The Unlikely Source of Back Pain
Pain is usually not the first symptom of a spinal problem but it is often the first symptom people notice. The most common causes that we see are outlined here but this list is not exhaustive. Be sure to check with your chiropractor to determine if there are any red flags that need to be identified before you start any course of action.
Back Pain From Poor Posture
Poor posture over time can cause what seems like immediate onset of back pain. Many people think they woke up with pain that came out of nowhere but it is actually the result of months or years of slowly deteriorating posture. Over time, this can lead to arthritis if left unchecked.
Forward Head Posture
Forward Head Posture is when the head starts to lean towards the front of the body rather than balanced directly above the spine. This puts increased strain on the muscles of the neck and back, leading to pain, headaches, and other symptoms. The bones of the head and neck are ultimately connected to the bones of the low back via an overlapping series of muscles along the spine.
Because of this interconnected system, the position of the head can have an impact on the muscles of the low back, leading to pain at the base of the spine and like a band across the low back and pelvis. The most common causes of forward head posture are hunching over a mobile phone or looking down and/or forward at a computer screen.
Is Your Standing Desk The Cause of Your Back Pain?
Sitting and standing postures at work also affect the health of the low back. Even a standing desk can lead to poor posture as the legs and body fatigue from being in one position for too long. Ideally we move our bodies every 20 minutes in order to reset our nervous system communication between our brain and body. Something as quick as a walk to get some water or a few bodyweight squats can change up the position of the body and get increased blood flow.
Injury Immediately Before Back Pain
Acute injury like a sprain or strain can cause immediate back pain. This can come from incorrect lifting form or a sports injury or a car accident. When the soft tissues around the spine are damaged, they immediately start growing scar tissue to stabilize the joints of the spine. This is a necessary reaction from the body to protect the spine from further injury. If the joints remain immobilized for too long, though, it can cause further problems like decreased motion and function. This can have a knock-on effect in the body leading to other symptoms and health problems.
Radiating Back Pain Into The Arms or Legs
Radiating pain from the spine into the arms or legs can be due to a disc injury. When the disc - the soft cushion between bones - bulges out, it can put pressure on a nerve and send pain, numbness, or tingling into the arm or leg. The most common cause of disc injuries is slow, progressive degeneration over time. Symptoms can come on after one incident that is the straw that broke the camel’s back. Disc injuries can require a long recovery, so the sooner one starts to work on their healing the better.
What Do I Do To Cure My Back Pain?
If you are questioning the best remedy for your back pain, consult with a professional. As an internationally educated, registered, and licensed chiropractor, I was shocked by the lack of resources available for people in Tokyo. Even as a chiropractor myself, I found it difficult to find my own chiropractor! As a result, I wrote an e-book to offer additional resources for people to start solving their own back pain problems. Download it here for free.
If you have additional questions, always feel free to reach out.
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