If you’re like most people, you probably experience back pain at some point in your life. In fact, back pain is one of the most common complaints that people have. But what causes back pain? And more importantly, what can you do to get relief? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common causes of back pain and ways to address them.
Most common causes of Back Pain
1. Pulled muscle or tendon
One of the most common causes of back pain is a pulled muscle or tendon which can happen when you lift something heavy or suddenly twist your body in an awkward way. The lower back has 40 muscles and any of these can exhibit tension or fatigue which are the main reasons behind a pulled muscle. So if you overdo it one day using your back muscles far more than usual you can experience a pulled muscle. The good news is that this type of injury usually heals on its own within a few days or weeks. However, you may need to take some time off from work or other activities to recover. You can also apply ice to help with the swelling, and use painkillers if the pain is too much. If the muscle just feels tense, then applying some IcyHot may be all you need.
2. Stress
Stress can cause a lot of different types of pain, and back pain is one of them. When you’re stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode and releases hormones like cortisol. These hormones can cause muscle tension which can lead to pain in the lower back and other parts of the body. Stress can also make it difficult to sleep, which can make the pain worse. Another aspect is when stressed you may start breathing more rapidly, which is fine for short periods but the human body isn’t meant to breath rapidly for an extended period. This could also lead to tension in your shoulders and middle back.
If you’re stressed, it’s important to find ways to relax and manage your stress levels. You can try things like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. You may also want to talk to a therapist about ways to manage your stress.
3. Inflammation
When your body is inflamed, the joints and muscles can become swollen and painful. Inflammation can also cause stiffness, which can make it difficult to move around. There are a number of ways to reduce inflammation, including taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, applying ice to the affected area, and using heat pads. You can also try natural remedies like turmeric or ginger.
If you’re dealing with inflammation, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage it. They may recommend medication or other treatments.
4. Your Posture
A very common cause of back pain is poor posture. If you sit or stand in an awkward position for too long, it can cause the muscles and joints in your back to become strained. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and even headaches. It is also a side-effect of our society now that we spend so much time in front of our computers or staring down at our phones.
To improve your posture, make sure that you’re sitting up straight and not slouching. When you’re standing, make sure that your weight is evenly distributed and that you’re not putting too much pressure on one leg. You may also want to try exercises that strengthen the muscles in your back and shoulders.
5. Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in any joint in the body, including the back. There are a number of different types of arthritis, but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the joints over time. It is a degenerative disease that usually affects older adults. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It can occur at any age, but it is more common in women and people who have a family history of the condition.
If you have arthritis, there are a number of things you can do to manage the pain. You can take over-the-counter pain medications, use heat or cold therapy, and exercise regularly. You may also want to talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
6. Injured, ruptured, or herniated discs
The discs in your spine act as cushions between the bones. They are made up of a tough outer layer and a soft inner layer. If the outer layer tears, it can cause the inner layer to leak out. This is called a herniated disc. A herniated disc can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
If you have a herniated disc, your doctor may recommend pain medication, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the spine. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the herniated disc.
7. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and porous. It is most common in older adults, but it can occur at any age. Osteoporosis can cause pain in the back, hips, and other parts of the body. It can also cause fractures.
There is no cure for osteoporosis, but there are treatments that can help. If you have osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend medication, physical therapy, and exercises to help strengthen the bones. You may also need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle.
These are just a few of the most common causes of back pain. If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions. They can also help you find ways to manage the pain and get relief. Thanks for reading! We hope this was helpful.
