Back pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, injury, and disease. In this post, our Stoke chiropractor outlines the most common causes of back pain and what can be done to alleviate the pain.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Poor Posture
One of the most common causes of back pain is poor posture. Sitting for long periods of time with poor posture can put strain on the muscles and ligaments in the back. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and even injury. To alleviate this type of pain, it is important to practice good posture when sitting and standing. This includes keeping your shoulders back, your head up, and your back straight.
Injury
Another common cause of back pain is injury. Back injuries can occur from a variety of activities, such as sports, lifting heavy objects, or even just falling. Injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to more serious injuries such as herniated disks or fractures. Treatment for back injuries will vary depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate the pain. In more severe cases, physical therapy or even surgery may be necessary.
Disease
Disease can also be a cause of back pain. Arthritis and osteoporosis are two common conditions that can lead to back pain. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to pain and stiffness in the back. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle, which can lead to fractures and pain in the back. Treatment for these conditions will vary depending on the severity of the disease and may include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also cause back pain. Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension and lead to pain in the back. Stress can also lead to poor sleep and sleep disturbances, which can further exacerbate the pain. To alleviate this type of pain, it is important to find ways to manage stress and anxiety. This may include exercise, relaxation techniques, and counselling.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Another cause of back pain is a sedentary lifestyle. People who spend most of their time sitting, whether at work or at home, can develop back pain due to the lack of movement and muscle use. This can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, and pain. To alleviate this type of pain, it is important to incorporate regular exercise and physical activity into your daily routine. This can include stretching, yoga, walking, or any other form of exercise that you enjoy.
Herniated Discs
Herniated discs are also a common cause of back pain. The discs in our spine act as cushions between the bones and help keep the spine stable. When the discs become damaged or worn, the soft center can bulge out and press on the nerves surrounding the spine. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the back. Herniated discs can be caused by injury, aging, or disease. Treatment for this type of pain may include rest, physical therapy, or surgery in severe cases.
Muscle Imbalances
Muscle imbalances can also lead to back pain. When certain muscles are overworked or underused, it can cause an imbalance in the body. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and even injury. To alleviate this type of pain, it is important to work on correcting muscle imbalances through exercises that target specific muscle groups. This may include stretching, strengthening, and core exercises.
Obesity
Lastly, obesity can also be a cause of back pain. When a person is carrying extra weight, it puts additional strain on the muscles and joints in the back. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and even injury. To alleviate this type of pain, it is important to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
In conclusion, back pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages and can be caused by a variety of factors including poor posture, injury, disease, stress and anxiety, sedentary lifestyle, herniated disks, muscle imbalances, and obesity. It is important to identify the cause of the pain in order to properly treat it. If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to consult with a chiropractor or healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Visiting City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke on Trent
Our chiropractors at City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke are experts at assessing the function of joints and pay particular attention to the joints of the spine. When you visit our chiropractic clinic, your chiropractor will take a detailed history of your condition and will undertake a thorough examination to diagnose the underlying cause of your back pain. Your chiropractor will advise you whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate for your condition and you can choose to continue with treatment. Your chiropractor will also recommend exercises and lifestyle changes that will help with your rehabilitation.
If chiropractic treatment is not appropriate for your condition your chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.
To book and appointment with one of our chiropractors or if you want to find out more about chiropractic care, call our clinic on 01782 848 184. You can also book an appointment online on our website here.