Back pain affects people in various ways. The physical discomfort that erupts from back pain can occur anywhere on the spine or back and can range from mild to disabling. Back pain can be caused by an underlying disease or from simple day-to-day activity. It is important to distinguish the exact cause so that it can be treated properly, thereby eliminating the pain.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BACK PAIN?
Although anyone can experience back pain, the following factors could put you at greater risk:
- Diseases – Back pain can be attributed to arthritis, cancers, infections, spine tumors, and other diseases.
- Age – Back pain becomes more common as someone advances in age. Muscle elasticity and tone decrease, and intervertebral discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility as someone ages. Commonly, people will begin to experience back pain around age 30-40. Left untreated it could progress.
- Excess Weight – When someone is overweight or gains a significant amount of weight quickly, they could be putting stress on their back.
- Improper Lifting – People will make the mistake of lifting with their back rather than their legs and end up with back pain. It is vital to have the proper form while lifting weights.
- Lack of Exercise – When a person’s muscles in their back and abdomen are weak and unused, they are more likely to experience back pain.
- Mental Health – Back pain and mental health can happen collectively. Stress from anxiety and depression can cause muscle tension, as well as influence how a person perceives their back pain. Chronic back pain can also contribute to the development of mental health issues.
- Job-Related Factors – Jobs that require heavy lifting, or anything involving the twisting and bending of the spine, can lead to back pain. Even jobs that require sitting at a desk for long periods of time can also lead to back pain. There are ergonomic solutions to preventing this.
- Backpack Overload – Muscle fatigue and straining of the back can occur when carrying heavy backpacks overloaded with books and other supplies. We find this in a lot of children.
- Smoking – The discs in a person’s back will degenerate faster if there is a restricted amount of blood flow and oxygen going to them. This is likely to occur if someone smokes.
- Genetics – Genetics can play a role in back pain, such as in lumbar disc disease and sciatica caused by degenerated and/or herniated discs.
WHAT ARE THE TWO TYPES OF BACK PAIN?
Acute Back Pain
Acute pain is typically sudden and temporary. This pain tends to come about as a consequence of an injury, whether identifiable or not.
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic pain generally develops more gradually over time and may get worse over time.
HOW CAN BACK PAIN BE PREVENTED?
There are ways to help keep your back healthy and strong, such as building muscle strength and flexibility, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking. It is crucial to be mindful of posture while sitting and standing, as well as lifting weights and objects with the proper form.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR BACK PAIN?
Back pain can be treated in several different ways including pain management, chiropractic, acupuncture, and therapeutic exercise.
The Natural Health Center is experienced in treating back pain and other types of pain. By visiting our office for treatment, we can reduce and prevent back pain. For more information on how we can help, contact the Natural Health Center of Clifton today.
