Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care—and for good reason. Whether it’s a dull ache after sitting too long or a sharp, debilitating pain that disrupts daily life, lower back pain can impact everything from sleep quality to work productivity. At Bridge Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, we understand how frustrating and limiting this condition can be. That’s why our team is dedicated to identifying the root cause of your pain and developing a custom care plan that brings lasting relief.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the top five causes of lower back pain and explain how our chiropractic and rehabilitation services can help you feel better, move better, and live better.

1. Poor Posture and Spinal Misalignment

In today’s digital age, many of us spend hours hunched over computers or looking down at phones. Over time, poor posture can cause spinal misalignments, placing strain on muscles, ligaments, and discs in the lower back.

Common Signs:

Aching or stiffness after long periods of sitting
Uneven hips or shoulders
Fatigue due to inefficient posture

Our Treatment Approach:

At Bridge Chiropractic, we perform detailed postural screenings and spinal evaluations to pinpoint misalignments. Through gentle chiropractic adjustments, we restore proper spinal alignment, relieve tension, and reduce inflammation. We also provide corrective exercises to retrain your body for long-term postural health. We often recommend incorporating stretching into your daily routine to increase flexibility and reduce tension in the lower back.

2. Herniated or Bulging Discs

The discs between your vertebrae act as cushions, absorbing shock and aiding movement. When one of these bulges or herniates, it can press against nearby nerves and cause sharp, radiating pain, often down the legs (sciatica).

Common Signs:

Shooting pain down one or both legs
Numbness or tingling in the feet or toes
Pain that worsens when sitting or bending

Our Treatment Approach:

We offer non-surgical spinal decompression therapy, which gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on the affected areas and nerves. Combined with manual therapy and therapeutic modalities like electrical stimulation and ultrasound, we help reduce inflammation and support disc healing. For at-home care, using heat therapy can help relax tight muscles and alleviate discomfort between visits. Reducing irritation around the nerve roots is a key part of our care approach in these cases.

3. Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain

Overexertion, improper strength training, or even sudden movements can cause small tears in the muscles or ligaments of the lower back. These can also lead to spasm, where muscles contract uncontrollably in response to injury or inflammation.

Common Signs:

Sudden onset of localized pain
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity

Our Treatment Approach:

After a thorough physical exam, we’ll tailor a rehabilitation plan that may include electrical muscle stimulation (E-Stim), ultrasound therapy, and targeted exercises to reduce pain, restore mobility, and strengthen your lower back. Our chiropractors also use manual therapy techniques to break up adhesions and promote soft tissue healing. To avoid re-injury, we may recommend adjusting your work setup, such as upgrading to a more supportive ergonomic chair.

4. Degenerative Disc Disease

As we age, the spinal discs naturally begin to wear down. This condition, known as degenerative disc disease, can lead to chronic lower back pain and stiffness due to reduced disc height and inflammation in the surrounding joints.

Common Signs:

Persistent, dull pain that worsens with activity
Occasional flare-ups of intense discomfort
Decreased flexibility and mobility

Our Treatment Approach:

While we can’t reverse aging, we can slow the progression and reduce symptoms. Our integrative care model includes spinal adjustments, decompression therapy, and customized strengthening exercises to support the spine and reduce stress on affected discs. We also guide patients on ergonomic changes and lifestyle modifications for long-term relief. Low-impact physical activity and exercises like swimming and Pilates are often recommended to strengthen the core without placing too much strain on the spine.

5. Sciatica and Nerve Compression

Sciatica is not a condition itself but a symptom of nerve compression, often caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome. It results in sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back into the leg.

Common Signs:

Radiating pain down the buttocks and leg
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower extremities
Pain aggravated by sitting or sudden movements

Our Treatment Approach:

We begin with a thorough neurological and orthopedic evaluation to determine the source of the nerve compression. Our team uses a combination of chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and corrective exercises to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve mobility. We may also recommend adding yoga to your weekly routine as a gentle, restorative way to support spinal health and improve flexibility. By restoring balance to the nervous system, we promote more efficient healing and pain relief throughout the body.

Supporting Spinal Health Beyond the Clinic

In addition to our in-office treatments, we believe in empowering patients with tools for daily life. Simple actions like using lumbar support while sitting, maintaining a strong core, and taking regular movement breaks throughout the day can dramatically reduce your risk of lower back pain recurring. Our team is always here to guide you with recommendations on proper posture, home stretches, and even ergonomic workplace tips.

When patients are consistent with both in-office care and at-home support, they often experience not just pain relief—but long-term improvement in their overall health and quality of life.

Why Choose Bridge Chiropractic and Rehabilitation?

At Bridge Chiropractic, we go beyond temporary relief. Our mission is to address the root cause of your pain and help you return to the activities you love. Our holistic approach includes:

Comprehensive consultations and exams
Personalized treatment plans
State-of-the-art therapies and technology
Experienced, compassionate care team
Ongoing education and wellness coaching

Whether you’re dealing with chronic lower back pain or a recent injury, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Join Our Family

Lower back pain doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re ready to find real relief, contact Bridge Chiropractic and Rehabilitation in Marietta, Georgia today to book your appointment. Our team is here to help you bridge the gap between pain and recovery through expert chiropractic care and evidence-based pain management strategies.