24 Feb Why Do I Have Back Pain?
Back pain is incredibly common and can be down to all sorts of different reasons, usually the result of a problem with either the ligaments, muscles, nerves or your spine. The good news is that most of the time, you can usually treat your back pain (also known as lumbago) without having to have surgery, which is sure to be a big relief!
How does my back work?
Our spine is where we get a lot of our flexibility and strength from, made up of 24 vertebrae that have discs in between them, as well as ligaments and muscles around them, giving them support.
As you get older, your spine, joints, discs and ligaments all age, as well, which is why it’s so normal for people to experience a stiffening of their back as they age, even though the structures remain strong.
Why do I have back pain?
As we mentioned above, back pain can be caused by a variety of different factors, but some of the main reasons as to why you’re experiencing pain and discomfort include poor posture, muscle strain, sprain or injury, or a general lack of exercise, which has led to weaker muscles and a stiffening of the spine.
What is sciatica?
If you experience pain in your legs, as well as numbness or a tingling sensation, you may well have sciatica. This is when a nerve in your spine is being pressed on, usually caused by a bulging disc. Gentle exercise can help, but it would be worth getting in touch with us here at OsteoVision to discuss manipulation therapy for back pain.
Each treatment plan is unique and specific, depending on your diagnosis, age and fitness level, but they include soft tissue techniques, joint manipulation and joint articulation to relieve pain, release tension and improve functionality.
What can I do to prevent back pain?
Making sure you sit and stand properly is one way to keep back pain at bay, but regular exercise is essential to ensure you stay fit and healthy – and pain-free.
Strengthening your core muscles will help protect your back and support your spine, so make this a focus if you can.
This can include activities such as brisk walking, using an exercise ball or even something like hydrotherapy, as this can offer your back even more support while you strengthen and condition your body – a good option if you’ve sustained an injury.
If you’re working from home a lot, make sure you have appropriate office furniture to help you protect your back, as well. An ergonomic chair can make sure you sit properly at your desk – or you could even think about investing in a standing desk to give you the option of changing position more frequently.
If you’d like any further help or advice, get in touch with the team here at OsteoVision today.