Why Does My Back Hurt So Much?

July 26, 2020

why-does-my-back-hurt-so-much

If you have been complaining of intense back pain, know for a fact that there are many possible reasons behind it. Back pain is a severe problem worldwide, especially among workers. According to statistics, back pain is the number one cause of disability and absenteeism in the workplace. At least one-half of all working Americans report about recurring back pain issues every year. 

However, back pain affects people of all ages, from children to senior citizens. Also, it can negatively affect a person’s ability to work well and even hinder a person’s social life.

Where Does Back Pain Originate From?

Although not often considered severe, backache can cause a considerable amount of discomfort. Anyone can experience it, but it is more common among 35 to 55 years of age. 

On the other hand, chronic back pain can be an indicator that there is something off with how your discs, spinal joints, muscles, and nerves function and fit together. Back pain frequently appears due to problems with any of these body parts:

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

Most Common Reasons For Having Back Pain

The back has a complex structure made up of essential components like:

  • Muscles
  • Vertebrae (the column of bones)
  • Nerves
  • Tendons
  • Ligaments
  • Discs 

Located between each vertebra is a disc, these cartilage-like pillows function as shock absorbers. Thus, it prevents the bones from rubbing each other. If any of these parts break down, back pain can happen. Listed below are other common reasons for back pain to occur:

1. Structural Problems

  • Abnormal Spine Curvature

Misalignment causes unnatural curves of the spine, similar to scoliosis. It can bring about back pain.

  • Ruptured Discs

It occurs when the nerves are under extreme pressure due to a broken disc.  Thus, it leads to excruciating back pain. 

  • Bulging Discs

Like a ruptured disc, this one is caused by the swelling of the disc in between vertebrae. Also, this can bring severe pressure on the nerves, which results in back pain.

  • Arthritis

Your lower back is the primary location of arthritis back pain. It happens due to carrying a great deal of the body’s weight. Arthritis triggers when the cartilage of the spinal joints breaks down. As a result, it often leads to movement of the bones and enlargement of pointy bony outgrowths known as spurs. These spurs push the nerves, thus, resulting in severe and prickling back pain.

  • Sciatica

It is a sharp and intense pain that starts from the lower back through the hips and buttocks, and then it goes down the legs. The usual cause for sciatica is a swollen or herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve.

  • Osteoporosis

It is a reduction in the quality and density of the spinal bones and vertebrae. As a result, it leaves them brittle and porous. It can also trigger fractures.

2. Poor Posture or Daily Wear and Tear

  • Bending awkwardly
  • Overstretching
  • Stretching the neck forward too much when using a computer or driving
  • Sitting and standing for extended periods
  • Picking up or carrying heavy objects improperly
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Bending down repeatedly and for extended periods
  • Pushing or pulling something repeatedly

3. Strain

Muscle spasms can happen when you overstretch the back muscles and ligaments too far. Some actions can result in muscle spasms. These include the following:

  • Extreme physical exertion
  • Bending or crouching repeatedly
  • Abrupt and awkward movements
  • Lifting heavy objects that you are not strong enough to carry

4. Infection Of The Spine

Fungi and bacteria can cause an infection in the bones and discs around the spinal cord. When this happens, the following symptoms may arise:

  • Back pain
  • Swelling or redness around the affected area
  • Fever

5. Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina is consists of the nerves below the end of the spinal cord. This syndrome triggers the following:

  • Lower back pain
  • Weakness in the legs
  • Numbness or tingling in the buttocks and lower extremities

6. Additional Infections

Back pain can originate from the bladder, pelvic, or kidney inflammatory conditions.

7. Sleep Disorders

The lack of enough sleep prevents muscles from getting energized. It often results in back pain.

8. Shingles

The varicella-zoster virus causes an infection in the sensory nerves. As a result, this leads to pain radiating from the back towards the front of the chest. 

9. Cancer Of The Spine

When a tumor causes pressure on the spinal column's sensitive nerve endings, it causes the volatility of the spine. Furthermore, in worse cases, it can cause paralysis and even death.

Who Are More Likely to Have Back Pain?

Some people are more vulnerable to developing back pain. It can be due to factors that include lifestyle, hormones, and environmental elements. The following people are at a higher risk:

  • People working a stressful job
  • Older adults
  • Females, caused by stiff pelvic structure and hormonal factors
  • Those who are living an inactive lifestyle
  • Those who frequently do strenuous exercise or demanding physical work
  • Pregnant women
  • Those who suffer from depression or anxiety
  • Smokers

What To Do For Chronic Back Pain 

Some people would argue that upper cervical chiropractic is one of the best-kept secrets to back pain relief. It is especially true to those who experienced long-lasting pain relief firsthand. More people are beginning to discover the secret procedure to achieve long-term pain relief. Why? For one thing, upper cervical chiropractic is one of the best options because it addresses the root cause of most back pains. Even several research supports spinal manipulation as one of the best primary non-drug care considered effective for acute and chronic back pain. 

Therefore, back pain sufferers should go visit an upper cervical chiropractor to get rid of their aches. Upper cervical chiropractors help patients by taking an in-depth look at the bones of the upper cervical spine, specifically the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae. Injury or trauma to the neck or head can cause these spinal bones to move out of their standard alignment, and eventually force the entire spine to shift. When this happens, the nerves and muscles experience stress and strain, resulting in different types of back pain.

The upper cervical chiropractic method is safe, precise, and gentle. As a result, when adjustments happen, the bones move correctly into place without stress or pressure. Thus, it results in significant pain reduction and even complete resolution of back pain symptoms.

Find an upper cervical chiropractor near your area today.

Find An Upper Cervical Doctor in Your Areato schedule a consultation today.

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