We have all experienced back pain at some point in our lives. Some of us more than others depending on the nature of our work. The word ‘back pain’ is so general. It sounds alarming. When it hurts, the natural assumption would be something must be broken or something is wrong. However, it’s good to appreciate the fact that back pain is not equal to a damaged back.

Most of the back pain cases are “non-specific” and not linked to structural damage; functioning instead as a hypersensitive alarm system often triggered by stress, fatigue, or poor sleep. The spine which encompasses a good part of your back is stronger than you think. It is made up of bones, discs, ligaments, muscles and nerves that are designed to move and adapt to different positions and stress. It is able to bend, twist, absorb loads and move back to its natural position.

Research indicates that people who do not experience back pain may have disc bulges, probably multiple, degeneration on the spinal bones or discs or even extreme arthritis that is visible in MRI imaging. Spinal changes like disc degeneration are normal. Imaging results do not always correlate with pain.

Pain should be perceived as a protective signal from your body either due to:

poor sleeping positions
strain on the muscles
past or present injury
tightness on the structures of your back including the muscles etc

Rather than rest, remaining active is the most effective way to desensitize back pain and manage symptoms.

However, ‘Do not ignore’ back pain. Kindly consult your physician, physical therapist or your chiropractor whenever you experience back pain for assessment, investigations and treatment. Immediate medical attention is recommended for red flags such as loss of bowel/bladder control, saddle anesthesia, or severe leg weakness .

Remember, “ if the spine was on your face,you would take care of it better like you do your face.”