Data published by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) shows that low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability. And when referring to back pain, there are two main classifications:
- Acute: Pain that lasts from a few days to a few weeks.
- Chronic: Pain that lasts longer than three months.
Although anyone can develop back pain, regardless of age, there are some factors that might put you at greater risk of developing back pain:
- Age. Back pain is more common as you get older (starting around age 30 or 40) due to changes that occur in the body with aging. The fluid content between the vertebrae in the spine is reduced which means the discs experience irritation more easily. Loss of muscle tone also makes the back more prone to injury.
- Lack of exercise. Weak, unused muscles in your back and abdomen can contribute to low back pain.
- Excess weight. Puts extra stress on your back.
- Diseases. Some types of arthritis and cancer.
- Improper lifting. Use your back instead of your legs when lifting heavy objects.
- Psychological conditions. It appears that people prone to depression and anxiety have a greater risk of back pain.
- Smoking. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which keeps your body from delivering enough nutrients to the discs in your back and slows healing.
What causes severe back pain? Many people experience low back pain as the result of an injury, such as muscle sprains or strains due to sudden movements, poor posture, or not lifting heavy objects correctly. Or it can also be the result of certain diseases, such as:
- cancer of the spinal cord
- a ruptured or herniated disc
- sciatica
- arthritis
- kidney infections
- infections of the spine
Tip to Remember: To help prevent low back pain, strengthen your back muscles, use the right techniques for lifting, and maintain the proper posture when sitting and standing.
For more information about what causes severe back pain, contact McKim Chiropractic to schedule a consultation to find out if you are a candidate for the DRS Protocol™, a low back pain treatment. Our licensed and certified staff is happy to help the residents of Nampa, ID achieves a pain-free life!
