3 Most Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can start for many reasons, but a few problems occur more often than others. Daily habits, old injuries, repetitive strain, and poor movement patterns can all put extra stress on the spine and the muscles that support it. In this article, we’ll break down three common causes of back pain, what each one can feel like, and when it may be time to get checked by a chiropractor.
1. Conditions That Cause Back Pain
Spinal Cord Compression
This umbrella term refers to any condition arising from pressure on the spine exerted by neighboring body parts, most prominently osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is most common in people over 50.
In addition to osteoarthritis, spinal cord compression can also develop from rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, spinal injury, bone diseases, and infection. Common symptoms of spinal cord compression include:
- Back/neck stiffness or pain
- Sciatica
- Numbness in the arms, hands, and/or legs
- Hand-eye coordination difficulty
Dr. Brenner’s expertise in spinal manipulation, spinal decompression, fascial release techniques, and trigger point therapies enables him to treat patients experiencing spinal cord compression, relieving current pain and preventing future pain.
Herniated Disc
Spinal discs become herniated when the mucoprotein gel within is pushed out, piercing the ligament covering. Additionally, spinal injury, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and jobs that require frequent lifting are all contributing factors to herniated discs.
Herniated discs may cause back pain, leg pain, or sciatica, pain stemming from the lower back into the legs. Dr. Brenner’s office treats patients with herniated discs to correct the condition and prevent future pain.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are random, involuntary contractions of the back muscles and are a common cause of back pain. They can be caused by inflammation that amasses from incidental injuries, as well as major traumas, and can be very painful. Muscle spasms may also be caused by disc disorders as the body tries to stabilize the injured area, leading the spine to tilt to one side and furthering the inflammatory process.
People who have previously experienced muscle spasms are more likely to experience them in the future. Chiropractor Dr. Brenner is experienced in treating patients with frequent (and infrequent) muscle spasms. Beyond this, his goal is to educate patients and help them to help themselves.
2. Injuries That Cause Back Pain
Ligament, Muscle, or Tendon Damage
Ligament, muscle or tendon damage can happen at almost any time, and varies greatly in intensity. With these strains and sprains, it is usually easier to determine the source of the pain. This is a non-exhaustive list of accidents that may cause strains or sprains:
- Exercise
- Slips and falls
- Repetitive motions
- Lifting heavy objects (especially with poor form)
- Improper posture while sitting or standing
Dr. Brenner performs a comprehensive examination to determine the source of each patient’s back pain. By precisely locating the damaged ligament, muscle, or tendon, he can provide more focused treatment.
3. Lifestyle Choices That Cause Back Pain
Smoking
Along with the myriad health implications that smoking cigarettes can have on your body, it can also affect your back. Nicotine interferes with blood flow throughout the body, especially to the vertebrae.
In addition to this back pain, smoking cigarettes can also amplify other back pain symptoms. It can prevent your bones from absorbing calcium. This causes brittle bones, which may lead to osteoporosis and a decreased healing rate.
Office Life
Unfortunately, the office life that many people adapt to is detrimental for their health. Spending a workday in an office chair can cause chronic back pain. The complete lack of movement causes the spine to tighten up, inducing stress on the spine, as well as the arms, legs and shoulders. Finally, bending your neck to look at your monitor can also strain your neck and spine. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate this pain.
Start by leaving your desk a couple of times per day to walk around the office. This increased mobility will help you reduce stress on your spine and allow your blood to flow. Regular neck exercises will also reduce this stress. There are also plenty of ways to customize your office or workspace for improved posture, with minimal taxation to the body. Routine Chiropractic care can complement these adjustments in helping you to overcome this stress.
Additionally, studies show that taking these breaks will also increase your productivity by causing your mind to think more clearly.
Overly Relaxed Lifestyle
Even outside the office, a relaxed lifestyle can have negative effects on your spinal health. This is especially true when recovering from a previous back injury. In other words, those who engage in regulated activity will recover quicker and more completely from back pain than those who sit idly.
Bellmore, NY chiropractor Dr. Brenner is fully qualified to assess and treat all of these conditions. By treating these conditions, patients will not only be cured of the pain but will also prevent other side effects. Contact Dr. Brenner today for a comprehensive pain assessment, and treatment that will help restore your energy levels to their maximum.
Can a chiropractor help with common causes of back pain?
In many cases, yes. A chiropractor may help when back pain is tied to poor posture, muscle strain, joint restriction, or spinal misalignment. The first step is a thorough exam to determine what is causing the pain and whether chiropractic care is a good fit. If the symptoms suggest something more serious, such as a fracture, infection, or another medical condition, referral to the right provider is the safer next step.