Understanding Lower Back Pain: Causes, Prevention & Chiropractic Solutions
- Dr Anupa Dharamsi
- Nov 13, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 22
Lower back pain. Two words that can completely change how you move, sleep, work — even how you show up for the people and things you love.
It’s one of the most common reasons people visit health professionals worldwide, and it doesn’t just “go away with rest.” The real key lies in understanding why it’s happening — and that’s where we come in.
How common is lower back pain, really?
You’re definitely not alone. Lower back pain is now the leading cause of disability globally. Studies estimate that nearly one in four adults will deal with it long-term at some stage in life. It’s that common — and that misunderstood.
Most people think it’s a pulled muscle or just “getting old.” But the truth is, back pain can come from many layers — joints, discs, nerves, stress, even how you breathe or sit.
What actually causes lower back pain?
Here’s what we see most often in the clinic — and what the research backs up:
1. Muscle strain or ligament sprain
A sudden twist, lift, or awkward reach can overload the muscles and connective tissue around your spine. You might feel a “twinge” that lingers for days, or a sharp pain that catches you off-guard.Left unaddressed, it often sets the stage for repeated flare-ups.
2. Disc irritation or herniation
The discs between your vertebrae act like cushions. When one bulges or herniates, it can press on nerves — creating that deep, radiating ache that sometimes travels down the leg. That’s what people often call sciatica.
3. Joint or nerve irritation
Small joints at the back of your spine (facet joints) or the sacroiliac joints near your hips can lock up or inflame. This can make simple things like getting out of the car feel like a battle.
4. Age-related and structural changes
Over time, normal wear and tear, arthritis, or spinal narrowing (stenosis) can stiffen things up. These cases often need consistent, gentle management rather than a one-off fix.
5. Other underlying causes
Occasionally, pain may come from something deeper — inflammation, infection, or bone changes. We always screen for those “red flags” to make sure you’re in the right place for care.
What it feels like — and when to get help
Back pain shows up differently for everyone. You might notice:
A dull ache or stiffness that won’t ease up
Sharp pain when bending, twisting, or lifting
Numbness or tingling down one leg
Difficulty standing or sitting for long
Pain that flares at night or early morning
If it’s stopping you from moving freely, sleeping well, or doing the things you love — it’s time to get it checked properly.
Everyday habits that make a big difference
Pain usually isn’t random. It’s often a sign that your habits and posture have been asking a bit too much from your spine. Here are a few ways to give your back a break:
Move often: Sitting too long is one of the biggest culprits. Stand up, stretch, or walk every 30–40 minutes.
Watch your setup: Keep your computer screen at eye level, use a chair with lumbar support, and make sure your feet touch the floor.
Lift smart: Bend at the hips and knees, not your back. Keep the object close to your body.
Strengthen your core and hips: These muscles stabilise your spine and protect it from overload — especially if you hike, run, or have an active lifestyle.
Sleep and stress: Your body repairs when you rest. Chronic stress tightens muscles and keeps your nervous system “switched on,” so calming that system down matters more than most people realise.
How chiropractic care helps — and why it works
At Handcrafted Chiropractic, we look beyond the pain itself. We want to know what led to it.
Through a detailed assessment, we identify where your spine, muscles, or nervous system may be out of sync. Then we use specific techniques — like Diversified, Gonstead, or Thompson Drop-Table adjustments — to restore balance and motion.
These adjustments help reduce irritation, ease pressure on nerves, and allow your body’s natural healing mechanisms to get back online.
From there, we guide you through personalised rehab strategies — movement patterns, posture tweaks, and breathing techniques — to help your back stay strong, not just “pain-free.”
Why people love this approach
Because it’s:
Natural and drug-free — no masking symptoms.
Personalised — your care plan matches your body, not a textbook.
Root-cause focused — we aim to prevent flare-ups, not chase pain around.
Empowering — you’ll learn what your body needs to heal and maintain itself long-term.
You walk away with more awareness, more strength, and more confidence in your own body — and that changes everything.
Ready to feel like yourself again?
You don’t have to live around your pain.You deserve to move freely, sleep deeply, and get back to the hikes, the beach walks, and the things that make you feel alive.
Book your consultation with Dr Anupa at Handcrafted Chiropractic and let’s start untangling what your body’s been holding onto.Together, we’ll map out a care plan that’s designed for you — not just for your symptoms, but for your whole wellbeing.
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