At one time or another, most adults struggle with back pain. In fact, 80 percent of our population experiences an LBP episode during their lifetime. In the United States, low back pain is the second most common cause of disability among adults. Low back pain is attributed to an estimated 149 million days of lost work per year.
While a minor ache or a short bout of pain is normal, chronic back pain is something entirely different. This symptom can prevent you from carrying out basic tasks and enjoying life to the fullest. Sometimes the source of your back pain can be difficult to pinpoint. That’s why you need doctors who are leading the way in minimally invasive spine care and the treatment of chronic back pain.
At Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona, we diagnose, treat and rehabilitate the spinal conditions related to chronic back pain. While this symptom may be a common medical complaint, we take the time to understand your unique situation so we can utilize the most innovative and effective treatments to restore your lifestyle.
What Causes Chronic Back Pain?
Anyone can develop back pain, even young people. The onset of chronic lower back pain is often the result of mechanical damage. Mechanical means that the source of your back pain is chronic wear and tear to the moving parts of your back, such as your spinal joints, discs, vertebrae or soft tissues. Mechanical damage can occur due to aging, poor posture, an inactive lifestyle or insufficient physical activity.
Whether due to heavy lifting or a sudden, awkward movement, back strain or sprain is a common injury that can occur to the spinal muscles, tendons or ligaments. Those in poor physical health are more likely to struggle with these issues regularly.
Discs are the rubbery cushions separating the vertebrae that act as a cushion and support. When the soft material inside a disc ruptures or bulges, it can press on a nerve and lead to chronic back pain as well as numbness in an arm or leg
Whether due to a bulging disc or bone spur, sciatica describes pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower back down the leg
Whether due to wear and tear or arthritis in the spine, spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the nerves within the spine.
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