Lower Back Pain When Walking: Causes and Treatments
Experiencing lower back pain when walking can not only hinder your ability to enjoy daily activities but also signal underlying health issues that shouldn’t be ignored. This common complaint among adults can stem from various causes, ranging from minor muscle strains to more serious conditions affecting the spine.
Causes of Lower Back Pain When Walking
Muscle or Ligament Strain
One of the most common reasons for lower back pain is a strain or tear in the muscles or ligaments supporting the spine. This can result from overuse, poor posture, or sudden awkward movements.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related wear and tear on spinal discs can lead to degenerative disc disease, causing pain that worsens when walking or standing.
Spinal Stenosis
This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain during activities like walking.
Sciatica
Caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, sciatica can lead to sharp, shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, and down the legs, often exacerbated by walking.
Facet Joint Osteoarthritis
The facet joints in the spine can become worn and arthritic, causing pain and stiffness in the lower back, especially during movement.
SI Joint Dysfunction
Your sacroiliac (SI) joint helps support the weight of your upper body. If an SI joint is misaligned or loose, it can be painful.
Treatments for Lower Back Pain When Walking
Physical Therapy
Engaging in physical therapy can strengthen the muscles in the lower back, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Therapists can also teach proper walking and posture techniques to avoid future pain.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making changes to daily activities can significantly impact lower back pain. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, improving posture, and incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.
Supportive Footwear
Wearing shoes that provide adequate support can alleviate lower back pain by improving posture and gait while walking.
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic adjustments can offer relief for some individuals, though these should be pursued in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can provide temporary relief for back pain.
Surgical Options
For those with severe pain not relieved by conservative treatments, surgery may be an option. Procedures vary depending on the underlying cause but may include decompression surgery for spinal stenosis or disc replacement for degenerative disc disease.
Treat Lower Back Pain at The Spine Pro
If lower back pain when walking persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or pain that radiates down the legs, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Dr. Hooman Melamed and the team at The Spine Pro specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that cause lower back pain, offering both conservative and surgical options tailored to each patient’s needs.
