Back pain is a common complaint by nearly everyone – men and women, young and older adults, and even children. About 80% of Americans suffer from the condition at some point in their lives. Back pain is the leading reason for workplace absence and one of the most common reasons for visits to doctors.
Back pain is often a source of discomfort and pain for people. Fortunately, it is rarely a life-threatening condition. It mostly afflicts adults between the ages of 35 to 55 years. The bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues work together in the back. If any of these components encounter a problem or gets injured or inflamed, back pain may ensue.
Lower back pain may persist due to a problem in any one of these areas:
- Lower back muscles
- Spinal cord and nerves
- Discs between the vertebrae
- Bony lumbar spine
- Ligaments around the vertebrae and discs
- Abdominal and pelvic internal organs
The 10 Most Likely Reasons for Your Back Pain
As we have mentioned, the back consists of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, and bones. The discs, cushion-like pads between vertebrae, protect the components of the spine, and absorb the impact from activities and body weight. Back pain occurs if any of these elements is not functioning correctly. In some cases, the source of back pain is undetermined.
Here are some of the possible reasons for your back pain:
1. Poor posture or everyday activities
Some of them include the following:
- Standing for long periods
- Incorrect lifting of heavy objects
- Straining the neck forward when driving or using a computer
- Bending down for extended periods
- Bending awkwardly
- Pushing or pulling something
- Coughing or sneezing
2. Strains
Strains and spasms may occur if you stretch your muscles and ligaments too far, resulting in small tears in the tissue. You can strain your muscles when you fall in an accident or do extreme physical activities.
3. Infection of the spine
Some of the signs that indicate you have a spine infection are when you have a tender, warm spot on your back, accompanied with fever.
4. Cancer of the spine
When you have a spinal tumor, it may press against a nerve, causing severe back pain.
5. Structural problems
Here’s a list of some of the conditions related to structural problems of the spine.
-
Abnormal curvature of the spine
Having scoliosis means your spine is curved in an unnatural way, which brings constant back pain.
-
Arthritis
People with osteoarthritis experience pain in the joints of the lower back, hips, knees, and hands. Stenosis may also occur, the narrowing of the spaces within the spine.
-
Osteoporosis
This occurs when the bones and vertebrae of the spine become spongy and brittle, resulting in compression fractures.
-
Bulging discs
Discs cushion our vertebrae. Back pain can occur if one of the discs bulges, putting the nerves under pressure.
-
Ruptured discs
Like a bulging disc, a ruptured disc puts undue pressure on nerves and results in back pain.
-
Sciatica
This brings a sharp, shooting pain that begins from the buttocks and down to the back of the legs. It is due to irritation of the sciatic nerve.
6. Cauda equina syndrome
Located at the bottom of the spinal cord is the cauda equina, a bundle of spinal nerve roots. This syndrome brings dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks. It can also cause numbness in the thighs, buttocks, and genitalia. Some people even experience bowel and bladder dysfunction.
7. Sleep disorders
Those with sleeping disorders have a higher chance of developing back pain.
8. Additional infections
Kidney, bladder, or pelvic inflammatory disease can all cause back pain.
9. Shingles
This is a viral infection that can hit the nerves and lead to back pain if the nerves of the back are affected.
10. A bad mattress
Sleeping on a mattress that does not fully support your spine can cause you back pain.
Who Is More at Risk of Back Pain?
- Females
- Older adults
- Smokers
- Pregnant women
- Those working a stressful job
- People with anxiety or depression
- People who are living a sedentary lifestyle
- Those doing strenuous physical work or exercise
A Way to Treat Your Back Pain Naturally
Whatever the reason for your back pain is, it is vital to find a treatment that works and resolves your problem for the long term. There is one proven-effective solution that can care for your back pain naturally — upper cervical chiropractic. This technique helps patients suffering from back pain by focusing on the bones of the upper cervical spine, specifically the C1 and C2 vertebrae. These bones support the weight of the head and keep its proper position on top of the neck. However, these bones are prone to misalignment. Any trauma can easily move these bones out of their places.
If these bones misalign, the spine may shift to compensate for the problem. As the spine moves and shifts, the weight of the head exerts more force on the neck if it is unbalanced, and the nerves and muscles may become irritated and pinched. This results in different back problems and related conditions.
Our upper cervical chiropractic clinic examines each of our patients to determine if they have a misalignment. Even the smallest misalignment can wreak havoc on the entire body. We use a scientific and gentle method to help the neck bones return into place. Once corrected, the body can begin to recover and restore its functions. Many of our patients have improved their back pain after receiving upper cervical adjustments.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheppard, call our Oklahoma City office at 405-378-3100. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
