After treating back pain sufferers for the past 20 years, I have come to realize that there are no new causes of back pain. Yes, innovative treatments are being created and high-tech gadgets are being invented. Yet, the causes of back pain have stayed the same. With the experience of seeing thousands of patients, I have the ability to recognize the repeating patterns that fall into two distinct categories: trauma injury (slip and fall, etc.) and the non-trauma injury.
The "slip and fall," or trauma injury, is the random event that creates back pain and will warrant unique challenges, such as fractures and acute injuries. A single event does not cause the non-trauma injury. This type of injury is usually a compilation of multiple problems, even if the pain seems to be the result of a significant event such as exiting the car or lifting a bag. These triggers are usually the straw that broke the camel’s back, not the creation of the problem.
Non-trauma injuries are by far the largest cause of back pain. The key to solving these injuries is restoring balance into the body, so these issues don’t turn into immense pain. You, the patient, need to be aware of your repeatable patterns. Does your back pain come after exercising? Does your back pain flare-up after a night of drinking alcohol or consuming dairy? Does your pain worsen during times of stress? The three three main areas I focus on when treating back suffers are as follow:
Postural and Structural Imbalance
Your back pain could stem from poor alignment and structural balance. To be free of back pain, you need postural and structural balance. If you need help reaching structural alignment, see a physical therapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist. I also recommend my Backbridge, an at-home back pain relief device that has helped tens of thousands of back pain sufferers restore structural alignment. In my previous post, 5 Stretches to Increase Flexibility and Relieve Back Pain, I cover a few exercises that may help you.
Digestive and Nutritional Balance
Digestive and nutritional balance are vital to ridding yourself of back pain. Digestive upset and gas is the most overlooked cause of back pain. Make sure that you are having healthy bowel movements, which are indicators of a well-functioning digestive system. If you think this may be a problem for you, check out my book The Back Pain Relief Diet Book or speak with a nutritionist or your primary care doctor.
Emotional Balance
Emotions are the number 1 cause of back pain, so do everything you can to release your emotional tension. This varies for everyone, but slowing down your breathing and exercise is a good way to start. If this still doesn’t help, seek professional counseling help. If you need professional help, you should find someone skilled at recognizing these repeatable patterns with the goal of understanding and correcting it for good!
To better understand cause(s) of your back pain, you can find my free structural, digestive, and emotional assessments at drsinett.com.
