Common Causes of Lower Back Pain and What to Do About Them

Hey there, and welcome back. I’m Doctor C. J., and you’re listening to the Chagrin River Chiropractic podcast, coming to you from right here in Mentor, Ohio. Today we’re talking about something that affects just about everyone at some point in their life — lower back pain. Whether it snuck up on you after a long day at the desk, or it hit you out of nowhere when you bent down to pick something up, lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people come through our doors. So let’s talk about what’s actually going on — and more importantly, what you can do about it.

Now, here’s the thing. Lower back pain isn’t one single problem. It’s more like a category of problems. And understanding what’s driving your pain is the first step to actually getting better. So let me walk you through the most common causes we see.

The first big one is muscle strain and tension. This is probably the most common culprit out there. Your lower back muscles are working hard all day long — keeping you upright, supporting your spine, helping you move. When those muscles get overloaded — whether from lifting something heavy, sitting in a bad position for hours, or just being under constant stress — they tighten up. And that tightness can be seriously painful. The good news is, muscle-based back pain often responds really well to care. It wants to heal. It just needs the right help.

The second major cause is joint dysfunction in the spine. Your spine is made up of individual vertebrae, and between each one there are small joints that help you move and bend. When those joints aren’t moving the way they should — when they get stiff or restricted — it creates irritation. It can cause pain right in the back, and sometimes it sends discomfort down into the hips or legs. This is exactly where chiropractic care shines. Restoring proper movement to those joints can make a huge difference in how you feel day to day.

And the third one — this is a big one a lot of people don’t think about — is posture and lifestyle habits. Here’s what’s interesting. The way you sit, the way you stand, how long you stay in one position, even how you sleep — all of that adds up over time. Poor posture puts uneven stress on your spine. And over months or years, that stress accumulates. It’s like a slow leak. You don’t notice it at first, but eventually the symptoms show up.

So what can you do starting today? A few simple things can make a real difference. First, get up and move. If you’re sitting for long periods, set a reminder to stand and walk around every thirty to forty-five minutes. Your spine needs movement to stay healthy. Second, be mindful of how you’re lifting. Bend your knees, keep the object close to your body, and don’t twist while you lift. That combination is a recipe for strain. Third, take a look at where you’re sleeping. If your mattress is old and saggy, or if you’re sleeping on your stomach regularly, that could be contributing to your morning stiffness and pain.

Now, when should you actually come see us? Honestly, if your back pain has been hanging around for more than a few days — or if it keeps coming back every few weeks — that’s your body telling you something. Don’t just wait it out and hope it goes away. Especially if you’re noticing any pain or tingling running down your leg, that’s a sign we really want to take a look at sooner rather than later.

At Chagrin River Chiropractic here in Mentor, we take the time to actually figure out what’s going on with you. Not just treat the pain, but understand the cause. Because that’s how you get lasting relief — not just temporary comfort.

Thanks so much for tuning in today. I hope this gave you some clarity and maybe a little peace of mind. If you’ve been dealing with lower back pain and you’re ready to get some answers, give us a call or visit us online. We’d love to help you get back to feeling like yourself again. Until next time, take care of your spine — it’s the only one you’ve got.