Ouch! What Causes Back Pain?
Posted on: 20 October 2017
Back pain effects roughly 31 million Americans, according to the American Chiropractic Association. That ache didn't suddenly start without a reason. Something happened to your body, causing a pain that isn't going away. At least, it's not going away right now — or on its own.
What causes back pain? There isn't one catch-all answer to this question. If your back is achy, stuff or painful, understanding the root cause is absolutely essential. Not only can knowing why you're in pain help to give you peace of mind, but it can also help chiropractor to create a care plan. If you or a loved one has back pain, take a look at some of the most common culprits behind this body issue.
Muscle Strain
You just moved into a new house and spent the entire day picking up and putting down boxes. You didn't necessarily feel a strain, or any pain, but now your back hurts. Moving in ways that you're not used to, carrying heavy items (especially if you're lifting incorrectly) or moving suddenly can all cause a muscle strain. If you're in not-so-great physical shape, this can compound the issue and make it easier to strain the muscles in your back.
Arthritis Issues
Arthritis doesn't just affect your hands or knees. It can also affect the back. The lower back is the most common spot for arthritis-related pain. Arthritis cause inflammation. This can affect the spine, making it rigid and painful. It can also target the pelvic joints, making your lower back hurt.
Keep in mind, arthritis isn't the same for every person. There are several different types of arthritis. These range from reactive arthritis (which happens after an infection) to chronic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Disc Problems
Your disc slipped. Or, it's bulging. Discs provide cushioning in between the bones of your spine. If they bulge out, move or rupture they can cause pain. When the bulging or slipped disc presses against a nerve, it can become incredibly painful. That said, some people have very few symptoms (or none at all).
Disc problems can develop due to age-related stresses or from movement or strain. Even though serious cases may require surgery, many people recover with more conservative (in other words, non-surgical) treatments.
Do you have back pain? Along with these top causes, sometimes pain can come from what seems like nothing at all. Siting at an uncomfortable desk chair for eight hours a day or even sleeping on an old or worn mattress can cause problems. Luckily, you'll find that there are plenty of ways to treat this pain and get on with your regular daily life.
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