Back Pain: Common Causes and When to Get It Checked

Back pain is incredibly common. It can appear suddenly after lifting something, gradually build over time, or sometimes start without any obvious reason at all.

For most people, back pain is not caused by serious damage. But that doesn't mean you should simply ignore it, especially if it's persistent, worsening or affecting your normal activities.

Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms is a useful first step.

What Can Cause Back Pain?

There isn't always one single structure responsible for back pain.

Your symptoms may be influenced by irritation or sensitivity involving the joints, muscles, discs and other tissues around the spine.

Things that may contribute include:

• A sudden increase in lifting or physical activity

• Repetitive or unfamiliar movements

• Spending long periods in one position

• Changes in training or workload

• Muscle or joint irritation

• Previous episodes of back pain

• Poor recovery, stress or lack of sleep

• An injury or accident

Sometimes back pain develops without an obvious trigger.

This doesn't necessarily mean something has been damaged. Pain is complex, and the severity of pain doesn't always reflect the amount of tissue injury.

Is Poor Posture Causing My Back Pain?

This is one of the questions I hear regularly.

There isn't one perfect posture that everyone needs to maintain.

Sitting, bending and slouching aren't automatically harmful. Problems can sometimes arise when we spend too long in the same position or suddenly ask our body to tolerate more than it's accustomed to.

Rather than obsessing over having "perfect posture", regularly changing position and staying active is usually a more practical approach.

Should I Keep Moving With Back Pain?

For many uncomplicated episodes of back pain, staying reasonably active is preferable to prolonged bed rest.

That doesn't mean ignoring severe pain and pushing through everything.

You may need to temporarily modify certain activities, but continuing with comfortable movement and gradually returning to normal activities can be helpful.

Walking is often a simple place to start.

When Should I Get Back Pain Checked?

Consider seeking professional advice if your back pain:

• Isn't improving

• Keeps returning

• Is becoming progressively worse

• Is significantly affecting sleep, work or everyday activities

• Started following significant trauma

• Is associated with persistent pain, numbness or weakness into the leg

• Is worrying you

You don't have to wait until the pain becomes unbearable before asking for help.

When Does Back Pain Need Urgent Medical Attention?

Most back pain isn't an emergency, but some symptoms need prompt medical assessment.

Seek urgent medical attention if back pain is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• New difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels

• Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or saddle area

• Significant or rapidly worsening weakness in the legs

• Severe symptoms following significant trauma

• Feeling systemically unwell alongside severe or unusual back pain

Other factors such as unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, fever or persistent severe night pain should also be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.

If something doesn't feel right, get it assessed rather than trying to diagnose yourself online.

What Happens During a Back Pain Assessment?

At Move Free Pontypool, the first step isn't automatically treatment.

We'll start by discussing your symptoms, health history, activities and what you're struggling to do.

Your physical assessment will then be tailored to your presentation and may include looking at your movement, joints, muscles, strength and neurological function where appropriate.

The aim is to understand your presentation, identify anything that may require further investigation and discuss the most appropriate options with you.

Can Chiropractic Care Help With Back Pain?

Chiropractic care is one option used in the management of certain types of musculoskeletal back pain.

Depending on your assessment and individual needs, care may include hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation or manipulation, soft tissue techniques, movement or exercise advice and practical strategies to help you stay active.

There isn't one treatment that is right for everybody.

If chiropractic care isn't appropriate for your presentation, or your symptoms require further investigation, this should be discussed with you and referral recommended where necessary.

What Can I Do About Back Pain Right Now?

If there are no concerning symptoms, some simple steps may help:

• Keep gently moving rather than staying in bed

• Take short walks if comfortable

• Change position regularly

• Temporarily modify activities that significantly aggravate your symptoms

• Gradually return to normal activity as symptoms allow

• Prioritise sleep and recovery

• Avoid becoming frightened of normal movement

And don't feel that you need to find the perfect stretch on YouTube before you're allowed to move again. Your back is generally more robust than social media sometimes makes it sound.

The Bottom Line

Back pain can be frustrating, but experiencing pain doesn't automatically mean your spine is damaged or that you need to stop moving.

If your symptoms aren't settling, keep returning or are stopping you from doing the things that matter to you, getting properly assessed can help you understand what's going on and decide what to do next.

Need Help With Back Pain?

If you're experiencing back pain and would like it assessed, you can book an initial chiropractic consultation at Move Free Pontypool.

Book Your Initial Consultation

First time seeing a chiropractor? → Read what to expect at your first chiropractic appointment