Pain is considered chronic once it lasts for more than three months and exceeds the body’s natural healing process.

Chronic pain in the low back often involves a disc problem, a joint problem, and/or an irritated nerve root. Common causes include:

Misalignment of the Sacrum, Pelvis and Spine

Osteopathic lesions refer to the disruption in the structure and function of bones, muscles, nerves and internal organs among others. Misalignments in your spine and pelvis/sacrum can be especially relevant to low back pain, as can bowel and pelvic organ problems. Common causes include poor posture, eating an inflammatory diet, injuries, degenerative diseases, stress, repetitive movements, and a sedentary lifestyle. In our clinic we'll do a thorough examination / analysis to determine WHERE the primary problem is and the impact it's having on your health.

Muscle Strain & Ligament Sprain

A lower back sprain or strain can happen suddenly OR can develop slowly over time from repetitive movements. Strains occur when a muscle is stretched too far and get small tears, damaging the muscle itself. Sprains happen when over-stretching and tearing affects ligaments, which connect the bones together. Some causes would include: Lifting a heavy object or twisting the spine while lifting. Falls, car accidents and other trauma. Poor posture over time (sitting all day). Sports injuries.

Herniated Disc

The center of a lumbar disc is like jelly & can break through the tough outer layer and irritate the nerve root(s). The herniated portion of the disc is full of proteins that cause inflammation when they reach a nerve, and inflammation as well as nerve compression cause excruciating pain. The disc wall is also supplied by nerve fibers, and a tear through the wall can cause severe pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As people age over time, discs lose hydration and wear down. As the disc loses hydration / water, it cannot resist forces as well, and forces to the disc wall may develop tears and cause pain or weakening that can lead to a herniation. The disc can also collapse and contribute to stenosis.

Sacroiliac Joint (SI) Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint (SI) connects the sacrum at the bottom of the spine to each side of the pelvis. It is a strong, low-motion joint that primarily absorbs shock. The sacroiliac joint can become painful if it becomes inflamed (sacroiliitis) or if the sacrum gets stuck in the wrong position from a fall or other injury.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes pain through narrowing of the spinal canal where the nerve roots are located. The narrowing can be central, foraminal, or both. It can be at a single level or multiple levels in the lower back

Facet Joint Dysfunction

There are two facet joints behind each disc at each motion segment in the lumbar spine. These joints have cartilage between the bones and are surrounded by a capsular ligament, which is richly innervated by nerves. These joints can be painful by themselves, or in conjunction with disc pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear of the disc and facet joints. It causes pain, inflammation, instability, and stenosis to a variable degree. Spinal osteoarthritis is associated with aging and is slowly progressive. It is also referred to as degenerative joint disease.

Trauma

Fractures or dislocations of the spine can lead to pain. Lower back pain that develops after a trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall, should be medically evaluated immediately.