I don t know what caused my back pain

At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Olathe, we often hear patients say, “I have back pain, but I didn’t do anything!” The truth is, back pain can arise from several hidden causes. Understanding these causes can help you seek the right treatment from your trusted chiropractor in Olathe. Possible Causes of Lower Back Pain: Muscle Strain or Sprain Even if you didn’t lift something heavy or make an awkward movement recently, small repetitive movements or poor mechanics over time can cause muscles or ligaments in your lower back to become strained. Arthritis Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, can lead to stiffness and lower back pain as the cartilage between joints breaks down with age and daily wear. Degenerative Disc Disease As we get older, the discs between our vertebrae lose hydration and flexibility. This natural aging process can cause persistent back pain that seems to come out of nowhere. Spinal Stenosis A narrowing of the spinal canal can pinch or compress nerves, leading to unexplained lower back pain and sometimes numbness or weakness in the legs. Herniated Disc Even small movements or minor stress on the spine can cause a disc to bulge or rupture, pressing on nerves and causing lower back pain or leg pain (sciatica). Sciatica Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. It’s often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur compressing the sciatic nerve, even if you didn’t do anything strenuous. Other Conditions Back pain can also be caused by conditions such as osteoporosis (weak bones), spondylolisthesis (slippage of a vertebra), or facet joint issues that cause inflammation and discomfort. Poor Posture Slouching while sitting at a desk or standing with poor posture can put continuous strain on the lower back muscles, leading to pain over time. Lack of Exercise Weak core and back muscles fail to support the spine properly. This can result in chronic back pain even with simple, everyday activities. Stress Mental and emotional stress can cause muscle tension, which often manifests as tightness and pain in the lower back. What to Do Next If you’re experiencing back pain but didn’t do anything obvious to cause it, don’t ignore it. At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Olathe, our experienced chiropractor can help diagnose the root cause and recommend treatments like chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, and exercises to strengthen your back. Book your appointment today to find relief and get back to living pain-free!