Low Back Pain

Understanding Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care or take time off work. Whether you're a busy parent, a working adult under constant stress, or someone caring for others—it's not just "a normal part of life." Low back pain is your body’s way of asking for support. But what actually causes this discomfort?

What is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain refers to discomfort in the lumbar region of your spine—just above your hips and below your ribs. It may feel like a dull ache, sharp shooting pain, or even stiffness and tightness. Some people also experience pain that radiates to the buttocks or down the leg (sciatica).

The Simple Answer

Low back pain often happens when there is too much stress or strain on the structures of your back—whether that’s the muscles, joints, discs, or nerves.

Your Body Has a Load Limit

Just like any other structure, your body has a limit to how much force or load it can handle.

• Each bone, joint, and muscle has a tolerance threshold.

• Training and physical activity can increase this tolerance over time.

• However, if you exceed that threshold, even slightly and repeatedly, injury and pain can develop.

Why Alignment Matters

Your spine functions best when it’s in a neutral, stacked position.
This is especially important during:

• Daily activities like lifting groceries, picking up a child, or sitting for long hours.

• Exercises like squats, deadlifts, or overhead movements.

When your spine consistently moves out of ideal alignment, it can lead to:

• Micro-trauma to spinal tissues

• Overuse of supporting muscles

• Uneven loading of discs and joints

The Tipping Point

You might feel like you “threw your back out” doing something simple—like bending over to tie your shoes. But in truth, the real cause was likely a build-up of stress over time. Pain is often the last thing to show up after the body has been compensating for a while.

Everyone’s Spine is Different

The risk of injury or disc issues depends on multiple factors:

• Your spinal anatomy and posture

• Movement habits and lifting technique

• How much force your body is exposed to

• Genetics and tissue resilience

Some people may tolerate more load with less issue. Others may be more vulnerable to problems like disc bulges or joint strain, even with seemingly small triggers.