These 4 Conditions Can Lead to Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain got you down? Uncovering the culprit behind your persistent back pain is the first step in relieving it and getting back on your feet. The team at Florida Pain Management Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, treats lower back pain from countless causes. Here are a few of the most common. 

1. Sciatica

Sciatica is a rather common contributor to low back pain. Funnily enough, sciatica isn’t a condition of a muscle or joint in your back -- rather, it’s a condition of a nerve. Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower spine all the way down through both of your legs. 

Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve becomes inflamed. It’s often the result of a spinal condition, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or spondylolisthesis. 

Sciatica pain is very distinct: Many patients describe it as “pins and needles” or electric shocks in the lower back and running down their leg. It usually only affects one side of your body, and pain might increase with movement.

2. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Your sacroiliac joints, also called the SI joints, link your pelvis and your spine. When one or both of these joints becomes inflamed, it’s called sacroiliitis. Inflammation of the SI joints can lead to intense pain in your lower back, as well as your hips and glutes. 

It’s important to treat sacroiliac joint dysfunction early because the SI joints are incredibly important. They support your upper body when you stand and keep your gait (walking pattern) in check.

3. Muscle strains

Muscle strains aren’t fun, but at least they’re relatively easy to diagnose and treat. Muscle strains occur when a muscle is stretched beyond its capacity, which usually happens due to unexpected force. That’s why it’s so common to strain a muscle when you fall or try to lift a heavy object in an awkward manner. 

Minor muscle strains heal on their own with at-home remedies, but serious muscle strains typically require medical evaluation and treatment. 

4. Lower cross syndrome

You probably already know that long stretches of inactivity can lead to chronic illnesses and weight gain. Turns out, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to back pain, too. When you sit for long periods of time day after day, you might develop something called lower cross syndrome. 

This syndrome is characterized by tight hip flexors and weak glutes and core muscles. This combination leads to a shift in the hips called an anterior pelvic tilt, wherein your hips point downward, your tailbone points upward, and your lower back arches more than it should. 

Over time, this syndrome can lead to chronic lower back pain and discomfort. 

Are you struggling with back pain but don’t know why? Visit Florida Pain Management Institute for an evaluation. Call our office or request an appointment online.