Back Pain in Utah County? Here’s What Might Be Causing It

By Dr. Doug Ashton, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT | Enhance PT, Lindon, Utah

Read About the Top Back Pain Causes in Utah County Below, It May Surprise You!

From Lehi tech offices to Provo desks — back pain is becoming a local epidemic.

Back pain is the most common reason people in Utah County walk into my clinic—and they’re often surprised by what’s actually behind it. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a desk jockey, or a parent constantly on the move, understanding the root causes of back pain is the first step to lasting relief.

Let’s break down what may be triggering your back pain and what you can do about it.

1. Desk Jobs and Remote Work Routines

Post-pandemic, more Utahns are working from home. Unfortunately, poor ergonomics are now one of the biggest drivers of back pain. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), prolonged sitting without lumbar support leads to muscular imbalances, stiffness, and disc compression [1].

📍Utah County Insight: With tech companies booming from Lehi to Provo, more residents are sitting longer hours without proper workstation setups.

What Helps:

• Schedule micro-breaks every 30 minutes

• Adjust monitor height to eye level

• Use a chair that supports your natural lumbar curve

• Consider a sit-stand desk option

2. Weekend Warrior Syndrome

I see a lot of active adults who are relatively sedentary during the week but hit it hard on the weekends—running races, hiking Mount Timpanogos, or lifting at the gym. This sudden load on deconditioned muscles and joints can lead to strains, spasms, or disc issues.

Data Point: A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that adults over 30 who exercise only on weekends are at higher risk for lumbar spine injuries than those who exercise regularly throughout the week [2].

What Helps:

• Cross-train with mobility and core stability

• Build up intensity gradually

• Warm up properly, especially before hiking or lifting

3. Poor Core and Glute Engagement

A weak or inactive core shifts load to the lower back, increasing your risk of injury. Many patients I see believe they’re activating their core—when in reality, they’re overusing their hip flexors or low back muscles.

Research: The National Institutes of Health notes that impaired motor control of the deep core stabilizers is a leading contributor to mechanical low back pain [3].

What Helps:

• Target deep core muscles like the transverse abdominis

• Use exercises like bird dogs, dead bugs, and planks (with proper form)

• Focus on glute strength to reduce lumbar load

4. Old Injuries or Poor Recovery

Back injuries often seem like they "go away"—until they don't. Improper healing or compensation patterns can cause chronic pain years later.

Real Talk: I often treat former athletes or car accident victims who never fully rehabbed their injuries. Over time, these unresolved issues create new movement problems and pain.

What Helps:

• A full-body movement screen (like FMS)

• Manual therapy to address tissue restrictions

• A personalized corrective exercise plan

5. Stress and Poor Sleep

Back pain isn't just physical—it can be affected by your mental and emotional health. Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that stress tightens muscles, disrupts sleep, and increases pain sensitivity [4].

What Helps:

• Practice breath work or mindfulness techniques

• Prioritize quality sleep and recovery

• Don’t ignore the emotional side of chronic pain

6. You Might Be Sitting on the Problem (Literally)

Wallets in back pockets and long drives—especially common here in Utah County where commutes to SLC or back from the canyon are frequent—can compress the sciatic nerve or throw off pelvic alignment.

Quick Fix: Take your wallet out when sitting. If you drive a lot, adjust your seat to reduce lumbar rounding and use a small lumbar roll.

When to See a Pro

If you’ve had back pain for more than 2–3 weeks, if it radiates into your leg, or if it's impacting your day-to-day life—it’s time to get evaluated.

At Enhance PT in Lindon, I offer:

• Free 15-minute phone consults

• Dry needling for pain relief

• Manual therapy to improve mobility

• Personalized movement plans to prevent recurrence

Final Takeaway

Back pain in Utah County is common—but it’s not something you have to live with. The key is figuring out why it’s happening and taking smart steps to address it.

If you're ready to stop chasing symptoms and start fixing the root cause, I’d love to help. My office is located in Lindon, UT so if you're a local in Orem, Provo, Payson, Springville, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Alpine, Lehi I'm just a quick drive away!

Schedule your free consult today → www.calendly.com/drdougpt  or call at (801) 210-1071.

Citations:

1. APTA. “Ergonomics and the Office.” [https://www.apta.org]

2. JOSPT. “Low Back Pain in Adult Weekend Athletes.” [https://www.jospt.org]

3. NIH. “Motor Control and Chronic Low Back Pain.” [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Mayo Clinic. “The Connection Between Stress and Back Pain.” [https://www.mayoclinic.org]