4 Possible Reasons Your Back Hurts

Back pain as horrible as it can be is incredibly common. It doesn't limit itself to one certain age group or gender, and it can range from slightly mild irritation to full-fledged agony. 

Understanding the cause of your back pain is the key step to feeling better. If your back is bothering you and you're not sure why, here are some potential reasons you should consider.

Poor Posture

One of the most common reasons why people suffer from back discomfort is due to poor posture. Perhaps you slouch when you work at your computer, or maybe you hunch over when you look at your phone. You may even stand with improper alignment when you're doing the dishes. 

The bottom line is that any sort of unnecessary strain on your back and spine will ultimately lead to pain. If you find that your upper or lower back is aching and throbbing, or you have tension in your shoulders and neck, you might want to consider it's time to see an osteopath.

They can guide you on the correct postures to follow in your professional and personal time, which cannot only help you with your current issue but also avoid the same issues coming up again in the future.

Muscle Strain

Overusing your back muscles is a common as of soreness and in most cases is a result of lifting something that was too heavy for your weight, or improperly lifting by using your back instead of your knees. In some cases, muscle strain can even come up as a result of exercise. 

A seemingly innocent workout can quickly lead to agonizing back pain if you don't know how to practice the proper posture. If you start to feel pain in your back, it's important that you rest as much as possible. Avoid engaging in strenuous activities like exercise or lifting heavy objects, and get a good night's rest.

The more you can relax your muscles, the more you'll reduce inflammation and ultimately find yourself on the path to recovery.

Herniated Disc

In the worst-case scenario, you may have a herniated or bulging disk. In simple terms, the “discs” in your spine are ultimately cushions between each vertebrae. When one of them slips out of place or becomes bulky, it will ultimately press on your nerves and cause extreme pain. If you noticed that you have sharp shooting pains in your back accompanied by numbness or even tingling, then this may be a sign of a herniated disc. You should consult a professional immediately to discuss what your treatment options are, and hopefully, you won't require surgery.

Arthritis

In some cases, your back pain may be a result of arthritis or other degenerative conditions. If your pain is persistent and occurs particularly in the morning, then you should probably talk to your doctor about whether they recommend physical therapy, and whether you require any anti-inflammatory medications.