5 Facts About Back Pain

Back pain can cause extreme discomfort and interrupt your normal routine. Many people experience it at some point in their lives. Back pain could come from an injury, sitting at a desk every day, overuse from moving daily, or genetic factors. Sometimes, it can just be an irritating pain, but at its worst, back pain can be debilitating and result in long term pain if not treated properly. Knowing the facts about back pain can keep you from experiencing the discomfort and help you recover if you do experience it. Here are 5 facts about back pain that you may not know.

There are two types of back pain

People either experience acute back pain or chronic back pain. Acute back pain may last just a few hours or a few weeks. It typically develops suddenly—often sparked by an injury. It usually just needs time to heal. Chronic back pain lasts more than 12 weeks or comes back frequently. Chronic back pain is typically caused by an underlying issue.

Multiple factors can cause back pain

Back pain is usually caused because of an issue in your spine, muscle, discs or nerves, and there are multiple factors that can lead to it. Skeletal irregularities including scoliosis can cause discomfort. Injuries that result in overstretched or torn ligaments can hurt your muscles in your back and cause pain. Nerve issues like sciatica can impact nerves that travel to your back, also causing pain. Back pain can also be the result of disc issues like intervertebral disc degeneration, which is caused by discs in your back wearing down and losing their ability to provide cushion.

Age and genetics can impact back pain

As you get older, your body starts feeling the impact of years of wear and tear. According to the NIH, lower back pain generally occurs between the ages of 30-50. As you age, your bones weaken, leading to fractures and less flexibility, causing back pain. Genetics can also play a role in back pain. 

Staying healthy can help prevent back pain

Back pain is sometimes a result of extra weight being gained. Excess body weight can cause your pelvis and lower back to slant forward. That can create an unnatural arch in your back which causes pain. People who perform intense workouts infrequently, after not being active, are more susceptible to back pain than people who make exercise a part of their daily routine.

Americans spend big on back pain

According to a study, Americans spent $134 billion on back and neck care from 1996 to 2016. That’s more than people spent on heart disease or diabetes in those years. There’s a massive market for chronic lower back pain too. Experts estimate its market value will reach more than $9 billion by 2026. The fact is, people in the U.S. spend big on back pain because it is a common, ongoing issue for them. Many people are searching for relief from back pain, which can be obtained from chiropractor care, stretching, taking over-the-counter medication, and getting a good night’s rest.

Chiropractic care can help

If you’re experiencing back pain, chiropractic care can help relieve your pain and correct your injuries. Chiropractors focus on non-invasive treatments to help and are particularly versed in treating back pain. When you get adjusted by a chiropractor, it can help the soft tissues and muscles relax, relieving pain from multiple causes. Chiropractors can also provide you with exercises to try at home to maintain the work that they have put into your recovery. A chiropractor can create a plan unique to your pain to get you feeling better again.

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