Back Pain Triggers and Causes
Back pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages and can be triggered by various factors. Understanding the causes and how they relate to our daily activities is key to managing and preventing discomfort. At Bea Sports Injury Clinic, we explore some common triggers that could be contributing to your back pain.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a significant cause of back pain, often affecting the lower back and sometimes radiating into the buttocks, thighs, and legs, mimicking sciatica. This pain can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and general functioning. Although symptoms often improve after delivery, some women may experience chronic back problems post-pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the body undergoes various anatomic and postural changes—most notably, carrying the additional weight of a growing baby. This adds mechanical stress to the musculoskeletal system, causing strain on the back’s ligaments and muscles. The hormone relaxin, which increases during pregnancy to prepare the pelvis for childbirth, also loosens ligaments, which can further destabilise the back and lead to pain.
Breathing
While it might seem unusual, breathing can sometimes trigger back pain. If deep breathing causes pain, especially if you’ve experienced this from childhood into your teens, scoliosis might be the underlying issue. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that can compress the lungs and limit their expansion, causing discomfort while breathing. In severe cases, surgery may be required along with physical therapy.
In other cases, back pain with breathing might be linked to an irritated nerve or ligament in the thoracic spine. Physical therapy can help alleviate this by addressing any irritation or inflammation in the rib-spine joints.
Walking
Walking is an essential activity, but if you experience back pain while walking, poor muscle fitness may be to blame. Weak muscles lacking endurance tire easily, causing spasms and discomfort. Furthermore, if you lack mobility in your hips, pelvis, or upper back, the lower back will compensate, leading to strain.
Wearing supportive and cushioned shoes while walking can help reduce the load on your lower back, making your walks more comfortable.
Standing
Standing for long periods with poor posture can overload certain muscles and joints, causing irritation and pain. When muscles tire out, they might go into spasm, leading to discomfort. Ensuring strong muscles with good endurance will help maintain good posture and alleviate strain.
Night Pain
Night time back pain, especially if it worsens while resting or wakes you up, can indicate a more serious underlying issue. Inflammatory conditions, such as a bulging disc, might swell during the night and cause more pain. Although stiffness upon waking often eases after movement, persistent or worsening pain during the night should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Menstrual Cycle
For many women, low back pain during menstruation is linked to hormonal changes, specifically the release of prostaglandins. These hormones promote uterine contractions but can also affect the lower back muscles, leading to radiating pain from the abdomen to the back. If these contractions are intense, they can result in significant discomfort.
Sitting
Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, is a common cause of back pain. Slouching or hunching over can strain the discs, ligaments, and muscles along the spine. Prolonged sitting also leads to muscle stiffness. If you have underlying conditions like a bulging disc, sciatica, or spinal degeneration, sitting can worsen your pain. To alleviate this, ensure proper posture, and make sure to take breaks every 30 minutes to move around and stretch.
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At Bea Sports Injury Clinic, we understand how these daily activities can affect your back health. Whether you’re pregnant, experiencing scoliosis, or suffering from poor posture, our team is here to help you manage and reduce your back pain through tailored treatments and physical therapy. Contact us today for expert advice on maintaining a healthy back.