The human back consists of a variety of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks, and bones that work together to support the body and allow it to move freely. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting the majority of the world’s population. Symptoms can include:
- Chronic muscle aches
- Shooting pains in the neck, upper back, or lower back
- Stiffness of the spine
- Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing, or walking
- Leg numbness
- Muscle spasms
The first step toward back pain relief is to determine the cause. Consider the following common causes of back pain:
1. Heavy Lifting
Lifting heavy objects can put tremendous strain on your back. Remember to lift safely by keeping the object as close to your body as possible and avoid twisting the torso.
2. Excessive Sitting
Postural stress from sitting for prolonged periods of time can be detrimental to your back, as it puts up to 90% more pressure on your vertebrae than standing. Situations such as lengthy drives and working at a desk without frequent breaks could be the reason for your pain.
We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, which means it’s important to do it right! Consider sleeping on your back, switching sides periodically, and positioning your pillow to keep your neck aligned.
4. Osteoarthritis
This disease results from cartilage breakdown between the vertebrae and can cause severe pain in the hip and back areas. In some cases, the space surrounding the spinal cord narrows. This is referred to as spinal stenosis.
5. Osteoporosis
This condition is characterized by a loss of bone mass, causing the bones to become brittle and porous, which can increase the risk of compressed spinal fracture.
6. Poor Posture
Most back pain develops during the course of day-to-day life and results from bad posture. Slouching and hunching over at your desk or constantly looking down at your smartphone or tablet strain the back and neck muscles.
Although back pain can be improved through self-care (fixing your posture, changing your sleeping position, etc.), it’s not always enough to completely alleviate your symptoms. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and quality, drug-free care, CHIROSMART’s chiropractic expert, Dr. Joseph Snell is here to help you feel your best no matter what the cause of your pain may be. Call today to schedule an appointment. You’ll be glad you did! 309-808-3260