As most of us have (or will) experienced, low back pain (LBP) is extremely common. There are many causes of LBP to include injuries to the muscles, ligaments, joints or discs of the back; inflammation disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis and sometimes infection. For many of us the low back just starts to hurt at some point with no obvious reason. However, there is always a reason – meaning there is a root cause for the pain. This is where it gets complicated.

Those of us that treat back problems for a living often struggle finding the root cause or the exact source of the pain. For many of us, improper mechanics and posture are the root causes. We use improper spine motions when bending or lifting and sit with a slouch that stresses the back. We also bend too much in the morning, which is a very sensitive time for the back. Over time, this can cause the discs to break down and cause pain, the joints to become unstable and cause pain or the muscles to be strained and cause pain.

Check out this short VIDEO by Stu McGill, the world’s expert in spinal mechanics, and do some self study on Dr. McGill’s other videos and lectures. He also wrote a great book, Back Mechanic, to teach people how to use their back properly and protect it from injury.

At La Plata Physical Medicine, we can work with you to find the root cause of your pain and offer you treatment options.