Back pain causes

Most adults will suffer at least occasional back pain at some point in their lives. While back pain causes vary, understanding the common causes of back pain can help you avoid sustaining future injury. Back in Motion explains the most common back pain causes and what you can do to avoid them.

Poor posture

More Americans than ever have desk jobs involving sitting for long periods of time staring at a computer screen. This is terrible for your back’s well-being. This hunched over position puts tremendous strain on the muscles of the neck and shoulders and can eventually bend the spine against its natural curve. The tightness can build over time and cause back pain.

What can you do for poor posture?

The simplest thing you can do for poor posture is to take a break from your desk. How often should you get up and move? Aim for the two-to-one rule. For every two minutes you spend sitting, you should spend one minute standing or moving. Over the course of an hour, this equates to 40 minutes of sitting and 20 minutes in motion.

Herniated disc

There are jelly-like discs which cushion the spaces between the spine’s vertebrae. If the softer center fluid pushes through a tear in the exterior, it can pinch or place pressure on the spinal nerve causing back pain. Not all herniated discs cause back pain, but common symptoms of herniated discs include:

• Muscle weakness
• Spinal instability
• Tingling or numbness that can run down your arm or leg
• Stiff back or neck

You are most likely to herniate a disc in your lower back from heavy lifting.

What can you do to treat a herniated disc?

Herniated discs can heal on their own, especially if they do not cause back pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in the back. Staying active with low impact exercise can help improve circulation and promote the body’s natural healing.
Physical therapy is another great treatment option for herniated discs and other common back pain causes. The physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your rehabilitative goals. If you have recently experienced back pain, contact us today to schedule your free 15-minute screening.