Back pain doesn’t just happen it builds, and in many cases, it’s coming from the discs in your lower back. A recent study of over 8,000 patients found that 55.1% of those with low back pain were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and here’s the part that stood out: the condition was significantly more common in men, with a prevalence of 58.8%.
That tells a story. Men in general, especially those doing hard labor jobs are often putting repeated stress on their backs; it’s not always physical labor though.
A separate survey found that 38% of students at a university in Colorado reported back pain during the academic year, but their triggers were different. Instead of heavy lifting, it was emotional stress and fatigue that led to their back pain. The nervous system and postural fatigue play just as big a role as any structural issue.
Back pain doesn’t follow one script and your Denver chiropractor understands that, that’s why we look at the whole picture and do our best to address what’s actually driving your back pain.
Where Does Your Back Hurt and Why?
Not all back pain feels the same, and that’s because the different areas of your spine serve different functions. Here’s a quick look at two:
Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain usually stems from issues in the thoracic spine, the part of your spine that connects to your ribs. The thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12) are designed for stability, not movement. But when poor posture, or heavy lifting enters the picture, they can get strained.
The trapezius, rhomboids, and levator scapulae muscles are commonly affected. These muscles can become tight or overworked from slouching or forward-head posture, especially during long hours at a desk or using mobile devices.
Joint irritation can occur where the ribs meet the spine, these are called costovertebral joints. When irritated, they can refer pain around the ribcage or into the shoulder blades.
Upper back pain is often dull and achy but can become sharp with movement or deep breaths. If left untreated, it may lead to compensatory patterns in the neck and shoulders, sometimes even causing tension headaches.
Lower Back Pain
The lower back or lumbar spine (L1–L5) is the most common site of back pain. That’s because it carries most of your body’s weight and allows for flexibility in bending and twisting.
The erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, and gluteal muscles support the lumbar spine. When these muscles are weak, tight, or imbalanced, they fail to stabilize the spine correctly, leading to strain and discomfort.
Pain in this region is often tied to lifting injuries, prolonged sitting, or degenerative disc issues. The intervertebral discs, especially L4-L5 and L5-S1, are highly susceptible to wear, herniation, or bulging due to repetitive strain or poor biomechanics.
Lower back pain may be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent. In some cases, it can radiate into the buttocks or legs of a nerve—like the sciatic nerve—is involved.
Back Pain Causes You Shouldn’t Ignore
Back pain isn’t always caused by one obvious injury. Often, the source lies in how your spine works or fails to work. These are called mechanical or structural problems. Here are a couple of common conditions that fall into this category:
Arthritis
There are different types of arthritis, but in the spine, osteoarthritis is most common. It causes the cartilage between the vertebrae or in the spinal joints to wear down. As this protective layer thins out, bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes inflammation.
In some people, the body reacts by forming bone spurs, which may narrow the spaces where nerves exit the spine, causing pressure and irritation.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Over time, inflammation can cause sections of the spine to fuse together.
This condition often begins in early adulthood and tends to progress gradually. It is more common in men and can lead to a “hunched forward” posture if left untreated.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn’t really a disease—it’s the natural aging process of spinal discs. Over time, the discs lose hydration and elasticity, making them thinner and less able to cushion the vertebrae.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc happens when the inner gel-like part of a disc pushes out through its tough outer shell. If it presses on a nearby nerve root, it can cause sharp pain and numbness usually on one side of the body. Herniations are most common in the lower lumbar spine (L4-L5 or L5-S1).
Bulging Disc
A bulging disc, sometimes called a slipped disc, happens when the outer layer of an intervertebral disc (annulus fibrosus) extends beyond its normal margin. Unlike a herniation, the inner gel stays contained, but the disc still presses on nearby nerves or spinal structures.
Fractured Spine
Spinal fractures can happen from trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or due to osteoporosis, where bones become brittle and break easily. Pain from a spinal fracture is typically sudden and intense, and it worsens with movement.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Unlike some conditions that affect bones or discs, myofascial pain originates in the muscles. It’s caused by tight, sensitive areas known as trigger points, often felt as knots that don’t relax with stretching or rest.
Sacroiliitis
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the bottom of your spine to your pelvis. When these joints become inflamed, they can cause pain in the lower back, and even radiates down the legs. It’s often mistaken for sciatica.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. In children, it may not cause pain. But in adults, the uneven pressure it creates can lead to joint strain, muscle fatigue, and eventually chronic back pain, especially as the spine continues to age.
Spinal Stenosis
In spinal stenosis, the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It usually happens in the neck or lower back and is more common in people over 60.
How We Diagnose Back Pain at The Disc Chiropractic
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective care. At The Disc Chiropractic, we don’t rely on guesswork — we use a detailed, hands-on approach to uncover the true cause of your pain.
Here’s what that looks like:
1. Comprehensive Consultation and Symptom Review
We begin by discussing your pain timeline, aggravating movements, and how it’s impacting your daily life. We take into account your posture, work habits, stress levels, sleep, and prior injuries. These details help us connect the dots.
2. Orthopedic and Neurological Testing
Our physical exams evaluate how well your spine, joints, nerves, and muscles are functioning. We assess:
- Range of motion
- Reflexes and strength imbalances
- Nerve irritation or compression
- Joint restriction and muscular compensation
These tests reveal whether your pain stems from structural issues, nerve involvement, or soft tissue dysfunction.
3. Digital X-rays or MRI Referrals (When Needed)
In-office X-rays help us assess spinal alignment, disc spacing, bone health, and signs of degeneration. If soft tissue, disc, or nerve damage is suspected, we refer out for advanced imaging like MRI to ensure nothing is missed.
4. Gonstead Chiropractic Analysis
Dr. Al Simeone is a Gonstead chiropractor — a method known for its precision and structural accuracy. Unlike general manipulation, Gonstead care involves:
- Motion & Static palpation
- Visualization of posture and gait
- Full-spine X-ray analysis
- Targeted adjustments at the exact joint causing dysfunction
Our Advanced Treatment Options
Every spine tells a different story, and your treatment should reflect that. Once we pinpoint what’s causing your back pain, we build a plan that’s precise, effective, and grounded in both chiropractic science and modern rehab tools.
Chiropractic Adjustments
I start by studying how your body holds itself, your posture, shoulder tilt, hip height, and the subtle cues your spine gives off. Then I use my hands to palpate each vertebra, both statically and through motion, to detect swelling, abnormal texture, or stuck joints.
From there, I apply a precise thrust targeting the specific vertebra causing dysfunction. No unnecessary cracks, no rotating your neck just because. It’s clean, directional, and focused on correcting the segment, not just making noise.
In some cases, I may also use a handheld instrument to assist with the adjustment when a gentler or more controlled correction is needed.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Using the Triton DTS, we gently separate the vertebrae to create negative pressure inside the disc. This vacuum effect helps draw bulging or herniated material back toward the center, taking pressure off nerves and giving the disc space to rehydrate and heal.
Shockwave Therapy
Some cases of back pain are rooted in deep tissue dysfunction, especially if you’ve had it for months or years. We use the Intelect RPW 2 to send controlled acoustic soundwaves to break up adhesions, scar tissues and calcified trigger points to stimulate the body’s natural repair process.
It’s fast, targeted, and often produces results after a few sessions.
Therapeutic Exercises
Once we get you out of pain, we show you how to stay that way. Therapeutic exercises are tailored to your weak points, not just generic stretches.
We retrain movement patterns, correct postural habits, and rebuild core and glute stability so your spine doesn’t keep taking the brunt of the load.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Sometimes, the issue isn’t just in the joints , it’s in the muscles and fascia that surround them. We use the Rapid Release Pro 3+, a high-frequency vibration tool that targets dense muscle knots and fascial adhesions.
It complements chiropractic adjustments perfectly and helps release tense muscles so your spine can move the way it’s supposed to.
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FAQs About Back Pain
What Causes Lower Back Pain to Flare up Suddenly?
Lower back pain often flares up due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, prolonged sitting, or stress-related muscle tension. Common culprits include herniated discs, strained muscles, or inflamed joints. If your pain comes on quickly, especially after a quick bend, you may be dealing with disc issues or nerve compression.
How Do I Know if My Back Pain Is Serious?
Back pain may be serious if it’s constant, worsening, or accompanied by numbness, leg weakness, bowel or bladder issues, or unexplained weight loss. These could signal severe nerve damage, infection, or a structural issue like spinal stenosis or disc herniation.
Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Back Pain?
Yes. Emotional stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, causing muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back, to tense up. Chronic stress can also alter posture and sleep patterns, contributing to persistent back discomfort even in the absence of physical strain.
What Is the Best Sleeping Position for Back Pain?
Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your knees often reduces pressure on the spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which adds strain to the neck and lumbar spine.
When Should I See a Chiropractor for Back Pain?
You should see a chiropractor if your back pain lasts more than 3 days and keeps returning. Chiropractors can identify nerve irritation or disc issues and create a personalized treatment plan that targets the root cause of back pain.
What’s the Difference Between a Herniated Disc and a Bulging Disc?
A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes outward but remains intact. A herniated disc means the inner gel-like core has broken through the outer layer. Both can compress nearby nerves, but herniation is more likely to cause sharp pain, numbness, or sciatica symptoms.
Can Poor Posture Really Cause Back Pain?
Yes. Slouching, forward head posture, and sitting without lumbar support can all shift spinal alignment, overload muscles, and accelerate disc degeneration. Over time, poor posture creates imbalances that stress joints and increase the risk of chronic lower and upper back pain.
Is Walking Good for Back Pain?
In most cases, Yes. Gentle walks do help by improving blood circulation and keeping your spinal joints loose, and strengthens supporting muscles without putting excess strain on the spine. It’s often recommended as part of a recovery plan.
Can Back Pain Be a Sign of Something More Serious?
Sometimes. While most back pain is mechanical, it can also indicate more serious conditions like kidney infections, fractures, tumors, or autoimmune disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis.
What Treatments Actually Work for Back Pain?
Effective treatments depend on the root cause, but commonly include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, therapeutic exercises, soft tissue therapy, and in some cases, shockwave therapy.
Take the First Step Toward Real Back Pain Relief
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, let’s get you in. Your first visit is just $97 — includes a full consultation, spinal exam, and my doctor’s report of findings. We’ll take the time to really understand what’s going on and what it’ll take to get you better. Book an Appointment Now or Call: 720-573-4910