In most cases, back pain is mechanical and is caused by poor posture or wrong movement, but in 20% of cases, this back pain can be inflammatory in nature and so the diagnosis is often much more difficult to make. According to Vertos Medical, the origin of back pain is in most cases mechanical because on a daily basis the spine is very stressed.

Among the possible causes of back pain are:

  • Muscle contractures. In the majority of cases these are sudden muscle contractures which make the lumbar region very painful.
  • Disturbances in the joint between 2 vertebrae: The central nucleus of a vertebral disc can move and come out of the space between 2 vertebrae and then form a herniated disc which is only painful if it presses on a nerve root. A slip between 2 vertebrae can occur following a violent effort or because of aging causing a sharp pain.
  • Osteoarthritis can develop from the age of 40 (but also younger) and it can cause pain by the formation of growths in the vertebrae.
  • Trauma.
  • Other rarer causes: tumors, infection, chronic inflammatory disease, etc.

It is often after a false movement during physical activity (rotation, flexion, straightening, upward movement of the arms, fall, carrying heavy loads without precautions, etc.) that the pain appears suddenly. This is called “lumbago” with sudden, intense pain that goes away within a few days. In the event of physical shocks, intense sporting activity, repetitive movements or even after a too long sitting position (trip with a long sitting trip or prolonged work sitting in front of a computer) this back pain can occur. While this back pain is often temporary, it is essential to remember that this is not the case for every type of back pain. Back pain that is caused by a personal injury can be long-lasting and may even become a chronic issue that you will need to deal with every day. So, understanding the type of back pain you are experiencing is essential to help you get the best professional help.

Back pain: the risk factors 

Some risk factors can worsen and cause the occurrence of back pain:

  • Overweight and especially during pregnancy because women must bear overweight at the same time when female hormones including progesterone induce muscle tissue relaxation.
  • Bad posture at work, in the car, while sleeping.
  • Lack of physical training (back strengthening exercises) or on the contrary overtraining with poorly adapted physical activities.
  • Wearing high-heeled shoes.
  • Smoking.
  • Prolonged stress with the psychological concept and repercussions in the form of back pain.
  • Congenital or acquired vertebral deformities (scoliosis for example).
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Osteoporosis.

Back pain: symptoms of varying pain 

The symptoms of pain can vary from one individual to another:

  • Sudden onset with a sensation of sudden and very rapid contraction of the back muscles ( ligament sprain, vertebral displacement or more rarely muscle damage ).
  • Maximum pain in the morning and easing during the day with appropriate stretching that may suggest muscle trauma or osteoarthritis.
  • Descending pain along the back of one or both legs, we then speak of sciatica or lumbosciatica and if the pain passes in front of the thigh it may be cruralgia. In this case, the pain is then exacerbated by the cough, sneezing or straining.
  • More intense pain at night in the lower back: an inflammatory process can then be evoked.

In most cases (90% of back pain) we talk about common low back pain for which the origin of the pain remains mostly unknown.

Back pain: how to help it

To prevent the onset of back pain, a few simple tips (especially postures) can be applied. Thus, paying attention to your back by bending your knees when bending over, avoiding being overweight, walking for 30 minutes a day and practicing exercises to strengthen your back and strengthen your abdominal strap are all valuable tips for taking care of your body.

To fight back pain, you have to move! Maintaining your back muscles is essential and appropriate physical activity and preventive exercises are recommended. On a daily basis, learn to sit, learn to sit well in front of your computer screen, learn to pick up an object by squatting, and learn to carry a load by bending the front knees. Then you can pick up the object by carrying it as close to the chest as possible. Learning to dress, get in the car and position yourself well in everyday positions for grooming, cleaning, your garden are all good reflexes to protect your back. If you are prone to back issues, it is good idea to visit chiropractors Penrith (or elsewhere more relevant to you) on a regular basis for consultancy. They are experts in their field can help to address a variety of issues, from sciatica to general lower back pain.

Finally, wear backpacks on both shoulders rather than just one, and avoid high heels over 5 centimeters. So before picking up a fallen object on the ground by bending down with outstretched legs and turning at the same time (which is the worst posture), think of your back!

Photo: Unsplash

Is it my breasts? 

Sometimes back pain is caused by larger breasts. Large breasts can be heavy, and feel swollen and sore often, which puts a burden on your back. It can cause back pain as well as bad posture. Therefore, you can look at options to relieve that. Such as fat transfer breast augmentation for example. You should also consider wearing a good fitting bra that supports you and the right cushions for your back if you sit in an office all day. If you are still in pain and your heavy bosom causes an issue, you may want to also look at some forms of massage. To relax tense and stiff back muscles, get massages. You can call on your spouse or even better, the services of a professional in an institute or at home. You can also practice gentle gymnastics and stretching exercises, do yoga, Pilates or swimming. These physical activities will strengthen your abdominal muscles and thus prevent the onset of back pain.

Having good posture is very important for maintaining a healthy body. Poor posture results in a hunched back, drooping shoulders, and a neck that is too far forward. Young people are often slumped in front of their mobile phones and most people do not position themselves properly to carry things. On the other hand, society is going digital and the vast majority of people spend time in front of screens, which is not good for the neck and shoulders. Therefore, good posture is vital for helping back pain. There is a way out of your troubles.