Back pain is something most of us will deal with at some point. Whether it creeps in after hours at a desk, hits hard after lifting something heavy, or builds over time due to stress or poor posture, it can affect your ability to move, work, and enjoy life.
You’ve probably found yourself rubbing your lower back at the end of the day or waking up stiff and sore.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek help from a chiropractor. And for good reason. It’s often tied to how we sit, stand, move, and carry ourselves every day.
Cracking the case of your back pain starts here. Read on to find out more.
Why is back pain so common?
Many cases of back pain don’t come from a single injury. Instead, they develop gradually from everyday habits that put strain on your spine.
What do the numbers say?
- Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide
- It affects approximately 619 million people globally, according to The Lancet Rheumatology.
- In Australia, around 1 in 6 people reported chronic back problems in 2020, making it a major public health issue.
Evidence from systematic reviews shows that chiropractic may provide modest improvements in pain and function for acute and chronic low back pain, particularly when combined with exercise and education.
Here are some of the most common things that lead to lower back pain.
Poor posture
Slouching at your desk, craning over your phone, or sitting without lower back support can shift your spine out of alignment and increase muscle fatigue.
Sitting for long periods
Sitting for long periods tightens your hip flexors and weakens your core muscles, both of which increase pressure on your lower back.
Heavy lifting
Whether you’re lifting weights at the gym or carrying groceries, poor form can cause strain, especially in the lumbar spine.
Sports injuries
Sports injuries are a common contributor. Activities that involve repetitive motion, high impact, or poor lifting techniques can strain the spine and surrounding muscles, leading to aches and pain. Find out more about the role chiropractors play in treating sporting injuries here.
Stress and tension
Emotional stress often manifests physically. Tight shoulders and clenched muscles can impact spinal alignment and cause discomfort.
Repetitive movements
Repeating the same motions day after day, especially in awkward positions, can wear down muscles and joints, leading to chronic pain.
How may chiropractic help with back pain?
Chiropractors aim to get to the underlying issue that causes your back pain. We look to the musculoskeletal system, which includes your spine, joints, and supporting muscles.
We don’t just want to mask the symptoms. We want to correct the cause. Here are some of the ways chiropractic care helps with lower back pain.
1. Targeted pain relief
You can get relief from musculoskeletal pain through a chiropractic adjustment.
Adjustments help to restore more normal movement while taking pressure off restricted spinal joints. In many cases, it’s this pressure and restriction that triggers your pain receptors, resulting in feelings of pain.
2. Reduced muscle tension
Soft tissue therapy and stretching help reduce muscular tension. Muscles surrounding the spine often tighten to compensate for poor posture or imbalances, leading to feelings of tension and restriction
Hands-on therapy targets these areas, resulting in more relaxed muscles and less tension. Ahh, the relief.
3. Improved biomechanics
Chiropractors can help you move more freely. By releasing restricted joints and relieving tight muscles, we enhance your body’s natural movement. Soft tissue techniques, such as stretching or trigger point therapy, can further release muscle tension and enhance flexibility.
This can lead to improved walking, running, and better overall biomechanical function.
4. Posture and ergonomic support
Chiropractors can assess your movement patterns and provide tailored advice to help you sit, stand, and lift more effectively.
Many back pain issues stem from posture problems, such as curvature of the spine, hunched posture, and forward head posture.
We identify these postural imbalances through physical assessment and movement analysis and can pinpoint specific areas of tension or weakness that may be contributing to your back pain.
Here are tips to prevent back pain in daily life
Even with treatment, what you do outside the clinic matters. Here are some tips on how to manage back pain during your day.
Become posture aware
Sit tall with your shoulders relaxed and your feet flat on the floor. Use lumbar support if needed.
Move often
Break up long periods of sitting by standing, stretching, or walking every 30 to 60 minutes.
Lift smart
Bend at the knees, keep the object close to your body, and avoid twisting your spine while lifting.
Strengthen your core
A strong core helps stabilise your spine and reduce the risk of injury.
Invest on good office furniture
Set yourself up for success with a monitor height, ergonomic chair, sit/stand desk and other ergonomic accessories to make work more comfortable.
Strengthening exercises
Practice exercises that strengthen postural muscles, such as the deep core and upper back.
Back pain doesn’t have to become part of your routine. If you’re dealing with recurring back pain, it may be worth getting it assessed.
Chiropractic care offers a practical, hands-on approach to support your spinal health and help you move more freely.
Key points:
- Back pain is a common issue and the leading global cause of disability.
- Common causes include poor posture, sitting for long periods, heavy lifting, sports injuries, stress, and repetitive movements.
- Chiropractic care can help with lower back pain by addressing the underlying issue, focusing on the musculoskeletal system.
Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Author: Dr. Matthew Alch (Chiropractor) has been practising with Sydney Spinal Care since late 2002. Matthew graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and a Masters of Chiropractic. He is a member of The Chiropractors Association of Australia and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
