Why Your Back Hurts
By Sara Butler
The statistics surrounding back pain are pretty staggering. At any given time in the United States, 80 percent of people are experiencing back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association. That means every single year millions of people experience back pain – but why? Here’s what you need to know about back pain and how your chiropractor may be able to help you through it.
The Causes of Back Pain
Whether you enjoy going out to the golf course on the weekends and putting around on the green, or you spend your weekend doing loads of laundry or other chores around the house, it all takes a toll on your back. Seemingly simple activities can be the source of back pain that can be temporary or chronic. Most back pain is short-lived, staying around for a few days or weeks, but some can last for several months and have a big impact on your life. What you do to treat your back pain has an impact on how long it can stick around.
The most common causes of back pain include mechanical issues such as:
- Strains and sprains – A strain or sprain of the ligament or muscle in the back is a very common reason for back pain, especially back pain that occurs suddenly. Lifting heavy objects, moving suddenly, and twisting can contribute to these conditions.
- Disc degeneration – As you get older, the discs in your back get older too. This means they become less flexible, reducing their ability to cushion your spine.
- Sciatica – The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, across your buttocks, and down each leg. If it becomes compressed at any point, it can cause pain and discomfort in the back and down the leg.
- Trauma – If you fall, get into an accident, or get injured when participating in a sporting activity, it can lead to back pain.
What You Can Do
Prevention of back pain isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The best actions you can take to reduce back pain are:
- Regular visits to your chiropractor
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Maintain good posture
- Practice good ergonomics at work
- Lift properly
If you are currently experiencing back pain, then you should come to The Joint Chiropractic today to discuss it with the chiropractor. They can determine the underlying cause of your pain and create a treatment plan to help you find relief from what is causing your pain. They can also help you understand ways in which you can prevent back pain in your future!