Up to 80% of all Americans will experience some form of lower back pain during their life. In some cases, this lower back pain may become chronic. Chronic back pain is defined as back pain that lasts over 12 weeks.

Chronic lower back pain can be debilitating and can keep you from doing the things you love. Fortunately, there are different exercises and treatments available for relieving chronic back pain. However, before you can begin searching for low back pain relief, it may be in your best interest to identify the cause of your pain.

The following are some of the most common causes of lower back pain and what you can do to help bring low back pain relief into your life.

Arthritis is an umbrella term that's used to identify a series of diseases that may be causing stiffness, pain, and swelling in a patient's joints. Osteoarthritis defines arthritis that causes this type of pain and tenderness in the bones.

Chronic lower back pain may be caused when a patient's facet joints connecting the vertebrae become affected by arthritis. The bones of the vertebrae will rub together, and bone spurs are formed and press down on the nerves, causing inflammation and severe pain.

The best way to prevent osteoarthritis is to maintain flexibility and joint movement. Additionally, low back pain relief may be sought in the form of reduced inflammation through physical therapy.

Sitting for extended periods of time with poor posture (shoulder forward, head hunched, and back sloped) can cause pain in the lower back and hips area. This is because the muscles in your lower back can tighten in this position.

Over time, these muscles can weaken and are no longer able to support the spine. The result is chronic back pain.

To prevent this type of lower back pain, maintain good posture while you sit. When you begin to lose your good posture, take a break and stand up or move around. This will help your core and back muscles stay strong while reducing the pressure on your spine.

The disks of your spine act as cushions to protect the vertebrae and nerve endings. When one of these disks degenerates, it can begin to cause lower back pain.

Once the exterior of the disk has been damaged, the interior of the disk may slip outside. This is what is called a slipped disk, or a herniated disk. When the interior of the disk slips, it can press on the nerves of the spine causing chronic pain.

To prevent herniated disks, it's best to exercise regularly and live a healthy lifestyle. However, treatment options for low back pain relief are available such as surgery and physical therapy.