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What Causes Chronic Low Back Pain?

In the United States, back pain is the second leading cause of physically limiting disorders in those under the age of 45, with approximately 2 percent of the U.S. workforce experiencing back pain issues each year.

  1. Causes of Back Pain

    • Chronic back pain can be caused by several forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. But it can also be caused by a herniated or bulging disc. Back pain can come in various types ranging from aching to burning and stabbing, with accompanying stiffness and a reduction in mobility.

    Treatments

    • Depending on your condition, your health care practitioner may suggest you try TENS, (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) physical therapy, NSAIDs, (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) yoga, meditation, massage therapy or a combination of several therapies to assist in alleviating chronic back pain.

    Preventing Back Pain

    • Preventing back pain can begin with maintaining a good weight for your body type. (see Resources for a body mass index calculator). Also essential to avoiding recurrent episodes of back pain is learning how to lift properly and avoiding things that can aggravate your pain.

    Considerations

    • Before undertaking any regimen to help you cope with your back pain, it's crucial you get a proper diagnosis. Then your health care practitioner can work with you to help you find solutions to your chronic pain problem.

    Risk Factors

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for developing back pain include smoking, obesity, stress, depression, physically strenuous work, older age and anxiety. Research published in the medical journal Spine demonstrated that those who smoked and were obese were more inclined to develop low back pain.

    Warning

    • Chronic pain can indicative of a serious underlying health issue. If you experience any change in the severity of your pain, numbness or weakness in your legs or a change in either the bowel or bladder, you should see your health care practitioner as soon as possible.

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