Lower Back Pain Causes: What's Really Behind Your Pain

Lower back pain is the world's leading cause of disability — and it's extremely common right here in South Florida. Most people experience at least one significant episode of lower back pain in their lifetime. But "lower back pain" isn't a diagnosis. It's a symptom, and understanding what's causing yours is the first step to actually fixing it.

The Most Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain This is the #1 cause of acute lower back pain. Lifting something incorrectly, a sudden awkward movement, or even sleeping in a weird position can overstretch muscles and ligaments. The pain is usually dull, achy, and located in one area. It typically improves with rest and gentle movement.

Disc Problems The discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers. When a disc bulges or herniates, it can press on nearby nerves. This often causes radiating pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down into the buttocks, leg, or foot — which is sciatica. Disc problems are one of the most common causes of chronic lower back pain.

Facet Joint Irritation The small joints along the back of your spine can become inflamed or restricted, causing stiffness and localized pain that's often worse in the morning and after prolonged sitting.

Spinal Stenosis A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves. Common in adults over 50, it often causes pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs that worsens with walking and improves with sitting or leaning forward.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction The SI joints connect your spine to your pelvis. When they're not moving properly, they cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, or hip — often mistaken for disc problems.

Poor Posture and Sedentary Lifestyle Hours of sitting — especially at a desk or in a car — tighten hip flexors, weaken core muscles, and increase compressive forces on the lumbar spine. Over time, this leads to chronic low-grade pain that progressively worsens.

When Is Lower Back Pain Serious?

Most lower back pain resolves within a few weeks with proper care. But see a provider promptly if you experience:

• Pain radiating down both legs simultaneously
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (this is a medical emergency — go to the ER)
• Pain following a significant fall or trauma
• Pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever
• Numbness or weakness in your legs that's worsening

Getting Real Relief

At McNamara Chiropractic Center, we don't just treat back pain — we find the source of it. Our approach for back pain includes thorough assessment, chiropractic adjustments to restore spinal mechanics, soft tissue therapy, and when appropriate, Spinal Decompression for disc-related pain.

Our Spinal Decompression Program is specifically designed for patients with disc herniations, bulges, and nerve compression — providing relief without drugs or surgery.

For a comprehensive look at treatment without surgery, read our guide to back pain without surgery.

Related reading:

• Disc Bulge vs. Herniation — What's the Difference?
• Best Sleeping Positions for Back Pain
• How Long Does Sciatica Last?

We're at 3320 N. Federal Highway, Suite 101 in Lighthouse Point. Call (954) 943-1100 to get answers about your back pain.