Low back pain is the number two reason that Americans see their doctors, second to colds and flu. Low back pain affects physical activities, emotional and spiritual wellness, and work and social lives. It may originate from the spine, nerves, muscles, or other areas in that region. The pain may also come from the mid or upper back. Low back pain is the most common form of back pain because the lower back supports the majority of the body’s weight. Some of the symptoms include experiencing sharp pains, a tingling or burning sensation, or a dull aching feeling.
Low back pain isn’t necessarily always preventable, but it is helpful to understand some of the factors that can cause the problems whether these are genetic-related, physical, emotional, or nutritional. By understanding where the problem is coming from, it can be easier to choose appropriate treatment.
Factors That Can Cause Low Back Pain:
- Age: Studies suggest that as an individual grows older, the risk for lower back pain increases, until around the age of 65. They also suggest that back pain in people 45 years of age or younger is the number one cause for limitation of activity.
- Gender: There is data suggesting males are at a higher risk for lower back pain, while other studies suggest females are at an increased risk. Some evidence indicates that women who have had one or more pregnancies have an increased risk.
- Family history: If your family has a history of back pain, you may be at risk; a higher risk for lower back pain has been linked to family history.
- Occupational: There is an increased risk for low back pain with work duties that involve prolonged sitting or standing, lifting heavy objects, a lot of bending and twisting, or whole body vibration such as truck driving or using a sandblaster.
- Poor posture or spinal alignment: Sitting at a computer desk all day or “hunching over” may predispose individuals to low back pain due to the added stress to the spine and other areas of the back. Over time, poor posture or poor spinal alignment can lead to degeneration of the disks and joints, lengthening or shortening of the supportive ligaments and muscles, and may wear or tear cartilage.
- Physical fitness: An individual who abstains from exercising may be predisposed to low back pain. Regular physical activity increases muscle strength and endurance, which may prevent future back injuries. However, higher-risk sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and gymnastics may cause severe injury resulting in pain problems.
- Weight: Because the low back supports most of the body’s weight, obesity can have a large impact on low back pain problems.
- History of back injury: A previous back injury is the best predicator of future low back pain. A serious fall or accident may cause tremendous stress and lead to long-term effects including relapses, which are very common.
- Smoking: Studies suggest that smoking may be a contributing factor in low back pain. Smokers are at a 1.5 to 2.5 greater risk than non-smokers because of the possible lack of oxygen to discs and decreased levels of blood oxygen to the arteries.
- Psychological and social factors: Stress related to work, depression, responsibility, anxiety, substance abuse and family and social life have all been linked to an increased risk in low back pain.
- Additional sources: Low back pain can also be caused by medical conditions including fractures to the spine, degeneration of the discs, spinal curvatures, poor alignment of the vertebrae, tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back, arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Sources: The National Institutes of Health; The Department of Pain and Medicine; Palliative Care
