Back Pain: The Truth About Most Lower Back Problems

“Treat the cause, not the effect.” —Dr. Edward Bach

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor, miss work, or struggle through daily life. Yet despite how common it is, most lower back problems are still misunderstood—even by health professionals.

People are often told their pain comes from tight muscles, disc degeneration, or simply “getting older.” But in my experience as a physician and researcher, those explanations don’t tell the full story. And worse, they often lead people down treatment paths that fail to deliver lasting relief.

The Real Root of Most Lower Back Problems

Let’s start with a simple truth: If your sacroiliac joints are out of alignment, your lower back won’t feel right—no matter how strong, flexible, or fit you are.

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are where your pelvic bones meet the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of your spine. These joints are small but mighty—they help support the weight of your entire core, and they transfer this weight from your upper body to your legs.

When the ligaments around the SI joints become overstretched or strained, the joint can become unstable. This misalignment leads to the overstretched nerves inside the strained ligaments sending pain signals to the brain. You get pain especially in the lower back, hips, buttocks, or the sides of your thighs.

In fact, this is the most common cause of persistent lower back problems I’ve seen in my clinical work.

What Causes SI Joint Misalignment?

A number of everyday events can throw your pelvis out of balance:

• Pregnancy and childbirth, due to hormonal changes and ligament loosening
  

• Repetitive lifting or twisting motions
  

• Poor posture, especially sitting for long periods
  

• Trauma or falls, even if they seemed minor at the time
  

• Uneven leg length, which causes one hip to drop and the pelvis to tilt
  

• Hypermobile joints or connective tissue conditions

Even one awkward twist or a poorly supported sitting position can stretch the ligaments just enough to cause long-term instability and discomfort.

Symptoms of SI Joint Dysfunction

Lower back pain is only part of the picture. People with sacroiliac joint problems often experience:

• Pain at the base of the spine or off to one side
  

• Pain that radiates into the buttocks or thighs
  

• Discomfort when sitting or standing for long periods
  

• A sharp jolt when rising from a chair
  

• Difficulty sleeping due to aching in the hips or lower back
  

• A feeling that “something is out of place” in the lower spine

Unfortunately, these symptoms are often misdiagnosed as sciatica, disc issues, or even muscle strain—leading to treatments that don’t address the root problem.

Why Typical Treatments Fall Short

Most people with lower back problems are told to try:

• Stretching or yoga
  

• Core strengthening
  

• Massage therapy
  

• Chiropractic adjustments
  

• Pain medications or anti-inflammatories

And while these approaches can help in some cases, they don’t always work for SI joint dysfunction.

Why?

Because ligaments are different from muscles.
They don’t respond well to stretching, and excessive movement can actually make the problem worse. If you’re stretching an already overstretched ligament, you’re only adding to the instability.

The key is not to stretch—but to realign, stabilize, and calm the irritated nerves.

What Actually Helps Lower Back Problems Caused by SI Joint Dysfunction?

Here’s what I’ve found to be most effective in both my personal experience and clinical work:

1. Realign the Pelvis

There’s a gentle 2-minute technique I teach that helps reset the SI joint using your own body weight and positioning. It’s safe, drug-free, and effective—especially when done as needed if the pain comes back.

In my book, Low Back Pain: 3 Steps to Relief in 2 Minutes, I outline exactly how to perform this method. Thousands of people have used it, and 90% report feeling immediate relief.

2. Support the Ligaments

Once realigned, it’s important to support the SI joint to prevent further overstretching:

• Wear a properly fitted pelvic support belt to hold the bones in place
  

• Avoid deep stretching or twisting exercises that destabilize the joint
  

• Sit on a donut cushion if sitting triggers pain—this keeps your sitz bones aligned and prevents your pelvis from spreading

3. Calm the Irritated Nerves

When the ligaments are inflamed, the tiny nerves within them send constant pain signals to the brain.

If there is not too much distance between your skin and the affected ligaments, a topical cream made with mannitol, like QR Cream, can help calm these irritated nerve endings. Unlike traditional muscle rubs, mannitol works on the nerves themselves and can bring lasting relief without systemic side effects.

(Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any topical treatment, especially if you are pregnant or managing a medical condition.)

4. Balance the Foundation

If one leg is shorter than the other (even by a small amount), it can cause your pelvis to tilt and your SI joint to misalign again and again.

Consider being fitted for orthotics or heel lifts if you notice uneven posture, a tilt in your hips, or one leg consistently “working harder” than the other.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

While most SI joint-related lower back problems can be treated at home with conservative methods, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience:

🚩 Numbness or tingling in the legs below the knees
🚩 Loss of bladder or bowel control
🚩 Severe weakness in one or both legs
🚩 Sudden, intense pain without relief
🚩 Fever or chills along with back pain

These could be signs of a more serious condition that needs immediate care.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live With Lower Back Pain

Most lower back problems are not caused by bulging discs, strained muscles, or mysterious aging processes.

They’re caused by mechanical imbalance, ligament strain, and irritated nerves—especially in the sacroiliac joints.

And the good news? These issues are highly treatable with the right knowledge and approach.

You don’t have to rely on painkillers or chase short-term fixes.
With the right tools, your body can heal.
And you can return to a life of walking, sleeping, and moving without pain.

Relief doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be accurate.

— Hélène Bertrand, MD (retired)

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE LOW BACK PAIN RELIEF in 2 MINUTES!

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your health regimen. Although Dr. Bertrand is a retired medical doctor, she is not practicing medicine or providing medical care through this website.