Do you have back pain that came on for seemingly no reason? If so, you’re not alone.

Most people think back injuries occur abruptly from twisting or lifting. While this is true in some instances, many back injuries are slow and progressive.

One day you notice a twinge or ache. Then, your back pain progresses over weeks or months, slows you down, or even stops you from getting through your day-to-day tasks.

When determining why you have back pain, it’s important to consider three main categories:

• Disc-related injuries
• Degenerative or aging-related injuries
• Pain due to weakness and instability

Fortunately, most low back injuries, even some of the more painful and debilitating conditions, can improve with the right exercises and stretches.

So why does your back hurt? Try to match your symptoms to one of the following presentations.

Disc-Related Injuries:

Disc injuries can often present abruptly, as in lifting or twisting incidents, or slowly over time — often seen in sedentary desk work.

Most know this category as a “slipped disc,” disc herniation, or disc bulge, but all present similarly with a range of intensity.

Presentation:
Disc injuries are often seen in those under 50 years of age and are worse with sitting and bending. People also experience increased pain in the morning when trying to get out of bed or put their socks and shoes on.

In contrast, symptoms typically improve once the individual is standing, walking, or bending backward.

Degenerative-Related Injuries

As the name suggests, degenerative injuries are “wear and tear” injuries and occur over time.

A formal diagnosis in this category may include stenosis, degenerative disc disease (DDD), or facet arthropathy.

Presentation: Unlike disc injuries, people in this category feel better sitting, bending forward, or leaning over on the counter or a shopping cart. If you associate with this category, you will likely struggle with standing and walking — sometimes even for short distances.

Weakness & Instability:

If you struggle with maintaining any position for too long, you’re likely struggling due to weakness and instability.

Presentation:
Low back weakness and instability are associated with an inability to “stay in any position for too long.” People typically describe their low back as feeling “weak” or “tired.”

Many factors contribute to landing in this category, including prior injuries, pregnancy, and deconditioning.

Here’s the good news: 
regardless of the low back category, most people can recover and even improve their life without relying soley on pain medications, injections, or simply living in pain.

The secret is identifying imbalances that arecausing injury and fixing them with exercises, stretching, and lifestyle changes.

Want help developing a customized plan that can get you moving and feeling better? Set up an evaluation with a Physical Therapist today by calling (716) 539-2902 or using this button.

Treatment by our Physical Therapists is covered by insurance, no referral is required, and with flexible appointments, you can find an appointment fast that works with your schedule.

Also included in your appointment:

• A full evaluation by a Physical Therapist that includes a diagnosis and a plan to start feeling & moving better
• Learn exercises and stretches that address your imbalances that are causing pain, stiffness, and injury
• Strategies and tactics to heal naturally and prevent future injury
• Coordination with your doctor to streamline care and ensure you get your life back
• Easy setup and attendance for both in-clinic and telehealth visits — you can even use your smartphone for a telehealth visit

Appointments are easy to set up, and with expanded hours, you can find a time that works for you — without missing work or time with your family.

If you’re ready to start improving your back pain, move better, and get back to doing the things you love, schedule an appointment today.