Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care, yet pinpointing the true cause can be surprisingly tricky. At The Spine and Wellness Center in Coral Springs, Dr. Jared Cohen, DC has spent years helping patients across Coral Springs and Parkland identify what is actually driving their pain so they can treat it effectively. This guide walks through the common and often-overlooked sources of low back pain, the red flags that warrant prompt attention, and how a proper diagnosis leads to better results.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

Why Lower Back Pain Is So Common

Your lower back carries much of your body’s weight and is involved in nearly every movement you make, from bending to sitting to lifting. That constant demand makes it vulnerable to strain, wear, and irritation. The challenge is that many different structures can produce similar-feeling pain, so guessing rarely leads to lasting relief.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Most low back pain traces back to a handful of structures in and around the spine. Understanding these helps explain why a targeted exam matters.

• Disc problems such as herniations or bulges pressing on nerves
• Facet joint irritation, the small joints that guide spinal movement
• Muscle and ligament strain from overuse or sudden movement
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction in the pelvis
• Posture-related stress from prolonged sitting or poor ergonomics

The Overlooked Culprits

Some causes are easy to miss because they do not always announce themselves clearly. Tight hips, weak core muscles, and old movement habits can quietly overload the spine for years. Stress and poor sleep can amplify pain perception, while a sedentary routine gradually weakens the muscles that support the back. Recognizing these factors is often the difference between a temporary fix and a real solution.

Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most back pain is not dangerous, but certain symptoms signal the need for prompt medical evaluation.

• Numbness or tingling in the groin or inner thighs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Progressive leg weakness or foot drop
• Unexplained weight loss or fever with back pain
• Severe pain following a fall or accident

How Diagnosis Works

Effective treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. We begin with a detailed history and a hands-on exam that assesses your posture, range of motion, strength, and the specific movements that reproduce your pain. When appropriate, imaging helps confirm the picture. The aim is to identify the actual pain generator rather than treating a vague label.

Treatment Options That Address the Cause

Once we understand the source, we can build a plan that targets it. Our back pain treatment options are conservative and drug-free, designed to relieve pain while rebuilding the support your spine needs. For disc-related pain, non-surgical spinal decompression can reduce pressure on irritated nerves and discs. Ongoing chiropractic care helps restore proper joint motion and alignment, while targeted exercises strengthen the core and improve posture for the long term.

Patients across Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Deerfield Beach appreciate that we tailor care to the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all routine. With same-day appointments and most major insurance accepted, getting evaluated is easy.

Preventing Future Back Pain

A few consistent habits can dramatically lower your risk of recurring pain. Small daily choices add up to a more resilient spine.

• Move regularly and avoid sitting for long uninterrupted periods
• Strengthen your core and hips with regular exercise
• Lift with your legs and avoid twisting under load
• Set up an ergonomic workspace and watch your posture
• Maintain a healthy weight and stay well hydrated

When to See Us in Coral Springs

If your lower back pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps coming back, or limits your daily activities, a professional evaluation can save you months of frustration. To schedule a visit with Dr. Cohen, use our contact page or call our Coral Springs office, which proudly serves Parkland, Tamarac, Margate, and nearby communities.