Common Causes of Back Pain

How many times did your mother tell you to stand up straight and stop slouching? As always, mother knew best! What you recall as nagging, actually was concern for legitimate medical reasons! Mother knew poor posture isn’t just unattractive; it’s also a catalyst for back pain and the many other medical conditions that can be attributed to back pain. Poor posture while doing everyday activities such as sitting at your computer, walking, or driving actually pushes your head forward, which brings your shoulders and neck forward as well. In fact, without a properly aligned spine, a number of other conditions – including gastrointestinal issues, difficulty breathing, and headaches – might eventually accompany your back pain.

Besides poor posture, there are several other common causes for back pain:

1. Accidents and injury. Whether it is that old football injury or a car accident, the impact will put strain on the muscles and ligaments in your back, as well as the joints that bear the brunt of the force of the accident. With such injuries, expect chronic and/or sharp pain, torn tissues, and even broken bones.
2. Heavy lifting. Any furniture mover or construction worker knows that there is a right way and a wrong to lift heavy objects. Using your back and arms rather than your legs to lift a heavy object can have an immediate impact on your back, causing spasms, sharp pain, and immobility.
3. Sneezing. Even the tiniest sneeze can have a ripple effect that can throw out your back for days. Think of sneezing as a sudden explosion, where your body is working to rid itself of something that it doesn’t want. If you try to hold that sneeze in, the pressure needs to go somewhere; it could be your back, eardrum, or throat. Next time, go all out and sneeze away. Your back will thank you!
4. Worn out sneakers. Your old sneakers may have that mojo, but when it comes to your back, they should be a no-go. As you wear shoes, the padding wears down, as do the soles from wear and tear and natural pronation. This leaves the foot vulnerable and unprotected and our alignment off kilter. Even if you wear orthotics or rarely wear your sneakers, the materials that provide support in your shoes will compress with time. When in doubt, throw them out.
5. Poor core strength. Our stomach muscles support our back. The stronger our core, the more protected our back. Pilates, Yoga, ab work, and swimming all can contribute to a strong core and happy back.
6. Carrying extra weight. Imagine carrying around a sack of flour all the time. That would certainly impact your back. The same is true with excess weight. Whether you are straining your back (and joints) carrying around unwanted pounds, or are pregnant, your back will certainly thank you when you shed the weight or finally deliver your little bundle of joy. If you tend to wear a heavy backpack, purse, or messenger bag, consider reducing the weight and distributing it better.
7. Back conditions. Any number of conditions – from a ruptured disc to scoliosis to osteoarthritis – can take their toll on your back. Depending on the condition, your doctor may recommend bedrest, chiropractic care, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and/or surgery.

Back pain happens to everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to believing it will never get better. At Lynx Healthcare, our dedicated staff is committed to providing the most diverse therapeutic options for your back pain, together with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, to increase your chances of a successful outcome. Use this convenient online contact form to learn more about how Lynx Healthcare’s specialists can help you.