Back Pain: What Causes It and What Can Help

Back pain is something I see pretty regularly in the office. It can start after picking something up, during a workout, after spending too much time sitting at a desk, or sometimes without any obvious reason at all.

I usually joke that the majority of cases where someone "throws out their back" happen during a pretty common activity, like tying their shoes, moving a cardboard box, or even sneezing. That doesn't necessarily mean that particular action caused the entire back to "go out." More often, it's the everyday movements, patterns, and lifestyle choices leading up to that moment that contributed to the problem.

What Causes Back Pain?

There isn't one specific cause of back pain. Some of the more common things I see include muscle strains, joint restrictions, disc irritation, nerve irritation, and changes in how someone is moving or loading their body.

For example, someone who spends most of their workday sitting and then goes out and lifts heavy on the weekend is putting a very different demand on their body than someone who is consistently active throughout the week.

Muscle tightness can also be part of the problem. When certain muscles aren't doing their job well, other areas may have to pick up the slack. Over time, that can create more stress around the low back.

Disc problems can contribute to back pain as well. Things like disc bulges and herniations can sometimes cause pain or irritation of a nerve. At the same time, seeing a disc bulge on an MRI doesn't automatically mean that it is the source of someone's pain. Imaging findings have to be looked at in the context of the person's symptoms and examination. We should always try to figure out the why.

What Can You Do for Back Pain?

If your back hurts, your first instinct may be to stop doing everything and rest.

I don't typically recommend staying in bed all day. Keeping some movement in your day is generally a better option, as long as you're not making your symptoms significantly worse. One of my favorite sayings is "motion is lotion" and when it comes to the human body, that usually holds true.

Going for a walk, changing positions throughout the day, and temporarily modifying activities that aggravate your back can all be helpful. I usually recommend heat rather than ice, as heat increases blood flow and can help keep the back feeling looser and less tight. It is important to recognize that you can do too much heat, however. 15-20 minutes at a time is my usual recommendation.

As things start to improve, getting back to normal activity is important. This may mean gradually working your way back into exercise, improving your mobility, and building strength so your back is better prepared for the things you want to do.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

There are several different ways we can approach back pain at Alleviate.

An adjustment may be appropriate if certain joints aren't moving well. Soft tissue work can be useful when muscle tension or restrictions are contributing to the problem. Dry needling is another option I may use when muscular issues are a significant part of what we're finding.

Exercise is another important piece. Depending on the situation, that could mean working on mobility, strengthening certain areas, improving stability, or simply getting you moving again.

The treatment isn't going to look exactly the same for everyone. That's why I prefer to evaluate what's going on first rather than assuming every case of back pain needs the same treatment. It should never be a cookie-cutter approach.

When Should You Get Back Pain Checked?

If your back pain isn't improving, keeps coming back, or is starting to interfere with things like work, exercise, sleep, or everyday activities, it's worth having it evaluated.

There are also certain symptoms that should be evaluated by a medical professional promptly. These include significant trauma, progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or fever along with back pain.

Back pain isn't something you have to simply accept and live with. Pain is the body's way of telling us something isn't quite right.. we just have to figure out why you are getting that signal.

At Alleviate Chiropractic & Wellness, we take the time to figure out what's contributing to your symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.

Ready to get your back pain checked out?

Schedule an appointment at Alleviate Chiropractic & Wellness in Delafield, WI to get started.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, consult with an appropriate healthcare professional.