Top 7 Causes for Lower Back Pain For Older Adults
Do you feel muscle aches in your lower back, shooting pain or a burning sensation that radiates down your leg? Experiencing back pain as you age isn't unusual. But that doesn't mean you have to grin and bear it. There are seven leading causes of lower back pain and stiffness for older adults.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis leads to swelling of the joints as well as stiffness and pain. Each vertebra in your back has several joints. When they swell, they can rub against each other and cause further inflammation and pain.
2. Old Mattress
A good mattress supports your back and keeps your spine properly aligned throughout the night. An old mattress becomes saggy and doesn't offer the support you need, leading to muscle strain.
3. Aging Spinal Discs
As you age, your spinal discs shrink and dry up. This change causes friction and more significant strain on your back. When discs degenerate, they can't provide the shock absorption you need. You may experience lower back pain as a result.
4. Poor Posture
A lifetime of hunched shoulders and a slouchy spine will catch up with you eventually. A weak core can contribute to poor posture, which strains the back and neck.
5. Herniated Disc or Pinched Nerve
When back pain feels sharp and shoots down your leg, the cause is almost certainly a herniated disc or pinched nerve. If the nerve roots that split out from the spinal cord get damaged or pinched, they cause sharp pain. Older adults often feel this pain because their discs degenerate over time, and as joints swell, they can push into the nerves.
6. Muscle Strains
Muscle strains often occur after stressful activities, such as picking up a heavy box or even turning the wrong way when you reach for something behind you. If you don't properly prepare your back for movement, you will feel it later.
7. Scoliosis
You probably remember being tested for scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, as a child during gym class. But did you know that this disorder can develop when you're an adult, too? When one side of the spine curves, it puts pressure on your spinal nerve and results in pain. One identifying sign of scoliosis is that you may feel like half of your chest sticks out further than the rest.
Personal Training to Relieve Lower Back Pain
Now you know what causes lower back pain, but how can you treat it? Exercise is one noninvasive, drug-free way to feel better. Working out can relieve pain — and you can also build core strength, which protects you against many causes of lower back pain.Excellence In Fitness Personal Training Studios has personal training sessions formulated to relieve lower back pain. Whatever your fitness level, we can work with you to create a plan that helps alleviate your pain.
Get in Touch to Schedule a Demo Workout
You don't have to live with lower back pain. Are you ready to address your problem through exercise? You can learn more about Excellence In Fitness by requesting a free demo workout. Get in touch today to learn more.