Low Back Pain (LBP) is a huge problem in developed nations worldwide. It has or will affect most of us. The current estimate is that eighty percent of people will experience back pain at least once. It is the single biggest cause of disability worldwide. It is also important to note that six percent of LBP patients consume more than fifty percent of the cost. Let’s dive into some common questions you may have about low back pain.
What Causes back pain?
Most cases of back pain are mechanical and not caused by serious conditions such as infection, fracture, or cancer. This means that the cause usually has something to do with the way we move and how our body responds to stress applied to it. Pain can also be caused by changes to the bone or other structures present in our spine which are also mechanical causes.
Are there different kinds of low back pain?
Yes, there are two types:
Acute- This pain lasts a few days to a few weeks. Most low back pain is acute. It tends to resolve on its own within a few days with self-care and there is no residual loss of function.
Chronic– This is defined as pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer. About 20% of people with acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain with persistent symptoms at one year.
What are the risk factors for developing Low Back Pain?
There are many factors that can play a role:
- Jobs that require heavy repeated lifting (enhanced risk with heavy loaded twisting motions)
- Prolonged sitting
- Exposure to vibration such as vehicles or industrial machinery
- Smoking
- Certain sports such as gymnastics, tennis, and cross-country skiing
- Age, BMI, activity level
- Higher prevalence in females
What puts the most stress on my back?
There are certain positions that reduce the pressure put upon the spine and others that greatly enhance it. Take a look below to see some of the positions that increase the pressure on your low back.
Can my back “go out”?
The majority of the time your back does not “go out”. In certain cases, the spine can shift to the side as seen below but this makes up a VERY small percentage of low back pain cases and there will be a visible shift. More often than not, lower back pain tends to be either a simple sprain or strain of the low back in cases where pain develops right away. Sprains and strains are frequently preceded by heavy lifting or excess strain to the back—like bending over for too long at just the “right” angle. 
Why do I read about back or spine adjustments?
Spinal “adjustments” can be misconstrued as actually changing the position of your spine, but they actually do not. The proper term for this commonly performed technique should be “spinal manipulation”. When performed, the sound you hear is cavitation, or a “pop” similar to if you cracked your knuckle. This technique is commonly performed by Chiropractors and Physical Therapists. It can be useful in providing short-term pain relief but is best used in conjunction with exercises provided by your health professional for relief.
But what about my MRI that says I have a bulged disc?!
MRI findings of bulged disks are commonly seen in individuals with and WITHOUT low back pain. Some studies show that up to 90% of healthy individuals over the age of 60 have findings of bulging discs on MRI. Take some study the findings of this study below, which examined individuals who did not have back pain.
How can Physical Therapy help my low back pain?
Physical therapists are trained professionals in the examination and classification of low back pain. There are many causes for low back pain that a physical therapist will be able to recognize. Based upon the findings from the examination, a physical therapist will prescribe the most appropriate treatment regimen for you. Relief is commonly seen with a combination of core strengthening, manual therapy, and cardiovascular exercise. Heat or ice may be of benefit as well. Heat will be more successful in the treatment of injuries that are more chronic. Don’t forget to maintain good posture and lift with proper body mechanics!
To schedule a free consultation with an expert at Makovicka Physical Therapy, click this link for a listing of our locations, or click here to schedule a Free Consultation.
Joel Spiehs, PT, DPT