Back pain is an incredibly common problem that affects millions of people every year. It can range from mild aches to severe, debilitating pain. Typical causes include strained muscles and ligaments, nerve damage, herniated discs, and arthritis.

Though back pain can be caused by acute injuries or medical conditions, it can also be the result of poor posture or habits over long periods of time.

It is important to seek treatment for your back pain when it arises in order to identify any underlying causes and prevent further complications. A healthcare professional will be able to help you pinpoint which type of treatment is appropriate for your condition such as physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.

With proper care, many cases of back pain are manageable and avoid further damage.

Ignoring your back pain can make the problem worse and cause more issues in the long term. Failing to address a chronic issue or ignoring an acute injury can lead to a cycle of increased pain and reduced mobility, resulting in more discomfort and difficulty with everyday activities.

To avoid any longer-lasting effects, it is important to seek treatment for your back pain as soon as possible.

While there are treatment options for a bad back, and we can work with you to help you find a plan that can relieve the back pain you are experiencing, there are things you shouldn’t do when dealing with back pain.

5 Things That Could Be Making Your Back Pain Worse

1. Prolonged Sitting: Long periods of sitting can cause stress to the spine, leading to back pain. This is because when we sit for extended periods of time, our core muscles become weak and our posture suffers, allowing more pressure to be placed on the spine.

2. Poor Posture: Improper posture while standing or sitting can strain and compress vertebrae in the lower back, leading to aching and pain. To help prevent this from happening, make sure you maintain good posture throughout the day by keeping your head up, shoulders back, and chest out.

3. Inactivity: Regular exercise is important for strong muscles that support the spine. When those muscles are weak or not used sufficiently, it can cause the back to be more vulnerable to injury and pain.

4. Carrying Heavy Objects: Lifting or carrying heavy objects can put too much strain on the lower back muscles, leading to soreness and pain. It’s important to lift with your legs, not your back, and practice proper lifting techniques when handling heavy items.

5. Stress: Studies have shown that stress is a major contributor to lower back pain. This is because when we’re in a stressful situation, our muscles tighten up. This tension can lead to pain and discomfort in the back area. Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help reduce your stress levels and relieve some of the pain associated with it.

Having a bad back can be incredibly uncomfortable and painful, but not understanding what is causing that pain can make it even worse. Knowing the underlying cause of lower back pain is essential in order to take the appropriate steps toward correcting it.

Without this knowledge, you may continue to do activities or adopt postures that could exacerbate your symptoms instead of alleviating them.

How Physical Therapy Can Help You Avoid Making Your Back Pain Worse

Physical therapy is an important component of treating chronic back pain. It can improve strength, flexibility, and endurance in the affected areas. Through a combination of exercises, stretching, and massage techniques, physical therapy helps to reduce inflammation and stiffness in the lower back while restoring the normal range of motion.

Physical therapy also works to strengthen the muscles in the lumbar area, enabling them to better support your spine and help prevent further damage or injury.

In addition to exercise, physical therapists may recommend lifestyle changes such as good ergonomics at work or during activities that involve a lot of bending over. Practicing proper lifting techniques can also be beneficial in reducing strain on the back muscles and joints.

Finally, learning how to manage stress and get adequate rest can also help reduce the intensity of back pain and prevent further episodes. Physical therapy is an important part of managing chronic back pain, and it can go a long way toward helping you maintain good health and quality of life.

Are You Experiencing Back Pain And Worried You Are Making It Worse?

Have you been dealing with back pain and are concerned that it isn’t getting any better, or worried that it may even be getting worse? Feel free to schedule a free phone consult or contact us to arrange a Back Pain Assessment. You can also feel free to give us a call at 920.335.7227 (We still like to talk on the phone!)

We also have many more videos related to back pain, things you can do to strengthen the muscles in that area to help support your back, and tips on helping you stay pain-free on our YouTube channel.

If you want more information on how you can begin treating your back pain, visit us at Motus Rx Physical Therapy or check out this free report to help you prepare for your next round!

Don’t let pain or injury concerns keep you from what you love to do!

We love to keep people in Appleton mobile, active, and off pain pills – let our expertise go to work for you to help you return to the activities you love.

Don’t forget, you can schedule a no-obligation (and free!) phone consult or visit us at our Appleton clinic as part of your Back Pain Assessment. Or just give us a call at 920.335.7227.

Until next time,

Eric Wallace, PT