Back Pain Tips from an Altamonte Springs Chiropractor

What Causes Back Pain?

One of the most common reasons that patients will visit their doctor is back pain. According to the American Chiropractic Association, up to 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some point in their daily life.

Back pain can be caused by a multitude of factors. From constant poor posture leading to misalignments in the spine, to tight muscles and more. When the body is not working as it should be, receptors in the tissue that detect damage or injury send signals to the brain about that damage. Those messages are designed to bring you into awareness of the pain so that you can do something to relieve it. If you didn’t feel pain you wouldn’t know that something needs to be fixed!

A very common cause of back pain is a sprain or strain of the muscles of the back. The paraspinal muscles provide support to the complex structure of the back, but overexertion, poor lifting, or acute injury can sprain or strain those muscles leading to neck pain, lower back pain, and cause people to seek pain relief.

Another common causes of low back pain is poor posture. We as a society have a much more forward posture these days. We are always looking down at phones and computers, we are sitting down much more than before, and we are also driving much more frequently, which keeps our back and shoulders hunched forward. This forward posture puts stress on the muscles, discs, and skeletal structures of the spine, which over time can cause symptoms of low back pain and keep the spine in poor alignment.

Where is my Back Pain Coming From?

There can be many different sources of back pain. The most common sources of back pain would be the muscles and joints of the spine followed by the disks and ligaments supporting the structure. Doctors can perform several tests to discern which of these potential sources is the true pain generator.

How can I Reduce my Back Pain?

There are multiple ways to improve your overall health and reduce pain.

1. Watch how you lift heavy objects; make sure that when you lift you are lifting from the knees and not arching your back. It is never a bad thing to get help in lifting something.
2. Also watch how you exercise. Don’t over-exert yourself but listen to your body and know your own limits. It is always better to go with less weight for longer than to push yourself too hard and injure yourself.
3. Keep an eye on your posture. Sitting or standing for too long can put a lot of strain on your back and lead to poor habits. Try and focus on changing your posture and moving around every hour and make sure that your work chair is comfortable for you and that you are not hunching forward at your desk or that you are arching your back standing all day.
4. Move. The body is meant to be mobile. Taking regular breaks and stretching, walking, and exercise is wonderful for your body and can help reduce the pain that comes from a sedentary lifestyle.

What is the Best Way to Reduce Back Pain?

Although there are may ways to find relief for your back pain, the best and most effective back pain treatment is chiropractic care.

How can Chiropractic Care Help with back Pain?

Chiropractors are able to help your body keep proper alignment and relieve pain without the need for prescription medication. Furthermore, consistent chiropractic care also helps with your overall health, helping your body function better and prevent back pain by improving the overall structure of your back.

At your initial visit, your chiropractor will examine your spine and come up with a treatment plan for you and your health based around your specific concerns. Call and make an appointment today!