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Lower back pain affects nearly everyone at some point, but that doesn’t mean you have to just live with it. In this episode, Dr. Carpenter of Lexington Spinal Care walks you through the most common causes of lower back pain, from muscle strain to structural issues, and explains why so many people struggle to find lasting relief.
Dr. Carpenter offers practical guidance on what you can do right now to start feeling better, as well as when it’s time to seek professional care. Whether your pain came on suddenly or has been building for months, this episode gives you the knowledge to take the next step toward a healthier back.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, reach out to Dr. Edward Carpenter and the team at Lexington Spinal Care.
Hey there, welcome back to the show. I’m Doctor Carpenter with Lexington Spinal Care, and today we’re talking about something that affects just about everybody at some point in their lives — lower back pain. Whether you woke up this morning barely able to get out of bed, or you’ve been dealing with that nagging ache for months now, I want you to know — you’re not alone, and more importantly, there’s a lot we can do about it.
So let’s get into it.
Now, here’s the thing about lower back pain — it’s not one single problem. It’s more like a category of problems. And understanding what’s actually going on is the first step to feeling better. So let me break down the most common causes I see in my office here in Lexington every single week.
The first big one is muscle strain. This is probably the most common culprit. You lifted something the wrong way, you overdid it in the yard, or maybe you just slept in a weird position. Whatever it was, the muscles and ligaments in your lower back got stretched or irritated, and now they’re letting you know about it. The lower back has to support the weight of your entire upper body — that’s a big job. So when those muscles get fatigued or overloaded, they tighten up fast.
The second cause I see constantly is poor posture — and this one is sneaky. Because it doesn’t happen all at once. It builds up slowly over time. Sitting at a desk all day, looking down at your phone, slouching on the couch — all of that puts uneven pressure on your spine. Over weeks and months, that adds up. The joints and discs in your lower back start to take stress in ways they weren’t designed for, and eventually — you feel it.
The third cause, and this one’s really important, is what we call a joint restriction or a spinal subluxation. That’s when one or more of the vertebrae in your lower back aren’t moving the way they should. They get stiff, they get stuck, and the surrounding muscles tighten up to protect the area. This can happen from an injury, from repetitive stress, or honestly just from the wear and tear of daily life. And this is really where chiropractic care shines — because restoring that movement is exactly what we do.
Now, here’s what’s interesting. A lot of people think that resting and avoiding movement is the answer when their back hurts. And sometimes a little rest is appropriate. But here’s the thing — the research is pretty clear that staying gently active is almost always better than lying still. Movement brings circulation to the area. It keeps the muscles from tightening up further. It helps your body do what it naturally wants to do — heal.
So what can you do starting today? First, take a look at how you’re sitting. If you’re hunched over a desk or a steering wheel for hours at a time, set a reminder to get up and move every thirty minutes. Just stand up, walk around, do a few gentle stretches. Second, when you do lift something — anything — bend at your knees, not your waist. Keep the load close to your body. That simple habit can save you a world of hurt. And third, pay attention to how you sleep. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees takes a lot of pressure off your lower back. It’s a small change that makes a real difference.
Now, when should you come see us? Honestly, if your lower back pain has been hanging around for more than a few days — or if it keeps coming back — that’s a sign your body needs some help. You don’t have to be in severe pain to benefit from an evaluation. We can figure out what’s actually going on and build a plan that makes sense for you.
If you’re in the Lexington area and you’ve been putting off dealing with that back pain, I want to encourage you — don’t wait. The longer these things go unaddressed, the longer they take to resolve. We’re here, we’re friendly, and our whole goal is to get you feeling like yourself again.
Thanks so much for listening today. I’m Doctor Carpenter with Lexington Spinal Care right here in Lexington, South Carolina. If you want to schedule an appointment or just ask a question, give us a call or look us up online. We’d love to meet you. Take care of that back — and we’ll talk soon.
