Introduction
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work, stop exercising, or visit a healthcare provider. It can come on suddenly or build gradually over time — either way, it’s disruptive, frustrating, and often debilitating.
At O’Hara Family Chiropractic in Arlington Heights, we see patients every day who are looking for real answers and long-term relief. This blog outlines the top 5 causes of lower back pain and explains how chiropractic care offers safe, effective, drug-free solutions that help you get back to living life on your terms.
1. Poor Posture and Sedentary Lifestyle
Many people spend hours hunched over desks, laptops, or phones. Over time, this poor posture puts extra stress on your lower spine, leading to tight muscles, misaligned vertebrae, and eventually, chronic pain.
What It Feels Like:
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A dull ache or pressure in the lower back
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Tightness after sitting for long periods
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Pain that eases with movement but returns quickly
How Chiropractic Helps:
Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal misalignments caused by prolonged sitting. We also coach our patients on ergonomic posture, proper work setups, and simple movement habits to protect the spine during daily activities.
2. Herniated or Bulging Discs
Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft discs that act as cushions. When a disc bulges or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves, causing sharp, radiating pain — often into the hips or legs.
What It Feels Like:
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Sharp or shooting pain in the lower back or buttocks
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Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one leg
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Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, or sitting
How Chiropractic Helps:
We use gentle spinal adjustments and spinal decompression therapy to relieve disc pressure and promote healing. These non-surgical treatments help reposition the disc and reduce nerve irritation, often eliminating the need for invasive procedures or medications.
3. Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
Sudden movements, lifting improperly, or overexerting yourself at the gym can lead to strain injuries. Even something as simple as sneezing awkwardly or twisting to grab something can cause microtears in muscles or ligaments of the lower back.
What It Feels Like:
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Sharp, stabbing pain after an activity
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Muscle stiffness or spasms
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Limited range of motion
How Chiropractic Helps:
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper spinal alignment so the surrounding muscles can relax and heal. We may also use soft tissue techniques and recommend stretches to reduce inflammation and promote circulation.
4. Sciatica and Nerve Compression
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve — which runs from your lower back down through your legs — becomes compressed, often due to disc issues or spinal misalignment. It’s a common and painful condition we treat regularly at our office.
What It Feels Like:
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Burning or tingling down one leg
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Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates
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Numbness or weakness in the foot or leg
How Chiropractic Helps:
We identify the exact source of the nerve compression and adjust the spine to relieve pressure. Combined with decompression therapy, this helps restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and allow the nerve to heal naturally.
5. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of spaces within the spine, which puts pressure on the nerves. It’s more common in people over 50 but can affect anyone with chronic spinal wear and tear.
What It Feels Like:
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Pain while walking or standing for long periods
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Weakness or heaviness in the legs
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Relief when sitting or bending forward
How Chiropractic Helps:
While spinal stenosis can’t always be reversed, chiropractic care can relieve symptoms by improving spinal mobility and reducing inflammation around the affected areas. We work with patients to manage their pain and maintain quality of life.
When Should You See a Chiropractor?
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to schedule an appointment:
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Pain that lasts more than a few days
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Pain that radiates into the legs
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Weakness, numbness, or tingling
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Discomfort that interferes with sleep or daily life
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Frequent flare-ups of back tension or stiffness
Early intervention leads to faster healing and reduces the chance of chronic pain.
Why Patients in Arlington Heights Trust O’Hara Family Chiropractic
We know that no two cases of back pain are the same. At O’Hara Family Chiropractic, we:
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Take time to listen to your story and symptoms
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Perform a thorough exam to find the root cause
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Offer customized, non-invasive care plans
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Use a combination of adjustments, decompression therapy, soft tissue work, and movement coaching
Our goal is not just to mask the pain — it’s to help your body heal and stay strong long-term.
Conclusion
Lower back pain may be common, but it’s not something you have to live with. Whether it’s poor posture, a disc issue, sciatica, or muscle strain, there are safe and effective chiropractic solutions available right here in Arlington Heights.
If you’re ready to move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love — let’s start with a consultation.
See you in the office
Dr. Kevin