To understand the reason why we get low back pain, we need to understand our spine and the way it works.

Our spine consists of tiny bones, which are called vertebrae. Our vertebrae are piled up above each other. The other parts of our spine are the ligaments, nerves, muscles, and intervertebral disks.

The structure of our vertebrae

Our vertebral bones are binded in order to make a channel that safeguards our spinal cord. Made up of three segments is our spinal column, which creates the natural curvature of our backs. The first curve is the cervical area, which is the neck; second is the thoracic, which is the chest and third is the lumbar, which is our lower back. The sacrum and coccyx make up the lower section of our spine and is composed of vertebrae that are joined as one. Connecting our upper spine to our pelvis are five lumbar vertebrae.

As mentioned, the manifestation of back pain varies in every person; however, it resolves by itself in less than 3 weeks.

Low back pain can be attributed to many factors like bending or lifting. Ageing can also cause this, as our spine grows old with us. Getting old can make our spine to deteriorate, which starts at age 30. It can even be earlier than 30 making us susceptible to back pains. This early deterioration of our backs can be attributed to our excessive activities.

The Causes

Excessive activity makes our muscles sore for being overstretched. This can be best illustrated when you do much work than you can handle such as snow shoveling or spring-cleaning in just a day. Low back pain, which is a result of overdoing activities, normally lasts for a few days.

On the other hand, back pain in other people lingers. This only means that a disk was injured, known as disk tear. Tiny rips on the external area of the disk can also be due to ageing. Disk tears may not bring any pain to some while others may experience soreness that is long lasting. Some individuals whose back pain has stayed for years results to restriction of movements.

Slipped disk or disk herniation is characterized when its hub is being pushed against its external ring. This is brought about by bending, lifting, twisting, or pulling.

Degeneration of the disk is also attributed to getting old.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is also related to ageing where the ligaments and the joints can no longer hold the spine in its proper position.

When the area surrounding the spinal cord contracts and gives weight on the spinal nerves and cord, spinal stenosis takes place.

Scoliosis is the uncharacteristic curvature of the spine. This may manifest in children especially among teenagers. Older patients with arthritis can similarly have scoliosis. This spinal distortion brings back pain as well as leg symptoms especially if the nerves are pressured.

Other causes of low back pain can be grave. History of cancer, arterial or vascular disease, or soreness that is always present in spite of reducing your level of activity requires medical attention.

Chiropractors are medical professionals who can help you alleviate and eliminate the pain on your lower back.