Back Pain and Low Back Pain
Low back pain and back pain are among the leading musculoskeletal problems affecting Americans today.
Research shows that 80% of the population will deal with a low back injury at least once in their lifetime
Low back pain and back pain are general terms, with a variety of conditions acting as the source of the pain in your low back, hips, and sciatica pain.
Below are the most common conditions we see that cause low back pain in Cedar Falls and Waterloo
These aren't all the causes of low back pain, but can serve as a starting point to understand the different causes of low back pain.
Lumbar Sprain/Strain
Injury to the muscles or ligaments in the low back
Facet Syndrome
Irritation or damage to the joints and capsule around the joint
Lumbar Disc Disorders
Damage to the connective disc between the bones of the spine
The most common causes for these conditions are:
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Slips and Falls
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Overexertion
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Heavy lifting
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Poor biomechanics
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Poor posture
However, with the right education, you can protect yourself from many of these causes.
Those that suffer the most from this condition, especially chronic cases, are typically in poor physical condition with weak stabilizing muscles.
A uniting factor we see as a chiropractor in Cedar Falls is often a job that involves sitting for most of the day working at a desk computer. This type of patient has poor sitting posture, which will lead to a weakening of the spinal erector muscles, reducing stability of the spine further contributing to the condition. The importance of a strong core and training your spinal muscles cannot be overstated.
In instances where the problem is related to overuse, poor posture or
improper exercise, there are steps that can be taken to
help avoid these injuries from happening.
Proper education on your specific postural habits can reduce the harmful effects of sitting on the spine. Furthermore, education on correct lifting form can further reduce these episodes of low back pain and help you build a healthier spine.