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In this episode of the Cityview Chiropractic podcast, Dr. Steve Sanders tackles one of the most widespread health complaints he sees in Fort Worth: lower back pain. Whether you wake up stiff, struggle getting out of your car, or deal with a nagging ache after a long day, this episode was made with you in mind.
Dr. Sanders walks listeners through the most frequent causes of lower back pain, from posture and muscle strain to more structural issues, and explains why so many people suffer longer than they need to.
If you’ve been putting up with back pain and wondering what your options are, this episode gives you a solid starting point and practical guidance on what to do next.
Hey there, and welcome back. I’m Doctor Steve Sanders, and you’re listening to the Cityview Chiropractic podcast, coming to you from right here in Fort Worth. Today we’re talking about something that affects a whole lot of people in this area… lower back pain. If you’ve ever woken up stiff, struggled to get out of your car, or just felt that nagging ache at the end of a long day, this one’s for you.
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people come through our doors. And here’s the thing, most of it is very treatable. You don’t have to just live with it. So let’s talk about what’s actually causing it, and what you can do about it.
Now, one of the biggest culprits I see is something called muscle strain. This happens when the muscles and ligaments in your lower back get overstretched or torn, usually from lifting something the wrong way, moving too fast, or just overdoing it on a weekend project. You know what I hear a lot? “I didn’t even do anything that crazy, I just bent over to pick something up.” And that’s totally real. If those muscles are already tight and fatigued, even a small movement can push them over the edge. The good news is, muscle strains typically respond really well to conservative care.
The second big cause I want to talk about is poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting. Here in Fort Worth, a lot of folks are sitting at a desk for eight, nine, ten hours a day. When you sit for that long, especially if your workstation isn’t set up well, your hip flexors get tight, your core gets lazy, and all that pressure ends up dumping right into your lower back. Over time, that creates a whole pattern of dysfunction. It’s not just one bad day, it builds up slowly. And that’s exactly why people come in saying, “I don’t know when it started, it just kind of crept up on me.”
The third thing I see regularly is joint restriction in the lumbar spine. Your lower back is made up of five vertebrae, and each one has joints on either side. When those joints stop moving the way they should, whether from stress, repetitive movement, or just sitting too much, the surrounding muscles tighten up to protect the area. That leads to stiffness, limited range of motion, and that deep aching feeling that’s hard to shake. This is actually where chiropractic care really shines, because restoring that movement is exactly what an adjustment is designed to do.
Okay, so let’s talk practical steps. What can you start doing today? First, move more. I know that sounds simple, but short walks throughout the day do wonders for your lower back. Sitting is hard on those joints, and movement is like oil for them. Second, pay attention to how you’re sitting. Try to keep your feet flat on the floor, your screen at eye level, and take breaks every thirty to forty-five minutes to stand up and stretch. Third, work on your core. Not crunches, but gentle stabilization exercises that support your spine. Things like bird dogs, dead bugs, and gentle bridges are a great place to start. And if you’re not sure what those are, just ask us.
Now, when should you come see a chiropractor? Honestly, sooner is better than later. If your lower back pain has lasted more than a few days, if it keeps coming back, if it’s affecting your sleep, your work, or your daily activities, that’s your sign to get it checked out. We’re not just here for emergencies. We’re here to help you figure out what’s going on and put together a real plan to fix it. And if something more serious is going on, we’ll make sure you get referred to the right person.
Look, lower back pain is incredibly common, but common doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Most people we see walk out with more hope than they came in with, and that means a lot to us.
Thank you so much for tuning in today. If you’re in the Fort Worth area and you’re dealing with lower back pain, we’d love to help you out. Give Cityview Chiropractic a call, or stop by and see us. Doctor Steve Sanders and the whole team are here for you. We’ll see you next time. Take care of yourself.
