Dear Wanting a Diagnosis:
If you have the most common type of low back pain—known as non-specific back pain (NSBP)—then, the answer is a frustratingly hum-drum: “No, not specifically.”
Also known as a back strain, sprain, mechanical pain, or lumbago, NSBP makes up the vast majority—about 90%—of all low back pain cases (Maher 2017).
The catch-all name is vague for a reason: It covers all low back pain cases that evade another exact diagnosis (like a radiculopathy or spinal stenosis). Possible culprits causing NSBP could include any one or combination of the following: a muscle (strain), a ligament (sprain), or the intervertebral discs and joints of the spine (wear-and-tear changes).
While the inability to isolate a reason for NSBP might be irritating, the good news is: The specific cause usually does not matter! The fix for NSBP is almost always the same—and likely effective. With a combination of body re-education, core strengthening, and lifestyle modifications (like sleep optimization, diet enhancement, and stress reduction), the chances of healing are high (Maher 2017).
Get to the bottom—and the end—of your back pain with powerful integrative care. Schedule a visit with our care team today.
Truly yours,
Vori Health
