Lower Back Pain (LBP) is a really common problem. Here are a few statistics to illustrate just how prevalent it is around the world:
In the USA, 80 percent of Americans will experience low back pain in their lifetime (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
In the UK, 100 million working days are lost as a result of lower back pain. (WHO)
About 2% to 10% of people who experience low back pain develop chronic low back pain, which affects daily living for at least 3 months. (Web med)
Lower back pain can result from injury or disease. People of all ages can suffer from lower back pain but people from the ages of 35-55 are most affected. As we get older we lose muscle tone and the amount of water in our lumbar discs decreases, putting greater strain on the spine. Our modern lifestyles also mean that we are also generally less active and do a lot more sitting than our bodies were designed for.
The good news is that there are ways to treat your lower back pain without medicationbut always be sure to consult your doctor first.
The most common causes of lower back pain usually fall under these categories:
The body is a fascinating machine and even though it has amazing capabilities, it too can suffer from wear and tear. Lifting heavy items with incorrect postures puts enormous stress on the spine and the muscles around it. Muscles and ligaments can tear causing pain, stiffness, and muscle spasm.
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HI Gritty Runners, I’m Caroline!
I am SO excited that you’re here! I’m super passionate about helping people to run far and having lots of fun along the way. I specialize in teaching others how to have a running body and a running mind to help them go the distance. My mission is to build your resilience so that you can be marathon ready. I pool together my knowledge from sport science, physical therapy and wellness coaching to keep you running stronger for longer.