Common Causes of Back Pain and When to See a Chiropractor
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare, and it can affect almost anyone at some point in life. Sometimes the cause is obvious—such as lifting something heavy or spending a weekend doing yard work. Other times, back pain seems to appear without a clear explanation.
At Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center in Skokie, we frequently see patients with back pain caused by a combination of joint dysfunction, muscle strain, poor posture, repetitive activities, and other musculoskeletal problems.
Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms is an important first step toward finding the right treatment.
Muscle Strains and Sprains
One of the most common causes of back pain is an injury to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments supporting the spine.
This can happen suddenly when lifting, twisting, exercising, or making an awkward movement. It can also develop gradually from repetitive activities.
Common symptoms can include:
Aching or soreness
Muscle tightness or spasms
Pain that increases with certain movements
Difficulty bending or changing positions
Many uncomplicated strains improve with time, but persistent or recurring symptoms may indicate that other mechanical factors are contributing to the problem.
Poor Posture and Prolonged Sitting
Modern lifestyles can place considerable stress on the spine. Hours spent sitting at a computer, looking down at a phone, driving, or working in the same position can contribute to muscle fatigue and altered joint mechanics.
Over time, these stresses may contribute to discomfort in the lower back, upper back, shoulders, and neck.
Improving workstation ergonomics, changing positions regularly, strengthening supporting muscles, and addressing mobility restrictions can often help.
Joint Dysfunction and Restricted Movement
The spine contains numerous joints that must work together as you bend, twist, walk, and perform everyday activities.
When normal movement becomes restricted, surrounding muscles and other tissues may compensate. This can contribute to stiffness, soreness, and recurring episodes of back pain.
Chiropractic treatment is one conservative approach used to help improve joint mobility and address mechanical problems involving the spine.
Disc Problems
The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions and help the spine move.
Changes to a disc can sometimes contribute to back pain. A bulging or herniated disc may also irritate a nearby nerve, potentially causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into an arm or leg.
Importantly, disc changes seen on an MRI do not always cause symptoms. Imaging findings need to be considered along with a person's symptoms and physical examination.
Sciatica
Pain traveling from the lower back or buttock into the leg is commonly referred to as sciatica.
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that eventually form it become irritated or compressed. Symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness extending into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot.
Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, determining the source of the nerve irritation is important before deciding on treatment.
Weakness and Muscle Imbalances
The muscles of the abdomen, hips, back, and pelvis all contribute to supporting the spine.
Weakness or imbalances in these muscles may affect how forces are distributed during everyday activities. For some patients, treatment therefore involves more than simply addressing the painful area.
Exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, stability, and movement patterns can be an important part of preventing recurring problems.
Sports and Exercise Injuries
Back pain can also occur during sports, weight training, running, or recreational activities.
Sometimes there is a specific injury. In other cases, symptoms develop gradually because of repetitive stress, limited mobility, changes in training volume, or movement mechanics.
Finding and addressing contributing factors can be particularly important for active patients who want to return to their activities while reducing the chance of the problem returning.
When Should You Have Back Pain Evaluated?
Minor back soreness often improves on its own. However, an evaluation may be appropriate when pain:
Persists or repeatedly returns
Interferes with work, sleep, exercise, or normal activities
Travels into the buttock or leg
Is accompanied by numbness or tingling
Causes significant restriction in movement
Began following an injury
Certain symptoms require more immediate medical attention. Seek prompt medical evaluation for severe or rapidly worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or saddle area, significant trauma, unexplained fever, or other concerning systemic symptoms.
Not sure what type of provider to see? Read our guide on whether to see a chiropractor or medical doctor first for back or neck pain.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain in Skokie
Treatment for back pain should depend on what is causing the symptoms rather than using the same approach for every patient.
At Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center, we evaluate the spine, joints, muscles, posture, movement, and other factors that may be contributing to a patient's symptoms.
Depending on the findings, conservative treatment may include chiropractic care, therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation, soft-tissue treatment, and recommendations for activities that can be performed at home.
Our goal isn't simply to temporarily reduce pain. When possible, we also want to identify and address factors that may be contributing to recurring episodes.
Looking for Back Pain Treatment in Skokie?
If back pain is keeping you from working, exercising, sleeping comfortably, or doing the things you enjoy, an evaluation can help determine what may be causing your symptoms and what treatment options are appropriate.
Healing Hands Wellness & Chiropractic Center has been serving patients from Skokie, Evanston, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, and surrounding communities for more than 20 years.