing your risk of future back problems. 

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) sessions intended to break down scar tissue that is reducing lower back flexibility. 

Find effective treatment for your lower back pain at Armor PT

Still not sure why you have lower back pain? Our physical therapists at Armor Physical Therapy can perform a free screening on you to pinpoint the cause of your back pain. Furthermore, our team excels at creating unique therapy plans designed to reduce your pain and decrease your risk of future pain. You can even work with us from home by signing up for a virtual therapy or at-home care session with one of our specialists. 

Contact us today for more information about how we can help with your lower back pain or to schedule an initial appointment.