Up to 80% of Americans will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, and for some, this pain can become chronic, lasting more than 12 weeks. Chronic lower back pain can be incredibly limiting, making it hard to enjoy your favorite activities.

The good news is that there are many exercises and treatments available to help ease this pain. However, finding relief starts with understanding the underlying cause of your discomfort.

Here are some of the most common causes of lower back pain and strategies to help you find relief:

Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. Osteoarthritis, specifically, affects the bones, leading to pain and tenderness.

Chronic lower back pain can arise when osteoarthritis impacts the facet joints that link the vertebrae. This can cause the bones to rub together, leading to bone spurs that press on nerves, resulting in inflammation and intense pain.

To help prevent osteoarthritis, it's important to maintain flexibility and keep your joints moving. Physical therapy can also help reduce inflammation and relieve lower back pain.

Poor Posture

Sitting for long periods with poor posture—like slouching, hunching your shoulders, or leaning forward—can lead to lower back and hip pain. This kind of posture makes the muscles in your lower back tighten up.

Over time, these muscles can weaken and struggle to support your spine properly, which can lead to chronic back pain.

To avoid this type of pain, practice good posture while sitting. If you notice your posture slipping, take a break, stand up, or move around. This helps keep your core and back muscles strong and reduces pressure on your spine.

Herniated Discs

The discs in your spine act as cushions, protecting the vertebrae and nerve endings. When these discs start to break down, they can cause lower back pain.

If the outer layer of a disc gets damaged, the inner material might push out, leading to a slipped or herniated disc. This can put pressure on the spinal nerves and result in chronic pain.

To help prevent herniated discs, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle are key. However, if a herniated disc occurs, treatment options such as surgery and physical therapy are available to provide relief.

Chronic back pain can be debilitating and impact your quality of life. To explore your treatment options and learn about the physical therapy services available in Chattanooga, TN, contact Thrive Physical Therapy for a consultation today. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert Manual Therapists, call us at 865-392-1033 or click here: https://www.thriveptknoxville.com/make-appointment/.