Did you know that an estimated 80% of Canadians will experience back pain at some point in their lives? Back pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint in the world–largely because it can develop for so many different reasons. That’s why understanding the causes of back pain is the first step in preventing it.
When was the last time you really thought about everything that makes up your back? It’s a complex structure that helps us sit, stand, dance, play–in short, it allows us to move.
At its core is the spine, a column of 33 vertebrae stacked on top of each other and separated by shock-absorbing cushions called the intervertebral discs. Ligaments connect the vertebrae, helping with stability and movement. Finally, your core muscles–which include your back muscles, obliques, and inner abdominal muscles–support and stabilize your spine.
With all those moving parts, it’s no surprise that back pain is so common! Another reason for its prevalence is that the spine, particularly the lumbar spine (lower back), bears much of the body’s weight and gets involved almost every time you move. It’s especially susceptible to injury from lifting, twisting, or bending. The lower back often compensates for misalignments or other issues in your hips and legs.
At For Health’s Sake, our physiotherapists and chiropractors understand how back pain can develop. Keep reading to learn more about the common causes of back pain–and what we can do to help!
Common Causes of Back Pain
Muscle Strains
- Straining your back muscles is one of the more common back injuries. These injuries can happen acutely, such as when you’re attempting to lift a heavy object with improper form. However, they can also develop due to repetitive movements or awkward or sustained postures.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
- This common back injury occurs when your intervertebral discs either bulge out or rupture, irritating the nearby nerves in your spinal column. In addition to back pain, this condition often causes sciatica, in which you experience pain, numbness, or weakness down one leg.
Arthritis
- Arthritis refers to various conditions in which the joints become inflamed. The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage in the joints degenerates and becomes inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis of the spine is sometimes called spondylosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- DDD isn’t actually a disease–it’s a natural result of the aging process. As you get older, your intervertebral discs start to dry out and become less flexible, leading to discomfort in your back and an increased risk of a herniated or bulging disc.
Identifying the Causes of Back Pain–And Finding a Solution!
When you visit our Toronto clinic for back pain, our physiotherapists and chiropractors follow a thorough process to ensure you receive the best care. At your first appointment, you’ll undergo a comprehensive evaluation to help understand the specific cause of your back pain.
During the evaluation, we assess your range of motion, muscle strength, and posture. We’ll also take a complete medical history and learn more about your symptoms and day-to-day activities. Based on this information, we’ll then develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Our treatment plans blend various physiotherapy and chiropractic interventions and strategies. Techniques such as spinal adjustments or soft tissue manipulation can alleviate pain and improve function. Additionally, we’ll prescribe therapeutic exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and enhance mobility and range of motion.
However, we also want to help you prevent future incidents of back pain, so education on posture, body mechanics, and other lifestyle changes is a crucial part of our approach. Maintaining proper alignment during daily activities can decrease the likelihood of painful back injuries. Staying active is also essential in managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis.
What’s Causing Your Back Pain?
When you understand the causes of back pain, you can more easily find a solution that fits your needs. To get started with a comprehensive evaluation from the team at For Health’s Sake, schedule an appointment at our Toronto clinic today!