Some of the risk factors that predispose you to lower back pain are as follows:

• Age. You are more prone to back pain as you grow older, starting between age 30 and 40
• Obesity
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Poor posture such as slouching
• Smoking
• Occupational hazards such as work requiring prolonged bending, sitting, or standing
• Pregnancy
• Genetics

2. Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

The key to understanding back pain for early intervention lies in knowing what to look out for. The most notable sign of lower back pain is a dull ache or pain in your lower back. You may also experience a shooting pain that radiates to the leg, an inability to stand painlessly, or a reduced ability to flex your back.

Lower back pain can also occur due to other serious illnesses. Talk to your doctor if you can’t control your bowels or bladder, suffer fever, experience a tingling sensation, weakness, or numbness on both your legs. Pain after trauma to the back or sudden weight loss may also signal a more serious medical condition.



3. You Don't Need a Scan for Your Diagnosis

Acute back pain that lasts up to 6 weeks always goes away. During diagnosis, your doctor will ask you to describe how the pain feels and when or how it started. You will also need to disclose any chronic illness you might have, in addition to your symptoms.

You don’t need a scan or X-Ray for diagnosis before you begin treatment. The only time you will need to undergo an X-Ray, MRI, or CT scan is if your symptoms show the possibility of an underlying medical condition.

4. How to Prevent Lower Back Pain

You can prevent lower back pain due to poor body mechanics by keeping the right posture, avoiding sudden movements that strain your back, and ensuring that you lift objects correctly. Also, regular exercise will keep your muscles flexible and strong, reducing the chance of lower back pain. It also keeps you fit and prevents obesity. Eat a healthy diet rich in phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D, and quit smoking if you smoke. Lastly, sleep on a firm mattress and choose supportive chairs if you spend most of your time sitting.

5. The Best Way to Handle Lower Back Pain

Whether you recently had an accident or suffer back pain due to strenuous physical activity, you should always seek professional help. You have two options for your professional intervention; visiting a chiropractor or seeing a physical therapist.

Chiropractors focus on restoring functionality and mobility by realigning your spine while physical therapists boost your healing by helping you perform rehabilitative exercises. Not only do they reduce lower back pain, but they also address the root of your problem by improving your physical function.



If you suffer from lower back pain, we can help you improve your quality of life with our reliable treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.