Back Pain Caused by Weak Muscles: What's Going On?

In this article, you will learn:

• Why muscle weakness is one of the leading causes of back pain
• How muscle weakness leads to back pain
• Signs to look for to determine if your back pain is caused by muscle weakness
• Easy ways to build stronger muscles and eliminate back pain

Not all back pain is related to injury, poor posture or age. Back pain is also frequently caused by the weakening of muscles in the core and surrounding muscles that support the spine. The good news is that many cases of back pain caused by muscle weakness can be treated.

Your Spine Does Not Function Alone

Your spine was not created to bear the weight of your body. It works as part of a system of muscles that work together to provide stability and allow for safe movement.

Main Support Muscles:

• Core muscles (abdominal and deep abdominal muscles)
• Lower back muscles
• Hip muscles
• Glutes

If these muscles are strong, they function as a natural supportive system to take pressure off the spine. When these muscles are weak, they cannot provide adequate support to the spine and therefore put additional pressure on the spine. This excessive pressure is what causes the pain.

How Muscle Weakness Causes Back Pain

Muscle weakness causes back pain through a series of events:

1. Muscles do not provide sufficient support
2. Weakened muscles become fatigued rapidly and cannot provide stabilization to the spine during everyday activities such as sitting, standing, or lifting
3. The spine bears the burden of the forces placed upon it and the discs, joints and ligaments of