Back pain is a common medical condition that affects many people around the world. It is characterized by pain in the lower, middle or upper back that can either be acute or chronic.

Pain can be caused by a range of factors, including muscle strains, poor posture, injury, disc herniation, and sciatica. Read on to find out more about the modalities to address back pain that typically include chiropractic care, ergonomics, and stretching.

What are the possible causes of back pain?

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Muscle strain – This is one of the most common causes of back pain. Straining the muscles or ligaments in your back can cause inflammation, spasms, and pain.

Poor posture – Sitting or standing with poor posture for extended periods of time can cause strain on the back muscles and lead to pain.

Injury – Trauma to the back, such as from a car accident or fall, can cause back pain.

Herniated or bulging discs – Discs are the cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. If they become damaged, they can herniate or bulge, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain.

Sciatica – This is a condition where the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg, is compressed or irritated, causing pain in the back and leg.

How can I address back pain?

1. Chiropractic care

According to Sydney Spinal Care: “A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled force into the body using the hands to correct a misaligned vertebrae. This force is applied in the direction of the misalignment with the intention of restoring its normal position.”

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine focused on the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. It is based on the concept that misalignments in the spine can affect various aspects of health including pain and muscle tension.

Chiropractors use a variety of non-invasive techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in order to restore proper alignment and mobility. These techniques may include manual adjustments and massage therapy.

1. Ergonomics assessments

Back pain can be caused by poor posture, incorrect sitting and standing positions, and other conditions such as scoliosis and disc herniation.

In relation, ergonomics is the science of designing workstations to reduce the risk of injury and improve comfort levels. Ergonomically designed workstations can help address back pain by providing ergonomic solutions such as chairs with lumbar support, adjustable keyboards and monitors at the right height to reduce strain on the neck and back muscles. Ergonomic assessments may help to identify posture risks and thereby reduce workplace injuries.

According to the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors: “Effective office ergonomics interventions on average reduce the number of musculoskeletal problems by 61%, reduce lost workdays by 88% and reduce staff turnover by 87%.”

Additionally, using ergonomic equipment such as standing desks may help reduce back pain caused by sitting all day long.

1. Stretching

Stretching can be an effective way to address back pain and improve musculoskeletal mobility. It may help restore balance in the muscles, allowing them to move freely and reduce stiffness that may lead to pain. Stretching may also help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and increase range of motion.

By targeting the specific muscles used for everyday activities, stretching may help prevent further injuries from occurring. Additionally, stretching is simple, inexpensive and easy for anyone of any age or fitness level to do at home or on the go.

As a summary…

Back pain is a common condition that may be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, poor posture, injury, herniated discs, and sciatica. Addressing back pain depends on the underlying cause and intensity of the condition.

Some modalities commonly used to manage back pain include: chiropractic care, ergonomics, and stretching. It is important to get in touch with your doctor or chiropractor for symptoms.