Causes of lower back pain
Pain in the lower back is one of the most common complaints I see in clinic. It is one of those injuries that can occur at any age and any time. It can be caused by prolonged sitting or excess exercise. Our back is a large postural muscle but it also relies on strong abdominal muscles to help. A lack of core strength is a common cause as the back has to work extra hard to keep us upright. The most common causes I see are:
- Excess weight around the abdomen
- Poor posture while sitting at work
- Incorrect lifting techniques
- Excess exercise
- Exposure to cold winds or damp – causes pathogenic invasion of the muscles and channels
Lower back pain can be quite debilitating, as tightness in the muscles can put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal cord, which causes sharp shooting and referred pain. The most common cause is too much sitting, which some people spend most of their day doing. The discs in your back are designed to expand and contract as you move, which allows them to absorb blood and nutrients. When you sit, the discs are compressed and can lose flexibility over time. This can increase your risk of a bulging or herniated disc.
Lower Back pain can actually be tight Gluteal Muscles
Often I see patients coming in complaining of lower back pain, but in fact it is their upper glute muscles which are causing them pain. Pain which spreads through the hips and around the sacrum is often caused by tension through the hip muscles. These muscles are also involved in maintaining your posture. I see great improvements in back pain patients when I needle special points through the gluteal muscles to release the tension.