A persistent, dull, acute, or stabbing discomfort. A scorching or tingling sensation. Sound familiar? If you have chronic back pain, you may feel as if you are constantly in agony or that the pain will return. And you may be wondering how it happened.
The truth is that most chronic pain is the result of underlying illnesses. An awkward movement or a tumble can create discomfort, but they are rarely the underlying cause.
So, what are the underlying reasons for chronic back pain? Let's start by defining chronic back discomfort. Then, we will discuss the reasons for chronic back pain and how to find long-term relief.
What are chronic back pain symptoms?
Chronic back pain symptoms often develop gradually and last longer than six weeks. As previously said, a single event or injury rarely triggers chronic pain, and it does not go away or heal on its own without medical intervention.
This is not the same as acute back pain, which typically occurs suddenly and resolves within two to six weeks. And because chronic pain is long-term, it frequently drives you to avoid physical activity or compensate in other ways, which might exacerbate your pain in the long run.
What causes chronic back pain?
People frequently believe that a single event or injury is to blame for their chronic back pain. However, a single reason is rarely recognized; instead, chronic pain can be caused by a combination of underlying disorders.
1. Muscle deconditioning
Muscle deconditioning (also known as muscular atrophy) is one of the most common causes of chronic back pain. Muscle deconditioning occurs when your back muscles lack the strength and stability to adequately support you, resulting in wear and tear over time.
Some deconditioning comes naturally as we age - which we'll discuss later - but a lack of physical activity is the primary cause.
If your back hurts or you just injured yourself, start changing your activities or avoiding heavy lifting. These are frequently advised to help your back heal.
However, prolonged inactivity can cause muscles to shrink and weaken. When this occurs, the muscles in your back may no longer be able to support ligaments and vertebrae as they should, causing pain and increasing your risk of injury.
2. Improper posture or body mechanics
Bad behaviors can cause stress on the spine and the soft tissue around it. Over time, persistent stress can degrade the spine's structural components.
While posture and body mechanics are inherent in all movements you make (or do not make), your work environment may also affect your body.
If your job includes frequent lifting or repeated movement, appropriate mechanics are your best bet against chronic back pain.
For office workers, sitting at your desk for long periods without stretching can cause your hip flexors to tighten. Over time, this can weaken the hips and hamstrings, resulting in lower back pain.
If you see yourself hunching over your computer multiple times daily, you may develop kyphosis. This abnormal curvature of the spine is typically related to persistent back pain.
3. Genetics and aging
As we age, our bodies change, and aches and pains may become more common. We lose muscular strength and disc space in the spine.
Of course, the other chronic pain-causing illnesses discussed in this piece can accelerate the normal aging process.
4. Traumatic events
Car accidents, trip-and-fall accidents, falls on ice, and other high-impact events can accelerate the spine's aging process and cause chronic pain to flare. These events can result in overcompensation for movements caused by the injury.
5. Overuse and repetition of everyday activities
Every day, the small things we do can significantly impact our bodies. For example:
- Extended periods of driving or sitting
- Walking, bending over, exercising, or typing are all repetitive motion activities.
- Lifting both small and heavy objects, including children.
- Sleeping in an unusual position or on an old mattress.
Conclusion
Whatever the cause, you should consult with a professional about your chronic back pain. You may find one by googling “chronic pain management doctors near me.” Check their specialty, success rate, and patient reviews before deciding.
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