5 Frequently Asked Questions about Lower Back Pain

1. Why do I have lower back pain? Can it be caused by leg length discrepancy?

There are many causes of low back pain. Among the most common are muscle weakness in the back, muscle weakness of the lower extremities, and herniated disks. True anatomical leg length discrepancies are highly uncommon. Mechanical leg length discrepancies are very common and are usually the result of too much muscular tension on one side of the low back or in one of the hips.

2. My Lower Back Hurts all of the time. Is there something wrong with my spine?

Not necessarily. In some cases there will be significant structural damage to the spine of people who are experiencing low back pain. However, most people who suffer with chronic or acute lower back pain don't have any significant damage or degeneration of the spine itself.

3. My doctor says that I have a herniated disk in my lower back. Is this a common problem? What exactly is a disk herniation?

Yes, it’s extremely common. More than 3 million Americans are diagnosed with a disk herniation every year. In this medical condition that affects the spine, a tear occurs in the outer, fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc. This allows the central portion to bulge out beyond the damaged outer rings. Bulging can sometimes lead to nerve compression and pain.

4. I want to begin an exercise program to help my lower back pain. Where do I begin?

The best place to begin is with a full body range of motion evaluation. Just like other chronic conditions, low back pain may have a root cause elsewhere in the body. The spine is an excellent place to pick up motion that has been lost in other joints. I have seen the root cause of low back pain originate in the foot and lower leg, the hips, the shoulders, and the neck. Until the muscles causing the low back pain are identified and strengthened, the symptoms of low back pain will persist.

5. Can chronic lower back pain be resolved? I’ve had back pain for years that hasn't responded to traditional therapies.

Yes. Absolutely. Unless the client has severe structural damage to the spine, the most reasonable course of action is a progressive strength training program. We begin by using Muscle Activation Techniques for initial strengthening and then progress the client to a Strategic Resistance Training program. We have seen outstanding results in our practice using this unique Muscle Restoration System in clients with both acute and chronic low back conditions.