Lower Back Pain: Common Causes & When to See a Chiropractor

Chris LorangYour Best Life

Lower Back Pain: Common Causes & When to See a Chiropractor

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care; over 80% of people will experience it at some point in their lives (NIH, 2020). At Capital Health in Des Moines, IA, we understand how disruptive this pain can be. While occasional aches may pass, persistent pain is also quite common and something that chiropractic care can help resolve. Recognizing the root causes is the first step toward lasting relief.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Your lower back can be affected by a variety of factors. According to recent research, some of the most common causes include:

  • Poor Posture: Sitting for long periods without moving adds stress to the spine.
  • Muscle Strains: Lifting heavy objects that your body is unprepared for can strain muscles in your lower back.
  • Joint tightness: Joints that don’t move well, don’t feel well.
  • Herniated or Bulging Discs: Disc injuries may press on spinal nerves and can cause sharp, radiating pain.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of movement weakens muscles, making you more injury-prone.
  • Injuries or Accidents: Falls, car accidents, and sports injuries can lead to back issues.

Our team at Capital Health uses a comprehensive movement-based evaluation to help pinpoint the underlying cause of your pain.

When to See a Chiropractor

Chiropractic care can be especially helpful if your pain persists or interferes with daily life. We recommend making an appointment at Capital Health if you experience:

  • Pain lasting more than a few days
  • Numbness or tingling sensations
  • Pain radiating to the legs or buttocks (sciatica)
  • Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting comfortably
  • Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
  • Reliance on pain medication to function

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

At Capital Health, our chiropractors focus on treating the root cause of back pain, not just masking the symptoms. Care plans are always customized to each patient and may include:

  • Spinal adjustments to reduce pain and improve joint motion
  • Corrective exercises to improve mobility and help manage pain
  • Lifestyle recommendations to reduce stress on painful tissues and promote healthy habits
  • A drug-free, non-invasive approach to managing pain

Serving Des Moines, IA

If you’re in the Des Moines area, Capital Health is here to help. Our clinic provides personalized, evidence-based chiropractic care designed to restore mobility and get you back to living pain-free. Relief could be just one visit away.

Take the first step toward a healthier back.

📍 Capital Health, 900 42nd St, Des Moines, IA

📞 Call 515-421-4018 to Get Scheduled Today!

🌐 Or Book Online at https://capitalhealthiowa.com/new-patients/schedule-an-appointment/ 

References

  1. National Institutes of Health. (2020). Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/low-back-pain-fact-sheet
  2. Hartvigsen, J., et al. (2018). What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. The Lancet, 391(10137), 2356–2367. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30480-X
  3. American Chiropractic Association. (2023). Back Pain Facts & Statistics. https://www.acatoday.org