Bottom Line:
Low back pain is the number one reason people worldwide visit their doctor and miss work. If you've dealt with it in the past (or maybe even right now), you know back pain can change your life in an instant.
Not being able to enjoy hobbies, difficulty in your ability to work, and a sneaking suspicion that you may never get "back to normal" are all normal when you're experiencing a bout of back pain.
So why do so many people struggle with back pain? In many cases, your daily habits are a big contributor to your back pain.
Why it Matters:
Repetitive stress, nagging injuries, a diet filled with inflammatory foods, and a lack of daily exercise and movement can contribute to an increased likelihood of back pain. Here are the three most common causes of back pain:
1. Sprain/Strain Injuries: Repetitive stress can create inflammation and lead to sprains or strains.
2. Spinal Disc Issues: Disc bulges and herniations can press on your spinal nerves, leading to back pain that travels to other parts of the body.
3. Arthritis: As you get older, your body will naturally go through some degenerative changes, and if your spinal joints become inflamed, you may notice some pain.
Next Steps:
For over 80% of us, back pain will be something we deal with at some point in our lives.
While it may feel like you'll never get back to your old self, chances are you will!
An overwhelming majority of people recover from back pain naturally or with a little additional help from a chiropractor.
Remember, even if you typically recover by taking it easy for a few days, it's still a smart decision to visit a chiropractor to discover the specific steps you can take to reduce your individual chances of experiencing back pain in the future.
Science Source: Back Pain Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. 2020.