Back pain is a widespread condition that affects at least 31 million Americans. (Source: American Chiropractic Association). Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability globally. As a result, this prevents people from performing well at work and accomplishing their daily routines. 

Since back pain can be chronic, it can cause extensive discomfort. Fortunately, in most cases, it is rarely severe. It can also affect people of all ages but more common in people ages 35 to 55. Usually, back pain happens because there is something off with how your muscles, discs, nerves, and spinal joints move and fit together. Finally, back pain can be because of a problem in any of the following areas:

• Spinal cord and nerves
• Bony lumbar spine
• Lower back muscles
• Abdominal and internal pelvic organs
• Ligaments around the discs and spine
• Discs between the vertebrae

Who Has a Greater Risk for Back Pain?

Anyone, regardless of age, can experience back pain. However, some are at greater risk:

• Women (due to hormonal factors and inflexible pelvic structure)
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• Those with anxiety or depression
• People working a stressful job
• Those who are living an inactive lifestyle
• Smokers
• People doing strenuous physical work or exercise

What Causes Backache?

Your back anatomy comprises an interwoven structure of flexible ligaments, healthy bones, tendons, huge muscles, and nerves. The discs are cartilage-like pads that cushion various parts of your spine. Back pain occurs if any of these components begin to malfunction. Here are some of the frequent underlying reasons for back pain to happen:

• Structural Problems

1. • Arthritis: If the cartilage of the facet joints in the spine breaks down, it would result in the bones' movement and cause spurs or bony outgrowth formation. These spurs will begin to press on your nerves and would lead to back pain.
   • Abnormal Curvature of the Spine: If the spine’s natural curves become misaligned due to scoliosis, back pain would become the result.
   • Bulging Discs: A disc acts as a cushion for each vertebra. Thus, if it swells, it can pressure your nerves and become a reason for back pain.
   • Osteoporosis: Vertebrae and bones of the spine eventually lose mass and become brittle and porous, causing microfractures.
   • Ruptured Discs: It is similar to a bulging disc. A broken disc can place excessive pressure on your nerves and cause severe back pain.
   • Sciatica: It is a sharp, stabbing pain that extends from your lower back through the back of your thigh and down through the leg. It is frequently due to a swollen or herniated disc that presses on a nerve.

• Poor Posture, Or Everyday Activities:

1. • Bending down for long periods
   • Overstretching
   • Straining your neck forward ( when using a computer or driving)
   • Bending awkwardly
   • Sneezing or coughing
   • Pushing or pulling something heavy
   • Carrying something incorrectly
   • Standing for extended periods

• Strain

It happens when the ligaments and back muscles become overstretched, and muscle spasms begin to follow. Several things, such as the list below, can prompt it:

1. • Bending or crouching repeatedly
   • Abrupt and awkward movements
   • Lifting heavy objects without the proper lifting technique
   • Extreme physical exertion

• Sleep Disorders

The lack of adequate sleep can prohibit the muscles from getting a fair chance to re-energize, triggering exhaustion and back pain.

• Infection of the Spine

The discs and bones around your spinal cord can become infected due to bacteria or fungal organisms. The symptoms of spinal infection include fever, back pain, swelling, warmth, and redness around the infection region.

• Cancer of the Spine

It is a tumor in the spinal column, and it can put pressure on sensitive nerve endings, thus, causing paralysis or instability of the spine.

• Cauda Equina Syndrome

The nerves’ compression is a complication in the last part of the spinal cord. This syndrome can be the reason for numbness, lower back pain, tingling in the buttocks and lower extremities (sciatica), and the legs' weakness.

• Additional Infections

Kidney, bladder, or pelvic inflammatory diseases may also be underlying reasons for back pain.

• Shingles

Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can inflame the sensory nerves. As a result, it causes pain that originates from the back and the front of the chest.

Finding Natural Care For Your Back Pain Problems Today

Some lucky people have already discovered the existence of upper cervical chiropractic care. Today, most of those with back pain, already experienced natural and long-term care from upper cervical care. At least 22 million Americans go to their chiropractors annually. Upper cervical chiropractic is a niche within the chiropractic line of work. It is one of the best alternatives to address the pain and various symptoms of chronic back pain. How?

Upper cervical chiropractors go to the root of problems. Then, they analyze the underlying cause of different health problems, including back pain. Then they correct any misalignments involved to keep the spine on its peak performance.

We help our patients who suffer from back pain by targeting the bones of their upper cervical spine, specifically the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae. Any injury or trauma to the neck or head can cause these spinal bones to misalign. As a result of misalignment, it would eventually shift the spine. Then, as the spine moves, the muscles and nerves suffer strain and pressure. It would result in various health problems, such as back pain.

Upper cervical chiropractors employ a gentle and precise technique scientifically proven to encourage the bones to return to their regular positions. Once the misalignment is adjusted, the body can begin to heal naturally. Often, as the body recovers, the inflammation goes down, and so patients can say goodbye to back pain and experience lasting relief. Find an upper cervical chiropractor nearest you today.

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