Low back pain often stems from problems with the discs, facet joints, muscles, or sacroiliac joints. The most common culprits are issues with the discs and facet joints.
If you’re dealing with back pain, pinpointing the exact type of discomfort is crucial.
People younger than 50 often have disc problems, which lead to centralized discomfort that might radiate to one or both legs. In contrast, facet problems typically affect only one side of the back. If your ache worsens when you cough or sneeze, a disc issue is likely the culprit.
Facet distress usually eases with sitting or walking, but disc lesions might worsen. However, they tend to improve with walking.
Sacroiliac issues can aggravate when one stays in one position for too long or while walking. Unlike facet aches, disc and sacroiliac problems can intensify when standing up from a seated posture. Your chiropractor will conduct various tests to pinpoint the source of your pain.
Sciatica, a form of leg irritation stemming from the spine or pelvis, can affect different structures, such as discs, the sacroiliac joint, or the piriformis muscle. When it involves nerves, it may lead to neuropathic pain and symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Your chiropractor will perform tests to check for nerve pressure or irritation. In severe cases, they might refer you for an MRI scan.
