Menu

Common Causes of Back Pain

Common Causes of Back Pain

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Woman suffering from back pain

What's Causing Your Back Pain?

Nearly everyone has back pain from time to time. In fact, 60 to 70 percent of people living in industrialized countries have experienced low back pain, according to World Health Organization estimates. Back pain can occur for many reasons, including these common causes.

Herniated Disc

Flexible discs located between the vertebra in your spine help hold your spine together and act as shock absorbers when you move. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of the disc protrudes through the tough, outer coating. The bulging disc can press against nerves in your spine, triggering back pain. Wear and tear due to aging is a common cause of herniated discs, but they can also occur as a result of an injury.

Spinal Stenosis

Wear and tear may also cause spinal stenosis, a condition that occurs when the spine narrows and presses on nerves. In addition to back pain, spinal stenosis can also cause numbness, tingling or weakness in your arm, leg, foot, or hand.

Spondylosis

Arthritis can affect any bone in your body, including those in your back. When arthritis occurs in the spine, it's called spondylosis.

Sprains or Strains
Did your pain start after you lifted something heavy, fell, or started a new, intensive workout program? You may have strained or sprained the muscles or ligaments in your back.
Scoliosis
You may be more likely to experience back pain if you have scoliosis, a condition that causes an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. Children are most often affected by scoliosis, but older adults may develop it due to wear or tear or injuries.
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve in your spine becomes irritated. Irritation can be caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or even spinal stenosis. Pain from your back usually radiates to your buttocks and leg if you have sciatica. Other symptoms can include numbness or weakness in your leg.
Disc Degeneration
As you get older, the discs that cushion your spine can begin to break down, dry out, and become less flexible. If you have disc degeneration, you might notice pain in your lower back, buttocks, or thighs.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones, may cause painful fractures in your vertebrae. If you have a fracture, you may notice that your back feels worse when you stand, walk, or bend.
Other Back Pain Causes
Pain in your back doesn't necessarily mean that you have a problem with your spine. Fibromyalgia, kidney stones, endometriosis, gallstones, pancreatitis, and other diseases and conditions can also trigger pain in your back.
What You Can Do About Back Pain
These tips can help you manage your back pain:
  • Use Proper Lifting Techniques. Use your legs, not your back, to lift heavy objects. Wait until someone else is available to help with lifting if the package or object is very heavy.
  • Lose Weight. Excess weight strains your back and can increase back pain. Losing weight just might be a simple way to ease your pain.
  • Stop Smoking. Smokers are at increased risk of back pain, according to a study published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science in 2016. In a national health survey, only 23.5 percent of non-smokers reported back pain compared to 36.9 percent of current smokers.
  • Exercise. Exercise keeps your back flexible and decreases pain and stiffness. Weight-bearing exercise is particularly important, as it keeps your bones strong and may decrease your risk of fractures due to osteoporosis.
  • Visit Your Chiropractor: Chiropractors offer a variety of therapies and treatments that relieve back pain naturally, including spinal manipulation and mobilization, massage, soft tissue manipulation, ultrasound therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation treatment.
Are you struggling with back pain? Give our office a call and schedule a convenient appointment.
Sources:
No form settings found. Please configure it.

New Patient Special $52, You Save 85%

Comprehensive Wellness Evaluation / Consultation + First Treatment (Regularly $360)

Meet Your Doctor, Dr. Joan Kim Wagner PhD, LAc — 3rd Generation Master Acupuncturist

  • Dr.
    Joan Kim-Wagner
    Executive Director of Evergreen Wellness
    Dr. Joan Kim-Wagner, L.Ac, Ph.D is a third generation acupuncturist whose family instilled in her the dictate to, “Help others with love and holistic guidance.” Dr. Kim-Wagner earned her Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Dong-Guk University in Los Angeles. She earned her Ph.D. in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Yuin University in Southern California. She is a board certified acupuncturist in the state of California, where she has been in private practice since 2003 and is nationally certified through the NCCA. She continues to revolutionize the field of acupuncture and increase her own knowledge through ongoing study with numerous acupuncturist Masters from around the world.

Los AngelesTop-Rated Acupuncturist, Doctor Joan Kim Wagner PhD, LAc

5 Star Reviews of Evergreen Acupuncture & Wellness Center

  • "I originally went to Dr. Joan Kim-Wagner for chronic neck pain. I have to say I was quite skeptical, but also desperate to get relief and nothing else was working.She is extremely knowledgeable about the human body and has fixed every complaint I have brought to her attention. That was over a year ago. Since then less than a few weeks into being treated 3 times a week I had gone from chronic pain taking 3 medications to minimal or no pain and occasionally one medication. She has also been managing my blood pressure for which I was taking 3 different medications, now down to two. The idea is to get off of all meds completely. My weight and physical condition has improved tremendously. I only visit once a week now."
    Mike W. Los Angeles, CA
  • "Joan Wagner is a wonderful, experienced acupuncturist! She helps me with my Multiple Sclerosis- permanent disability. Thanks to Joan Wagner’s acupuncture, her loving, caring attitude, I don’t take MS steroids. It helps me to live a happy and healthy life."
    Sarah J. Los Angeles, CA
  • "I'm going to Dr.Kim for more energy and anti-aging. So far my experience has been very good.Very clean and beautiful office. Staff was very helpful. Not crazy about needles but, Dr.Kim made the process very easy."
    KAREN N. LOS ANGELES, CA
  • "I've been coming to Evergreen for 3 years. I've had a few different chronic health conditions. Acupuncture and herbs have helped bring more balance to my body and boost my immune system. Last year I came down with a frozen shoulder. Acupuncture was a part of the healing process. It always felt better after a treatment. I've had hormone imbalance and cramps my entire life. No longer have to take pain medicine for cramps. Dr Kim is helping me through the change of life and I'm so very grateful. I am given herbs that help cool my body down so I don't have to deal with heat flashes. Thank you Evergreen for all your help!"
    JOYCE B. LOS ANGELES, CA
  • "The best acupuncture facility I've been in. The staff is very helpful and friendly. I like that Dr. Kim takes the time to explain the process before you go through with your treatment."
    PIO PAULO S. GLENDALE, CA
  • "I met Dr. Kim and her staff at the women's expo in LA. She's very nice and informative. The acupuncture has definitely helped my neck and shoulder pain. The staff here are so nice and they really listen to my needs which is a plus. They are flexible with scheduling and will always call me Back when I leave a message. In addition, they send reminder texts for my appointments which I find helpful. I also love working with Marjan who is very gentle and helpful when assisting me."
    MONIKA J. LOS ANGELES, CA
  • "I went to Joan's practice in Santa Barbara, she is normally in Santa Barbara once a week. I did the all over wellness check and Face Lift acupuncture. It was so relaxing that I fell asleep. When I woke up, I can see my lips corner totally got lift up. It was like someone had taped my chin back. She also offer weight loss treatments too. I would totally recommended this to all the brides especially!"
    QUINCY A. SANTA BARBARA, CA
  • "I started going to Evergreen Acupuncture about 4 weeks ago. I had a really bad shoulder pain that ran through my Arm down to my fingers. Dr.Kim spent time and carefully diagnosed my symptoms and explained exactly what she was going to do to turn things around. The truth is that acupuncture is one of the steps toward turning on the healing process and with her advice on my diet and my daily routine, together we solved my shoulder pain and now I am feeling better.Her staff are amazing and very professional and super accommodating.They all work as a team to make you feel comfortable and welcomed each time they see you. I am looking forward to feeling even better as I continue to work with Evergreen Acupuncture."
    EDWARD V. GLENDALE, CA
  • "I started acupuncture treatments at Evergreen 2 weeks ago. The treatments helped me with my Depression & Anxiety symptoms. I can handle stress better at my job. My energy levels started to increase. My fatigue levels started to decrease. So far I’m satisfied with my treatments. Thank you Joan Kim-Wagner."
    Depression & Anxiety Patient, LOS ANGELES, CA
  • "Over the years I have visited Dr. Kim for my chronic stiff neck and shoulders. She was able to help me to move freely. I have also had the face lift acupuncture treatment which did wonders. While I was training for the LA marathon for some reason my ankle began to swell up. I hadn't fallen or out right injured it but it didn't look good. I visited Dr. Kim and immediately felt better. Dr. Kim has a calm bedside manner and has always made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I highly recommend her."
    DREA V. LOS ANGELES, CA