Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The Most Common Type of Low Back Pain — And How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Low back pain is one of the most common health complaints in the world. At some point in life, about 80% of people will experience it. If you are dealing with low back pain in Fredericton, you are far from alone.

The good news is that most low back pain is not caused by a serious medical problem.

In fact, research consistently shows that 85-90% of low back pain cases are classified as “non-specific low back pain.” This simply means the pain is coming from the structures of the lower back — muscles, joints, ligaments, or discs — but no single structure can be identified as the exact source.

While the name may sound vague, this type of back pain is very real, very common, and very treatable — often without medication or surgery.

What Is Non-Specific Low Back Pain?

Non-specific low back pain is the medical term for back pain that is not caused by a specific disease, fracture, infection, or nerve compression. It is also commonly called mechanical low back pain because the pain is related to how the spine moves, loads, and responds to physical stress.

The lower back is made up of several structures that work together:

  • Muscles that stabilize and move the spine
  • Ligaments that support spinal joints
  • Intervertebral discs that act as cushions between vertebrae
  • Facet joints that guide spinal movement

When these tissues become irritated, strained, stiff, or overloaded, pain can occur. Because several structures may contribute at the same time, it can be difficult to pinpoint one exact tissue causing the pain — which is why healthcare providers use the term “non-specific.”

Common Causes of Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Non-specific low back pain usually develops from everyday mechanical stress on the spine. Common triggers include:

Muscle Strain

Small tears or irritation in the back muscles can occur from lifting, sudden movement, or overuse. This is one of the most frequent causes of acute low back pain.

Ligament Sprain

Ligaments support the joints of the spine. Sudden twisting or awkward movement can stretch or irritate these tissues, leading to pain and stiffness.

Joint Irritation

The small joints in the spine (called facet joints) can become stiff or inflamed, especially after prolonged sitting or repetitive movements.

Repetitive Movements

Frequent bending, twisting, or lifting — common in many Fredericton workplaces — can gradually irritate the structures of the lower back over time.

Prolonged Sitting

Long periods of sitting increase pressure on the discs and muscles of the lower back. Desk workers and those with sedentary jobs are particularly at risk.

Poor Movement Patterns

Lifting incorrectly, slouching, or having weak core muscles can increase strain on the spine and make the back more vulnerable to pain.

Often, several of these factors occur together, which is why a thorough assessment is important for effective treatment.

Symptoms of Non-Specific Low Back Pain

People with non-specific low back pain often describe symptoms such as:

  • Dull or aching pain in the lower back
  • Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
  • Pain with bending, lifting, or twisting
  • Muscle tightness in the back or hips
  • Pain that improves with gentle movement

In most cases, the pain stays in the lower back. It may occasionally spread into the buttocks or upper thigh, but it usually does not travel down the leg below the knee.

Pain that travels down the leg may suggest nerve irritation such as sciatica, which is a different condition that may require a different approach to care.

Why Imaging Often Isn’t Needed

Many people assume they need an X-ray or MRI to find out what is causing their back pain. However, research shows that imaging rarely changes treatment for non-specific low back pain.

Studies have found that many people with no back pain at all show changes on imaging such as disc bulges, disc degeneration, and arthritis. These changes are often a normal part of aging and may not be the actual cause of pain.

For this reason, most clinical guidelines — including those from the American College of Physicians — recommend avoiding imaging unless serious conditions such as fracture, infection, or nerve damage are suspected. A skilled chiropractor can help determine whether imaging is necessary during your initial assessment.

How Long Does Non-Specific Low Back Pain Take to Recover?

The encouraging news is that most episodes of non-specific low back pain improve significantly within a few weeks, especially with the right care.

Typical recovery timelines:

  • Acute pain: Usually improves within 2-4 weeks with appropriate treatment
  • Subacute pain: May take 6-12 weeks to fully resolve
  • Chronic pain: Lasts longer than 3 months, but can still improve significantly with consistent, evidence-based care

Research consistently shows that staying active and gradually returning to normal movement leads to better outcomes than prolonged rest. Early treatment from a chiropractor can help speed recovery and reduce the risk of your pain becoming chronic.

Evidence-Based Treatment for Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Clinical guidelines around the world — including those from the American College of Physicians, The Lancet, and the World Health Organization — consistently recommend conservative, non-surgical treatments as the first approach for low back pain. These treatments focus on reducing pain, restoring normal movement, and helping the spine function better over time.

Chiropractic Care and Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractic care is one of the most widely recommended conservative treatments for mechanical low back pain. At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, Dr. Scott Brayall and our team use a combination of evidence-based manual therapies tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

A central treatment used by chiropractors is called spinal manipulation (often referred to as a chiropractic adjustment). This is a precise, controlled movement applied to a stiff or restricted spinal joint. The goal is to restore normal joint motion, reduce muscle tension, and decrease pain.

Why does spinal manipulation help non-specific low back pain? When spinal joints become stiff or restricted — from prolonged sitting, repetitive strain, or injury — the surrounding muscles tighten to protect the area, creating a cycle of stiffness and pain. A chiropractic adjustment breaks this cycle by restoring movement to the restricted joint, which helps relax the surrounding muscles and reduce irritation.

Research has shown that spinal manipulation can help:

  • Reduce low back pain intensity
  • Improve spinal mobility and range of motion
  • Decrease muscle tension and guarding
  • Help patients return to normal activity sooner

For many patients with mechanical low back pain, chiropractic care offers an effective way to restore normal movement and reduce pain without relying on medication or surgery.

Movement and Exercise

Gentle movement is one of the most important parts of recovery from low back pain. Exercise helps improve blood flow to injured tissues, reduce stiffness, and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Walking, mobility exercises, and gradual return to normal activities are commonly recommended.

Strength and Stability Training

The muscles of the core, hips, and lower back play an important role in supporting the spine. Improving strength and coordination in these muscles can reduce strain on spinal joints, improve posture and lifting mechanics, and lower the risk of recurring back pain.

Posture and Movement Coaching

Many episodes of back pain develop from repetitive stress and poor movement habits. Learning better strategies for lifting, sitting, working at a desk, and bending can significantly reduce stress on the lower back and help prevent future episodes.

Education and Reassurance

One of the most important parts of treatment is understanding that most low back pain is not dangerous and does not mean your spine is damaged. Research shows that people who understand their condition and stay active recover faster and have fewer long-term problems.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Low Back Pain?

If your low back pain has lasted more than a few days, keeps coming back, or is affecting your ability to work, sleep, or stay active, it may be time to seek professional care.

You should consider seeing a chiropractor if:

  • Your back pain is not improving on its own after a week
  • Pain is limiting your daily activities or ability to work
  • You are experiencing recurring episodes of low back pain
  • You want to address the problem without medication
  • You want a clear explanation of what is causing your pain and a plan to fix it

At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, we see patients with non-specific low back pain every day. Dr. Scott Brayall will perform a thorough assessment to determine what is contributing to your pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Book an appointment or call us at (506) 472-7000 to get started.

The Bottom Line

Non-specific low back pain is the most common type of back pain, accounting for roughly 85-90% of all cases. Although the name may sound uncertain, the condition is well understood and responds very well to conservative care such as chiropractic treatment, exercise, and movement-based rehabilitation.

You do not need to live with low back pain or wait for it to go away on its own. Understanding how the spine works and taking action early — through professional care, movement, and smart daily habits — can make a major difference in your recovery and long-term spinal health.

If you are looking for a chiropractor in Fredericton, New Brunswick who specializes in evidence-based low back pain treatment, contact Fredericton Family Chiropractic to schedule your first visit.

Explore More: Low Back Pain Topics

This article is part of our comprehensive guide to low back pain. Explore more topics below:

  • Disc Bulges and Herniations — What they are, when they matter, and how they are treated
  • Sciatica and Nerve Pain — Understanding leg pain that starts in the lower back
  • Chronic Low Back Pain — Why some back pain persists and what to do about it
  • Low Back Pain and Exercise — The best exercises for recovery and prevention
  • Low Back Pain in the Workplace — Desk ergonomics, lifting, and injury prevention
  • Low Back Pain Myths — Common misconceptions that can slow your recovery

New articles coming soon. Contact us if you have questions about any of these topics.

References

Deyo RA, Weinstein JN. Low Back Pain. New England Journal of Medicine. 2001.

Hartvigsen J, Hancock MJ, Kongsted A, et al. What Low Back Pain Is and Why We Need to Pay Attention. The Lancet. 2018.

Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R. Non-Specific Low Back Pain. The Lancet. 2017.

Qaseem A, et al. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017.

World Health Organization. Low Back Pain Global Burden Report.