Aching Lower Back Pain

Three issues that can lead to aching pain in the lower back

There are as many forms of pain as there are Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors, and the reason for this is that every person experiences pain differently. 

To some people, lower back pain can feel like an aching sensation. Others might experience pain as a burning or shocklike sensation. However, there’s no doubt that many people are living with some type of pain in their lower back. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports that 31 million U.S. adults have lower back pain at any given time. 

People who are feeling aching pain in their lower back can get help from a physical therapist. These medical specialists can help you learn the cause of your lower back pain, and they can help you find effective treatment for your pain. 

These three issues could be causing the aching pain in your lower back:

  1. Spinal arthritis — You might not be aware, but the bones, discs and joints in your spine wear out in the same way your hips or knees do. This wearing tends to occur naturally over time, and it’s called spinal osteoarthritis when it does. In its early stages, this issue can lead to an aching in your lower back. Often, the ache occurs after you’ve been sitting for a while or when you first wake up in the morning. 
  1. Radiculopathy — This condition is more commonly known as a pinched or irritated nerve. Of the many nerves that exit the spinal cord in your lower back, the most well known of these is the sciatic nerve. Irritation or pinching of this nerve is called sciatica, and it can lead to pain that ranges from an ache to a severe shocklike or burning feeling. 
  1. Tight musclesMuscles in your lower back help hold you upright when you’re sitting or moving. Poor posture can overly stress these muscles and cause them to become tense and sore. Repetitive movements during work tasks or sports can also leave your lower back muscles tight and sore. 

Find help with the aching pain in your lower back at SOL PT

You don’t have to continue living with an aching pain in your lower back. Our team at SOL Physical Therapy is ready and willing to help you address issues that are causing you lower back discomfort. We’ll do a comprehensive assessment of your back to pinpoint the source of your pain. Then, our physical therapists will create a therapy plan that is designed to fit your unique needs. You can even sign up for virtual therapy sessions with our team and treat your back issues from home. 

Contact our team today for more information about the back pain services we offer or to schedule an initial appointment to begin addressing your pain. 

About the author

Sports + Orthopedic Leaders Physical Therapy & Performance Training serves the communities of Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Orinda, San Francisco and beyond. SOLPT’s award winning team of Physical Therapists, Performance Coaches and movement experts has helped thousands reach their rehabilitation and performance goals to move beyond pain. We're committed to helping anyone of any fitness level move effectively and more powerfully for a lifetime. We offer rehabilitation and performance services to all populations, with specialties in Sports Rehabilitation, Active Release Techniques, and Manual Therapy Techniques plus Personal and Small Group Training, Sport Clinics and Wellness Services.

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