How to Tell If Your Lower Back Pain is Mechanical or Inflammatory
Back pain can be frustratingly common, but understanding the cause is essential for effective treatment. Two primary categories of back pain are mechanical and inflammatory. Though both types can cause similar symptoms, each has unique features that require different approaches to treatment.
Let’s explore what distinguishes mechanical and inflammatory lower back pain, their causes, symptoms, and how to address each type.
Understanding Mechanical Back Pain
Mechanical back pain originates from structures in the spine—such as muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs. It’s typically caused by physical strain or injury and is often linked to posture, activity levels, and sometimes, the wear and tear that comes with age.
Common Causes:
Poor posture
Repetitive motions or lifting heavy objects
Muscle strain
Degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis
Symptoms of Mechanical Back Pain:
Pain that worsens with certain movements (bending, lifting, standing)
Aching or stiffness that decreases with rest
Localised discomfort in the lower back without swelling or redness
Shorter episodes of pain, often with acute flare-ups
Treatment Options for Mechanical Pain:
Chiropractic care can provide targeted relief by addressing joint and muscular alignment.
Exercise: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the core and back muscles.
Posture improvement: Ergonomic adjustments at work or home can help.
Heat/Cold Therapy: Heating pads or cold packs can soothe sore muscles.
Recognising Inflammatory Back Pain
Inflammatory back pain is often associated with conditions that cause inflammation in the spine and joints, such as ankylosing spondylitis or other types of arthritis. It’s not typically caused by physical strain but rather by the immune system’s reaction, leading to chronic inflammation in the joints.
Common Causes:
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis)
Genetic predispositions
Chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the spine
Symptoms of Inflammatory Back Pain:
Pain that is worse in the morning or after prolonged inactivity
Stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes after waking
Symptoms improve with movement and activity, not rest
Pain that persists for more than three months, often with flare-ups
Treatment Options for Inflammatory Pain:
Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Exercise: Gentle exercises, like yoga or swimming, can improve mobility and relieve stiffness.
Chiro and/or Physio: Techniques to maintain spinal flexibility and strength.
Lifestyle Management: Reducing stress and eating an anti-inflammatory diet can support overall health.
How to Differentiate Between Mechanical and Inflammatory Back Pain
While both types of back pain share common discomfort, these questions can help you identify the source:
Does rest relieve the pain? If yes, it’s more likely mechanical. Inflammatory pain often persists, even at rest.
Is the pain worse after waking up? Inflammatory back pain typically causes morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes.
Does activity improve the pain? Inflammatory pain may improve with movement, while mechanical pain may worsen with physical activities.
Seeking Help for Your Back Pain
If you’re experiencing ongoing lower back pain and unsure of its cause, consider visiting a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms and provide the right treatment plan. At Epoch Health, our chiropractors are trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a variety of back pain causes using an evidence-based approach.
When to See a Chiropractor
If you’re dealing with mechanical back pain, a chiropractor can help improve your alignment, relieve muscular tension, and guide you on strengthening exercises for better spinal health. For inflammatory conditions, a chiropractor can support your care plan with safe, personalised adjustments and exercises that complement other treatments.
Conclusion
Identifying the type of back pain you have—mechanical or inflammatory—can be empowering and help you make informed decisions about your health. Whether you’re looking to relieve physical strain or manage a chronic inflammatory condition, tailored care is available to help you regain comfort and mobility.
If you’re experiencing back pain, book a consultation with Epoch Health today. Let’s help you get back to what you love, pain-free.