Back pain is one of the most common complaints that chiropractors encounter. It is also very prevalent, so most of us can expect to experience back pain at some point in our lives. While back pain usually has an obvious cause, possibly an injury or overexertion, we often encounter cases of ‘unexplained’ back pain.
Understanding the potential reasons for this discomfort can be a first step towards finding relief. In this article, we explore the potential origins of unexplained back pain.
Unexplained back pain can vary greatly in its presentation. You might feel a persistent ache, sharp stabbing sensations, or even a burning pain that radiates through your back and down into your legs.
This pain can make everyday activities like bending, twisting, or even sitting down uncomfortable, if not unbearable.
Sometimes, this type of pain may be accompanied by other symptoms like stiffness, reduced flexibility, or a general feeling of weakness in the back.
If the pain persists for more than a few weeks or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or unexplained weight loss, sufferers should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Unexplained back pain has multiple causes and it can affect people of any age (What Is Causing My Back Pain?). However, the risk of developing back pain increases as people get older. The main causes of unexplained back pain are discussed below.
A common explanation for ‘unexplained’ back pain is the occurrence of closed facet joints. This is a ‘built up’ condition, with the damage occurring over an extended period (often long before any pain is experienced).
It is caused by a long-term sedentary lifestyle, for example by sitting at a desk for 8–10 hours a day for many years. After the facet joints become closed, the intervertebral discs become overloaded. Inflammation can then slowly develop, further reducing the range of motion in the back.
At some point in this extended process, the afflicted individual experiences what, from their point of view, is unexplained back pain.
Another major reason behind unexplained back pain is a strain in the muscles or ligaments of the back.
This can happen due to sudden movements, improper lifting techniques, or even something as simple as twisting the wrong way. Because sufferers may not remember the exact moment the strain occurred, the pain can feel unexplained.
Muscle or ligament strains can result in significant discomfort, with pain that might worsen with movement or after a period of inactivity.
The spine is cushioned by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers.
If they experience too much load, these disks can bulge or rupture, pressing on the nerves that exit the spine at that level, potentially causing pain. Because these disc issues may not always be immediately apparent, they can be a cause of unexplained back pain.
This type of pain can be particularly distressing, as it might radiate down the legs, leading to conditions like sciatica.
Arthritis is another common reason for unexplained back pain, particularly in older adults. Osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type of arthritis, can affect the lower back by breaking down the cartilage that cushions the joints.
This condition can lead to stiffness, decreased range of motion, and pain that appears to have no clear cause.
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord due to arthritis, can also cause back pain that worsens with walking or standing.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation that can lead to chronic pain and stiffness.
Over time, the small bones in the spine can fuse, leading to a hunched posture and reduced flexibility. The pain from ankylosing spondylitis is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and it might feel like it’s unexplained because it develops gradually.
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures. In the spine, this can lead to compression fractures of the vertebrae, which might cause sudden, severe back pain that seems to appear out of nowhere.
Because osteoporosis progresses slowly, pain might be the first obvious symptom of the condition.
Unexplained back pain can be frustrating and debilitating, but understanding the potential causes and risk factors can help you take steps to alleviate it.
Whether the pain is due to muscle strain, spinal disc issues, or a condition like arthritis or osteoporosis, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help.
By staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and practising good posture, you can reduce your risk of back pain and improve your overall quality of life.
If you experience unexplained back pain, a chiropractor can help you identify the underlying cause and find the most effective treatment.
We are based in three locations and share buildings with Prestige Dental Care.