Chronic Lower Back Pain Causes

Everyone, at some point of their life, complains of back pain problem. Lower back pain is considered chronic if it persists for over three months and is progressive. The condition interferes with daily routine, making work and activities difficult.

Chronic lower back pain is caused by a wide variety of factors. Among prominent factors that lead to the condition include structural problems of the back, inflammation, muscle and soft tissue injury and imbalances in body mechanics.

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What Causes Chronic Lower Back Pain?

Lifting heavy objects – Lifting something heavy or overstretching may cause sprain, strain or spasm in one of the muscles or ligaments  of the back. As spine becomes overly strained or compressed, a disc may rupture or bulge outwards. Bulging of a disc exerts pressure on  the nerves rooted to the spinal cord, only to compress it, which in turn causes back pain.

Muscle irritation or bone lesions – Degenerative medical conditions such as osteoporosis, viral infections, irritation to joints and discs, arthritis or congenital abnormalities in the spine may cause muscle irritation or bone lesions.

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Unhealthy habits – Certain habits may contribute to lower back pain, which include obesity, smoking, poor physical condition, incorrect posture, incorrect sleeping positions and inability to lose weight after pregnancy.

Back injuries – Injury of the back may heal overtime, but sometimes it leaves a scar tissue. The scar tissue created by the injury leaves one with depleted strength or flexibility of normal tissue. The weakened back may lead to more chronic lower back pain.

Medical problems – Medical problems such as loss of bowel or bladder control; pain  while coughing may also contribute to progressive back pain. Diabetics may also experience severe back pain or pain radiating down the leg.

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Skeletal irregularities – Skeletal problems such as scoliosis (in which your spine curves to the side) curve has a negative impact on your back.

Among other factors that lead to chronic back pain include lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly, over-stretching during exercise, sitting on chairs in wrong postures, staying in incorrect postures for long periods, driving/riding for long periods without a halt and overworking muscles while working out. Progressive back pain is often preventable, by practicing correct postures, not performing exercises that strain the back, lifting objects in a proper way.

It is important to figure out the root cause of chronic low back pain to deal with it. So, if you are struggling with back pain for quite some time now, it is recommended to consult a doctor before it escalates further.

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