7 Causes of Low Back Pain in Mendon: When to See a Chiropractor
7 Causes of Low Back Pain in Mendon: When to See a Chiropractor
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare. Whether your pain started after lifting mulch, playing golf, sitting at your desk all day, or simply waking up one morning with stiffness, back pain can quickly interfere with work, family life, and the activities you enjoy.
At Rochester Sports Chiropractic, I frequently see patients from Mendon, Pittsford, Victor, Honeoye Falls, and throughout the Rochester area who are frustrated because their back pain keeps returning despite stretching, resting, or taking medication. The good news is that many causes of low back pain respond well to conservative treatment once the underlying problem is identified.
If you're experiencing persistent pain, visit our Low Back Pain page to learn more:
https://www.585chiropractor.com/low-back-pain
If your pain is traveling into your buttock or leg, you may also benefit from reading our guide on Sciatica:
https://www.585chiropractor.com/sciatica
1. Muscle or Ligament Strains
The most common cause of low back pain is a strained muscle or ligament.
These injuries often occur after:
Lifting heavy objects
Yard work
Shoveling snow
Moving furniture
Starting a new workout
Weekend sports
Many people think they "threw their back out," but what actually happened is that the muscles became overloaded and inflamed.
Fortunately, muscle strains typically respond well to movement-based chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises, and activity modification.
Rather than prolonged bed rest, gradual movement often helps people recover more quickly.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons also recommends remaining active whenever appropriate:
2. Lumbar Disc Injuries
Between every vertebra is an intervertebral disc that acts like a shock absorber.
When these discs become irritated or injured they can produce:
Sharp low back pain
Pain while bending
Difficulty sitting
Pain after lifting
Muscle spasms
Disc injuries are not always severe.
Many patients improve with conservative treatment including chiropractic care, exercise progression, and education about proper movement.
The important step is determining whether your symptoms truly originate from the disc or another structure.
3. Sciatica
Many people use the term "sciatica" to describe any pain that travels into the leg.
True sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated.
Common symptoms include:
Pain down one leg
Tingling
Burning
Numbness
Weakness
Because sciatica has multiple causes, identifying the source is essential before beginning treatment.
You can learn more on our dedicated Sciatica page:
https://www.585chiropractor.com/sciatica
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke also provides helpful patient information:
4. Poor Posture and Sitting Too Much
Modern lifestyles place tremendous stress on the lumbar spine.
Many of my patients work:
Office jobs
Remote computer positions
Truck driving
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Hours of uninterrupted sitting reduce spinal movement and increase stress on muscles and joints.
One of the first recommendations I give patients is surprisingly simple:
Move more frequently.
Standing up every 30–60 minutes can significantly reduce accumulated stress on the spine.
5. Sports and Recreational Activities
Living in the Rochester area means many people stay active year-round.
I frequently evaluate athletes participating in:
Golf
Running
Pickleball
Tennis
Hockey
Weight training
Cycling
While exercise is healthy, repetitive movements combined with poor mobility often create overload on the lumbar spine.
Rather than avoiding activity completely, identifying movement limitations allows patients to return safely to the sports they enjoy.
6. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the spine to the pelvis.
When irritated they may cause:
Pain on one side
Pain after standing
Difficulty rolling in bed
Pain climbing stairs
Because SI joint pain closely resembles disc injuries, a proper examination is important before beginning treatment.
7. Degenerative Changes
As we age, our joints naturally change.
Many people are surprised to learn that MRI findings such as arthritis or disc degeneration are common even in people without pain.
Treatment should focus on improving function rather than simply treating imaging findings.
The Mayo Clinic provides an excellent overview of low back pain and conservative treatment options:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain
When Should You See a Chiropractor?
You should consider an evaluation if:
Pain lasts longer than one week
Pain repeatedly returns
Pain limits work or hobbies
Pain radiates into the leg
You notice reduced mobility
At Rochester Sports Chiropractic, my goal is not simply to reduce pain but to identify why it developed in the first place so we can reduce the chance of it returning.
If you're looking for a chiropractor for low back pain in Mendon, Pittsford, Victor, Honeoye Falls, or Rochester, schedule an appointment today:
https://www.585chiropractor.com/schedule-appointment-ready
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care help low back pain?
Many mechanical causes of low back pain respond well to conservative care combined with appropriate exercise and activity modification.
Should I rest if my back hurts?
For many patients, gentle movement is more beneficial than prolonged bed rest. The right recommendation depends on the underlying cause of the pain.
When should I seek emergency medical care?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe trauma, loss of bowel or bladder control, progressive leg weakness, fever with back pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Related Articles
Coming soon:
Low Back Pain vs. Sciatica
Why Your Low Back Pain Keeps Returning
Morning Low Back Pain
Golf and Low Back Pain
Running and Low Back Pain
