Lower Back Pain is the King of Pain

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports that lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and that Americans spend over $50 billion each year on treatments for back pain. The ACA also notes that lower back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor, after upper respiratory infections.

Lower back pain is a very common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Muscle or ligament strain: It can occur due to overuse, improper lifting, sudden movements or twisting, or prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

2. Herniated or ruptured discs: This is the most common cause of lower back pain.  The discs between the vertebrae in the spine can become damaged, leading to a herniation or rupture that can put pressure on the nerves in the lower back.

3. Facet joint synovitis: Caused by irritation or inflammation of the facet joints, which are small joints located between the vertebrae of the spine. 

4. Sacroiliac pain or Sacroilitis:  pain and inflammation of the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis.
5. Spinal stenosis: This occurs when the space around the spinal cord narrows, putting pressure on the nerves in the lower back.
6. Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the joints in the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.
7. Osteoporosis: This is a condition that causes the bones to become brittle and weak, which can lead to compression fractures in the spine and lower back pain.
8. Centralized pain syndrome: This is a chronic pain condition that can cause widespread pain and tenderness, including in the lower back.
9. Scoliosis: This is a condition in which the spine curves to the side, leading to lower back pain and other symptoms.
10. Inflammatory conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, reactive arthritis,and psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the lower back.
11. Infection
12. Hypermobility Syndrome: causes a chronic stiffness and instability to the spine leading to accelerated deconditioning of the spine
13. Trauma: A fall, car accident, or other type of trauma can cause lower back pain.
14. Cancer: Although rare, some types of cancer can cause lower back pain as a symptom.

These are just a few of the causes of lower back pain.  A detailed and expertly administered examination can reveal an accurate diagnosis and lead to the best treatment options for your lower back pain.  Our expert chiropractors at Iowa Chiropractic Clinic & Sports Injuries in Ankeny, Iowa and Grimes, Iowa and Altoona, Iowa are available to assist you with getting on the road to recovery fast.