Why Does My Lower Back Hurt? Causes, Fixes, and When to Get Help

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You have probably asked yourself, Why does my lower back hurt? after a long day or a stiff morning. Lower back pain can appear suddenly or grow over time. Understanding common causes helps you choose simple steps at home and know when to get checked.

What Might Be Causing Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain rarely has a single trigger. Many people have a mix of muscle strain, posture issues, and age-related changes in the spine. The sections below highlight everyday reasons that often show up together.

Muscle Strain and Overuse

Lifting without bracing your core or doing a new workout can irritate the muscles that support your spine. Short rest, gentle movement, and smart pacing often calm this down.

Poor Posture and Long Sitting

Hours at a laptop or phone can hold your spine in one position. Rounded shoulders and a tilted pelvis add pressure to the lower back and hips.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Spinal discs act like cushions. When a disc bulges or herniates, it may press on a nerve and cause sharp or radiating pain down a leg.

Spinal Misalignment and Joint Dysfunction

Joints that do not function well can make nearby muscles tighten. This stiffness limits bending and turning.

Degenerative Changes Like Arthritis or Stenosis

With age, joints and discs can wear down. Arthritis and spinal stenosis may lead to aching, stiffness, or nerve irritation.

Sleep Position and Mattress Fit

A sagging mattress or stomach-down sleep can twist the lower back. Small changes in pillows and mattress support can ease morning soreness.

Stress and Muscle Tension

Stress keeps muscles on alert. Tight muscles tire faster and can turn normal movement into a painful effort.

A plan for chronic back pain relief starts with a clear history, movement testing, and steady progress on strength and flexibility.

Unable to Stand Up Straight Due to Lower Back Pain

Feeling unable to stand up straight due to lower back pain often points to a protective muscle spasm or a joint that is not moving well. Sometimes a disc or nerve is also involved.

If straightening up makes you grab the counter or hold your breath, schedule a careful exam to find the cause and start relief.

What Is Considered Chronic Back Pain?

Pain is usually called chronic when it lasts more than three months or keeps coming back. A plan for chronic back pain relief starts with a clear history, movement testing, and steady progress on strength and flexibility.

Many people improve when care targets both the painful area and the habits that feed the pain. Lasting pain relief also looks at posture, sleep, and daily pacing, so results hold up on busy days.

If pain flares often, guided care is a smart next step.

Banner: Still Wondering Why Your Back Hurts?

Let's take the guesswork out of your pain. At Core Medical Center, we uncover the root cause and guide your next step with care.

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How Core Medical Center Can Help

Core Medical Center offers a patient-first, integrated approach with options that can be combined for your goals.

Care may include spinal decompression therapy to gently reduce pressure on irritated discs and nerves, helping the body's natural healing processes and easing lower back pain, including sciatica.

Our clinic also provides advanced therapies that support circulation and pain control, useful for many chronic pain patterns.

Plans may add chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, cold laser therapy, and custom orthotics when foot mechanics add stress to the back, all delivered with individualized attention.

What sets Core Medical Center apart is the focus on root causes, personalized plans, and integrated care from a skilled Kansas team.

When to Seek Professional Help

Reach out if your pain lasts more than a week, wakes you at night, limits walking, or comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness in a leg. Timely evaluation can rule out serious issues and guide next steps that fit your life.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

If you keep wondering, Why does my lower back hurt, know that most causes can be sorted out with the right plan. Small changes at home combined with targeted care can add up to real progress and chronic back pain relief you can feel in daily life.

At Core Medical Center, our team is here to help you move more comfortably and regain confidence in your routine. Schedule your visit to take the first step toward feeling better in your body.