What Causes Low Back Pain? | Pitt Meadows Chiropractic Insights

Low back pain is the most common reason people visit a doctor or miss work. It’s also one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. If you’ve experienced it, you know how much it can disrupt your life—making it difficult to work, exercise, sleep, or enjoy time with family and friends.

But what causes low back pain, and what can you do to find lasting relief?

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Many cases of low back pain are rooted in everyday stressors: poor posture, inactivity, repetitive strain, and spinal misalignments. Identifying the cause is key to addressing the pain and preventing it from coming back.

Here are the most common contributors:

1. Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains

These injuries often result from lifting, bending, or twisting improperly. Even repetitive micro-stresses over time can lead to inflammation and pain in the muscles and ligaments of the lower back.

2. Spinal Disc Issues

Herniated or bulging discs can press on nearby nerves, leading to sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in the back, hips, or legs—commonly referred to as sciatica.

3. Degenerative Joint Conditions

As we age, the joints in the spine can wear down. When inflammation sets in, it often leads to chronic lower back pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

More than 80% of people will deal with low back pain at some point in their lives. The good news? Most cases can be resolved naturally through focused, conservative care—often without the need for medications or surgery.

How Chiropractic and Movement Can Relieve Low Back Pain

Gone are the days when bed rest and painkillers were the standard prescription for back pain. Modern research shows that movement and manual therapy are among the most effective solutions—not only for reducing symptoms but also for addressing the root cause.

At Harris Road Chiropractic, we focus on restoring healthy movement in three key areas:

Segmental Movement

This refers to the motion between individual joints in the spine. Chiropractic adjustments are designed to improve this movement, reduce nerve interference, and enhance your body’s ability to heal.

Regional Movement

Includes mobility exercises that improve movement in broader areas of the spine, like the lumbar or thoracic regions, helping reduce stiffness and increase flexibility.

Whole-Body Movement

Regular physical activity such as walking, strength training, or yoga supports the entire musculoskeletal system, boosts circulation, and improves your body’s resilience.

If segmental motion is restricted, it can limit your ability to move efficiently at a regional and whole-body level. That’s why chiropractic care is often a key part of a successful recovery plan.

Is Your Leg Pain Coming from Your Back?

If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness in your leg, the true source may be your lower back. This is known as referred or radicular pain and is often caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve.

Leg pain related to spinal issues can stem from:

• Bone Spurs: These bony growths can develop due to wear and tear, placing pressure on nearby nerves.

• Disc Herniations: When a disc protrudes or ruptures, it can irritate or compress a spinal nerve.

• Ligament Thickening: Ligaments in the spine can become thickened with age or injury, narrowing the space around your nerves.

Sciatic nerve pain, which radiates from the lower back down the leg, is one of the most common presentations. Chiropractic care is highly effective in treating this condition by restoring proper joint function and reducing inflammation around the nerve.

Rethinking Pain Medications for Low Back Pain

While over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs are commonly used for back pain, they often come with serious risks. More than 100,000 people are hospitalized each year due to complications from NSAIDs, and opioids have led to a public health crisis in many parts of the world.

These medications are designed to mask symptoms—not correct the cause. That’s why healthcare authorities now recommend conservative care, including chiropractic, as the first step in managing most cases of back pain.

Chiropractic care focuses on identifying the root of the issue, restoring proper function, and empowering patients with tools to stay pain-free long term—all without the risks associated with medications or surgery.

Find Lasting Back Pain Relief in Pitt Meadows

At Harris Road Chiropractic, we take a personalized, hands-on approach to helping you recover from back pain. We start with a thorough movement assessment to identify where your body needs support, then create a custom plan that may include chiropractic adjustments, tailored exercises, and lifestyle recommendations to promote healing and prevent relapse.

Whether your back pain is new or has been lingering for years, there’s a path forward—and we’re here to help guide you.

Call us today to book your initial consultation and begin your journey toward pain-free living.

Related Services at Harris Road Chiropractic:

• Chiropractic Adjustments for Low Back Pain

• PEMF Therapy for Inflammation and Recovery

• AI Massage Chair Sessions for Deep Relaxation

• Corrective Exercise and Mobility Programs

• Sciatica and Nerve Pain Management

References

• Mayo Clinic – Back Pain: Symptoms and Causes (2023)

• Harvard Health – 5 Steps to a Pain-Free Back (2016)

• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Radiculopathy Overview (2023)

• Annals of Internal Medicine – Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain (2017)