5 Common Causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain in Middle-Aged Adults
Aug 16, 2024
Do you suffer from lower back pain? This common problem is a widespread issue, especially among middle-aged adults.
Lower back pain can heavily impact both your daily activities and your overall quality of life. However, when you understand the common causes of chronic lower back pain, you can take proactive steps to help manage and even prevent it.
At New England Institute for Neurology and Headache, we’re a team of back pain experts who can offer insight on the causes of back pain. We also provide solutions to help treat it.
Here are five prevalent causes:
As we age, the discs in our spine naturally begin to wear down. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition in which the intervertebral discs lose their cushioning ability. These discs act as shock absorbers for your spine, and when they deteriorate, they can cause chronic pain.
Symptoms of DDD include persistent pain in your lower back, which may worsen with activities like bending or lifting. This condition is often diagnosed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of your spinal disc leaks out through a tear in its tough outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in your lower back and legs.
Middle-aged adults are particularly susceptible to herniated discs due to the natural degeneration of spinal discs over time. Activities that involve heavy lifting, twisting, or sudden turns can exacerbate this condition, so be careful with your movement.
Physical therapy, medications, and, in severe cases, surgery are common treatments.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition often results from age-related changes such as bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or herniated discs.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis include chronic lower back pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. Walking and standing for extended periods can worsen the pain.
Treatment options include physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage and bones within your joints, including those in your spine. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
In the lower back, osteoarthritis can lead to chronic pain that limits mobility and affects daily activities. Management strategies for osteoarthritis include weight management, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes joint injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
Muscle strains and ligament sprains are common causes of lower back pain in middle-aged adults. These injuries can occur due to improper lifting techniques, sudden movements, or overuse.
Though they often result in acute pain, repeated strain or sprain can lead to chronic pain. Symptoms may include localized pain, stiffness, and/or muscle spasms.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are initial treatments, followed by physical therapy to strengthen your back muscles and prevent future injuries.
Although chronic lower back pain in middle-aged adults can stem from various causes, we can offer a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. In the meantime, take proactive steps like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and practicing good posture to help keep your back healthy and pain-free.
If you suffer from chronic back pain — whether you’re middle-aged or any age — contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Stamford, Connecticut.