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6 Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
January 30, 2023
Chronic back pain is a common and often debilitating condition, impacting millions of people in the US and worldwide. It can be caused by several factors, including anatomical abnormalities, muscle strain from overexertion, or even an underlying medical condition. Chronic back pain is persistent and lasts for more than three months. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that significantly interferes with daily life. The following are six typical causes that can lead to chronic back pain.
#1: Poor Posture
Poor posture can seriously impact one’s physical and mental health and can result in neck, back, or shoulder pain, fatigue, poor circulation, and increased stress. Poor posture also affects our airways, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. This is because when we slouch or hunch forward, our rib cage gets compressed, which does not allow optimal airflow. It also restricts our diaphragm from expanding fully when we breathe in, resulting in shallow breaths.
#2: Unsupportive Mattress/Chair
An uncomfortable or unsupportive mattress and/or chair can contribute to chronic pain. Unsupportive mattresses provide inadequate support for our backs, hips, and shoulder joints while we sleep, leading to poor posture and muscle tension that cause chronic pain.
Similarly, if your chair does not provide enough back support when sitting for long periods at work or home, it can lead to aches and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back.
#3: Lifting Heavy Objects Incorrectly
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly is a common cause of back pain. When lifting, you should bend at the knees, not the waist. Keep the thing close to your body as you lift. Avoid twisting your body while lifting. Use your leg muscles to lift, not your back muscles. If you must turn while carrying a heavy object, move your feet first and then turn your whole body. These simple tips can help prevent strain on your back and avoid pain.
#4: Excessive Sitting or Standing
When you are sedentary for too long, your muscles become weak and stiff, leading to poor posture and back pain. This can also lead to poor circulation, musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, and depression.
Those with too much time seated may be more susceptible to diabetes and heart disease. Similarly, those who stand for extended periods may experience problems with their feet and legs due to prolonged pressure on the lower body and circulatory issues.
In short, it is essential to maintain an active lifestyle that includes regular movement and breaks from extended sitting or standing to keep your body healthy and your mind alert.
#5: A Debilitating Injury
A debilitating injury can cause severe chronic pain that can result in depression and a decrease in activity levels. For example, spine, neck, shoulder, or hip injuries can cause long-term back pain. Joint injuries such as fractures and tears of ligaments or tendons can also lead to chronic pain. Therefore, seeking medical attention if you have experienced a debilitating injury is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment for your condition.
#6 Medical Conditions
In some cases, chronic pain is caused by an underlying medical condition. These conditions may include degenerative disc disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor if you are experiencing persistent back pain to determine the cause and get treatment for any underlying medical issues.
If you are experiencing chronic back, contact the spine specialists at All Spine Care Florida today. Our entire team is dedicated to putting patients first and providing the best possible treatment experience. We also understand the importance of quality and personalized care when it comes to successful outcomes. We can help you live a pain-free life.