• New Year Specials
From £35. Expires 3rd March 2025.

5 Possible Causes Of Unexplained Back Pain

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.

Symptoms 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.

Causes Of Unexplained Back Pain

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.

‘Closure’ Of The Facet Joints

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.

Muscle Or Ligament Strain

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.

Bulging Or Ruptured Discs

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

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

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

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.

Risk Factors

  • Age: The incidence of back pain increases with age. This is partly due to natural degeneration of the intervertebral discs and facet joints. Age-related changes can make back pain feel unexplained, especially when it seems to develop slowly without any obvious injury.
  • Lack Of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to weak muscles and poor flexibility, which can make the back more vulnerable to pain. Without regular exercise, the muscles that support the spine become deconditioned, leading to strains and injuries that may appear to have no clear cause.
  • Excess Weight: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, is known to put additional strain on the back muscles and spine. This added strain can lead to unexplained back pain, especially as the problems can develop gradually over time.
  • Diseases: Certain diseases, such as arthritis, cancer, and kidney infections, can cause back pain that appears to have no clear cause. When unexplained back pain is associated with a disease, it might be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or weight loss.
  • Improper Lifting: Using improper techniques when lifting heavy objects is a common cause of back pain. Lifting with the back instead of the legs can lead to muscle strains and injuries that might not immediately be felt, potentially accounting for unexplained back pain.
  • Psychological Conditions: Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest themselves physically as muscle tension. This tension can cause tightness and knots, potentially causing unexplained back pain.
  • Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the spine, and this can lead to disk degeneration and increased susceptibility to pain. Smokers are also more likely to develop chronic back pain, which might seem unexplained because its onset can be gradual.

Treatments For Back Pain

  • Chiropractic Care: A chiropractor can help diagnose your unexplained back pain. They will then discuss their findings with you, and clearly explain how chiropractic care can help. If additional treatment for your unexplained back pain is required, your chiropractor will point you in the right direction. The main technique that a chiropractor uses to treat back pain is an adjustment. Here, your chiropractor will use a hands-on technique to make precise, controlled movements or thrusts to your spine. The chiropractor may also use other techniques, such as massage, stretching, and mobilisation to gradually free up your joints. Your chiropractor will also provide advice on ways to manage your condition (see below).
  • Exercise Program: Regular exercise is an effective way to prevent the occurrence of back pain. A chiropractor can design a personalised exercise program to help you cope with your condition. Specific exercises recommended by your chiropractor will strengthen the muscles that support the spine, alleviating unexplained back pain and preventing future episodes. We can also improve your range of motion and reduce stiffness by incorporating stretching and flexibility exercises into your routine.
  • Building Core Strength: Strengthening the core muscles—those in your abdomen, hips, and lower back—can help protect the spine and prevent further pain. Exercise programs incorporating planks, bridges, and leg raises can help build muscle strength.
  • Posture Correction: Adopting a proper posture can help prevent strain on your back. When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet, and avoid slouching or leaning to one side. When sitting, choose a chair that supports the natural curve of your spine. Keep your feet flat on the floor, and avoid crossing your legs. Chiropractors are experts in posture analysis and can help you improve yours.
  • Ergonomic Tips: Improving the ergonomic design of your work environment can help prevent future problems. Your chiropractor can help with this. They can also teach the correct process to use when lifting heavy objects. 

Conclusion: 5 Possible Causes Of Unexplained Back Pain

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.

Dr Shamus Hussain

Learn more

    Follow us on social
    Visit

    We are based in three locations and share buildings with Prestige Dental Care.