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 Back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide. It affects people of all ages, though it becomes more frequent as we get older. In fact, about 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [NIAMS], n.d.). While many cases are mild and improve with self-care, others can lead to lasting discomfort or more serious health problems if left untreated.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what causes back pain, how to recognize when it might signal a more serious issue, and how chiropractic care can be a valuable part of treatment and recovery.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain can have a wide range of causes. Sometimes, it’s the result of something as simple as lifting a heavy object the wrong way. Other times, it might be connected to an underlying medical condition or a structural problem in the spine. According to the Mayo Clinic (2023), common causes of back pain include:

• Muscle or ligament strain: Often caused by heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements.
• Herniated or bulging discs: These are the cushions between the bones in your spine that can press on nerves when displaced.
• Arthritis: This can lead to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition known as spinal stenosis.
• Osteoporosis: A disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, leading to fractures.
• Poor posture and sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting, especially with improper posture, is a known contributor to back discomfort.

Occupational hazards, excess body weight, and psychological stress can also increase the risk of developing back pain (NIAMS, n.d.).

Recognizing the Symptoms

While lower back pain is the most frequently reported type, discomfort can occur anywhere from the neck to the tailbone. Symptoms can range from a dull, constant ache to sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the legs (University of Maryland Medical System [UMMS], n.d.).

• Common signs of a back problem include:
• Muscle aches and stiffness
• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, or standing  Pain that improves when reclining
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs — a possible sign of nerve involvement  Limited range of motion in the back or neck

If back pain lasts longer than a few weeks, is severe, or is accompanied by symptoms like leg weakness, unexplained weight loss, or bladder/bowel issues, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Back Pain in Daily Life

Modern lifestyles are contributing to a rise in back pain, with increased screen time and sedentary habits playing a major role. A report from The Nation’s Health found that prolonged sitting, particularly among office workers, has made back problems more common than ever before (The Nation’s Health, 2011). Additionally, factors like stress, lack of regular exercise, and poor sleep habits can worsen back discomfort or slow recovery.

Learning proper lifting techniques, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active are all important ways to reduce the risk of back injury.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option for managing back pain. Chiropractors are specially trained to assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal problems — particularly those affecting the spine.

A chiropractor’s primary tool is spinal manipulation, also called a chiropractic adjustment. This involves applying controlled, gentle force to spinal joints that have become restricted or misaligned. According to Marshfield Clinic Health System (2020), chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s natural ability to heal.

Beyond adjustments, chiropractors often incorporate other therapies into care plans, such as:

• Soft tissue therapy: To reduce muscle tightness and spasms.
• Therapeutic exercises: Designed to improve strength and flexibility.
• Lifestyle advice: Including posture correction, workplace ergonomics, and activity modifications.

Chiropractic care is especially valued for its individualized approach, as each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s specific symptoms, health history, and lifestyle needs.

When to See a Chiropractor or Healthcare Provider

If you’re experiencing back pain that lasts longer than a few days, limits your movement, or interferes with daily activities, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. Chiropractors can work alongside medical doctors, physical therapists, and other providers to offer a coordinated care plan.

Early intervention is often key to preventing minor aches from turning into chronic problems. Even in cases where pain seems manageable, professional evaluation can uncover hidden issues like nerve involvement or joint dysfunction.

Sources Cited

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Back pain: Symptoms & Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc- 20369906

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (n.d.). Back Pain. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain

University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). (n.d.). Spine Conditions: Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.umms.org/health-services/spine/signs-symptoms

The Nation’s Health. (2011). Back pain remains a leading cause of disability, rising with sedentary lifestyles. The Nation’s Health, 41(7), 36.

Marshfield Clinic Health System. (2020). Should I see a chiropractor?. Retrieved from

https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/bone-joint/chiropractor/