Back Pain Causes - You May Be Surprised at Some of The Culprits

Back pain causes a chain of events that aren't too pretty. As a practicing chiropractor, I've seen more than my fair share of people brought to their knees. It's one type of pain that you just can't tough out.

The body is one contiguous unit. It must be treated as such. If you chase the pain trying to get back pain relief, far too often you'll come up empty. The pain you experience in a certain spinal area, say the lower back, may not be the primary area that's injured. For instance, middle back pain causes muscle spasms, which can cause the lower back, or even neck and shoulders to overwork by compensating.

Here are a few more obscure back pain causes...

Did you know that an inflammatory diet, the 'Standard American Diet' (S.A.D) can contribute to pain and discomfort? Did you know that one of the most common side effects of statin drugs is muscle and joint pain?

Yep.

Did you know there is a documented correlation between smoking and back problems?

Yep.

Kidney pain causes a referral of soreness or a deep ache to the lower back. Depending on the kidney, it could cause left lower back pain or right lower back pain.

Upper back pain causes the thoracolumbar muscles to spasm, which can have an effect all the way down to the pelvis. Range of motion now becomes compromised, which, in turn, can cause the piriformis muscle, located near the buttock, to spasm. And guess what? The sciatic nerve runs right through the middle of the piriformis muscle! This is known as Piriformis Syndrome. This can cause hip and leg pain or sciatica. Sciatica causes the leg to experience pain, numbing and/or tingling.

A herniated disc (disk), can also contribute to back and leg pain.

Back pain causes tender trigger points and trigger points can be treated with manual therapy techniques. Unbeknown to many, a good chiropractor can offer much more than just a spinal adjustment. Sometimes a chiropractic adjustment is not the therapy you need. Solving chronic pain is almost always a matter of good clinical detective work. With all of the 'crumbs' in place, the doctor and patient can follow the clues to locate the cause of the pain in your back. It makes the remedy much easier.

Horses and zebras both leave similar tracks, but they're VERY different from each other!

Physiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors are all well trained in providing tips for a spinal strengthening routine. If your primary care doctor is not up to speed on neuromuscular medicine and is immersed in only allopathic methods, you may need to add someone else to your health care team, as these types of muscle, tendon and soft tissue injuries are quite common.

FYI - If your back pain causes you to experience an inability to be able to stop or initiate urination or defecation... that's a 911. These are nerve and spinal cord related effects of a ruptured disc causing what's known as Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Now read below to learn why I wrote this...