Archive:
- 2020
- 2019
- November (11)
- Keep your neck comfortable while you fly.
- Back pain is hard to diagnose. Here’s why.
- Neck spasms can be triggered by awkward movements or stress-related muscle tension
- 3 Techniques for Coping with Chronic Sciatica
- Protecting Your Neck Over the Holidays
- 11 Tips to Relieve Headache with Neck Pain
- 5 Unusual Office Chair Solutions
- 5 Tips For Preventing Tech Neck Pain
- How Soft Tissue Injuries Can Cause Neck Strain
- How to Use Tennis Balls for DIY Lower Back Pain Massage
- 21 Ways to be a Savvy Chiropractic Patient
- October (11)
- Best Yoga Poses for Sciatica Relief
- Immediate Treatment for a Back Muscle Strain
- 9 Lesser-Known Tips for Easing Neck Pain
- 3 Hamstring Stretches to Relieve Lumbar Herniated Disc Pain
- How Massage Can Ease Sciatic Pain
- What really happens when you pull a lower back muscle?
- Here’s how back pain is caused by movement
- Try these exercises to ease upper and middle back pain
- Is My Pain Sciatica or Something Else?
- Can Neck Pain Cause Dizziness?
- 2 Reasons Why Walking Is Good for Your Lower Back
- September (8)
- 5 Things You Should Know About Chronic Pain
- Is Your Upper Back Pain Related to Your Arm Numbness?
- Heat, or ice? When to use each for back pain relief.
- These 3 yoga poses can help loosen up your aching back.
- Here’s how to plan for driving long distances with back pain.
- These two everyday things might be triggering your sciatica.
- The underlying cause of leg weakness.
- Neck stiff? This could be why.
- July (8)
- 3 Things That Might Be Causing Your Sciatica
- Should I Nap During the Day?
- Consider these neck pain tips for the next time you fly.
- Summer tips for staying healthy.
- Clearing up the confusion about text neck and skull horns
- How to find the right seat to support your back.
- Here’s what you need to know about neck strains.
- Feel better by doing this just one hour each day.
- June (12)
- How to Get Sciatica Pain Relief Through Exercise
- 6 Strategies to Baby Your Back
- Best Laptop Setups
- Before you take the open road this summer, learn how to protect your back
- What’s causing my stiff, sore back?
- This may be the reason your upper back or shoulder blade hurts
- 6 things you should know about getting a good night’s sleep.
- It’s Men’s Health Week. Here’s a helpful guide for guys with spine pain.
- Try these 3 beginner stretches to ease your sciatica pain.
- Traveling this summer? Keep these 3 tips in mind.
- Here’s how to know if your lower back pain is serious.
- Did you know there are different types of pain that can affect your back?
- May (6)
- Here’s how to keep your back healthy and happy next time you golf.
- These 9 tips for soothing neck pain may surprise you.
- Don’t let these summer activities aggravate your back pain.
- Too much rest could be bad for back pain. Here’s why.
- If you like to use a heating pad to soothe back pain, keep these tips in mind.
- Pull a back muscle? Follow these steps for pain relief.
- March (8)
- Do your back a favor and try this for 60 minutes every day
- The 2 neck pain symptoms you need to get treated for right away
- Here’s what you need to know about cervical osteoarthritis
- Stress may cause lower back pain
- Learn the 3 most common reasons for sciatica pain
- How to Support Someone With Chronic Pain
- 3 Ways to Improve Forward Head Posture
- Don’t do these 6 things if you have a herniated disc.
- 2018
- December (9)
- Here are 6 surefire tips for lowering your stress before bedtime.
- Do you have osteoporosis? Here’s how you can best protect your spine.
- If you have sciatica pain, these are the yoga poses to try.
- 2 Common Mistakes That Provoke Sciatica Symptoms
- 3 Simple Ways to Indulge Your Spine
- 3 Symptoms That May Indicate You Have Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
- Exercise is key for better back health
- Smart, simple ways to keep your neck healthy this holiday season
- Here’s how to prevent and treat a stiff neck from sitting in an airplane
- 2017
- November (9)
- How Cooler Weather Affects Chronic Pain
- Try out 3 quick tips for helping your lower back.
- Warning: these 3 everyday things are hurting your neck.
- Sciatica symptoms flaring up? Try these easy hamstring stretches
- Here’s how heating your back pain can lead to relief
- See why resting for too long is actually bad for your lower back
- Here are 2 reasons to avoid phone use in bed if you have neck pain.
- Take control of your chronic pain with mindful meditation.
- Sitting Disease is the new health epidemic. Here’s how you can beat it.
- October (9)
- Taking a long drive? Here are 3 little-known tips to relieve lower back pain on road trips.
- How much do you know about the connection between sleep and chronic pain?
- How to know if your lower back pain is serious.
- The Importance of Aerobic Exercise for Easing Lower Back Pain
- Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome
- 4 Experiences That Basically Sum Up Living With Chronic Lower Back Pain
- Poor posture causing your back pain?
- The truth behind cracking your neck
- An inside look at bone spurs
- March (12)
- 5 Tips for Flying Back Pain Free
- 4 Myths about Back and Neck Pain
- What You Need to Know about Neck Arthritis
- How to Treat Lower Right Back Muscle Strain
- Everyday Tips for Back Pain Relief
- Signs of a Herniated Disc in the Lumbar and Cervical Spine
- Minimize your back pain by incorporating these two tips into your daily routine.
- How Soft Tissue Injuries Cause Neck Strain
- 1 Hour to Ease Your Back Ache and Boost Your Mood
- 3 Things to Consider When Deciding Whether to See a Doctor for Your Lower Back Pain
- How to Exercise with Sciatica
- What You Need to Know about Spondylosis
- January (12)
- Weight Training Effectively Relieves Back Pain
- Is Piriformis Syndrome the Same Thing as Sciatica?
- 8 Crucial Insights for Back Pain Sufferers
- Understanding Spinal Anatomy Helps You Talk to Your Doctors
- 3 Lesser-Known Causes of Lower Back Pain
- Snacks, Supplements, and Scents to Help You Sleep
- Could My Back Pain be Caused by Stress?
- 5 Ways You May Be Coping With Pain All Wrong
- Should I Use Ice or Heat for My Lower Back Pain?
- How Posture Can Aggravate a Lumbar Herniated Disc
- 3 Simple Items That Can Help Ease Your Chronic Sciatica
- Which Mattress Is Best for Lower Back Pain?
- 2016
- December (9)
- 4 resolutions for better health in 2016
- 4 tips to cope with back pain as you navigate the joy and stress of the holiday season
- 3 tips to ease your sciatica symptoms during long car and plane rides
- What’s a Slipped Disc?
- 4 Big Reasons Why Back Pain Is Hard to Diagnose
- A Guide to Spinal Anatomy and What Can Go Wrong
- Put Your Knowledge to the Test
- Treat Sore and Strained Muscles
- 7 strategies to help you manage the upcoming holiday season.
- November (15)
- 3 little-known facts about chronic pain
- how to effectively use heat therapy
- Do you use your phone in bed?
- simple stretch to help relieve sciatic pain
- 3 common habits to prevent pain and stiffness
- 3 simple suggestions
- The New Health Epidemic: Sitting Disease
- 6 Questions to Ask During Open Enrollment
- Mindful Meditation vs. Chronic Pain
- Treating your Sciatica
- Simple clues to determine cause of neck pain
- 7 natural ways to relieve chronic back pain
- 3 hamstring stretches
- Keep your spine happy and healthy
- reality of living with chronic lower back pain
- October (12)
- 3 tips for a more pleasant trip
- Chronic Pain Quiz
- 3 Simple Tips for Chronic Neck Pain Relief
- Should I Worry About My Neck Cracking?
- Sciatica Symptoms
- Is Poor Posture Causing Your Back Pain?
- The National Pain Strategy
- First Aid Remedies
- Finding the Right Mattress
- Test Your Knowledge
- Which is better for your lower back pain
- Methods to Cope with Chronic Pain
- July (12)
- Five Ways to Keep Your Spine Healthy and Happy
- 7 Sleeping Tips for Chronic Pain
- Pokémon Go and Neck Pain
- Mobilizing the Spine Joints
- Avoiding Bed Rest
- Mild Nuisance that Comes and Goes
- Chronic Pain
- Aerobic Exercise
- Lumbar Herniated Disc
- Exercise and Chiropractic Care
- Treatment for Sciatica
- Top 12 Tips for Buying a New Mattress
- May (11)
- All About Spinal Decompression Therapy
- Exercise for Better Back Health
- Calcium is Needed for Strong Bones
- Sitting at work
- Neck Pain
- Sitting in Front of a Computer
- Home Exercise Equipment
- The Spine Can Produce Pain
- A Modern Spine Ailment: Text Neck
- The 3 Worst Things You Can Do To Your Neck
- American Chiropractic History of Treatment for Back Pain and Neck Pain
- 2015
- February (11)
- Evolution Chiropractic Medicine health care
- Depression Guide
- Differential Diagnosis
- Chiropractic Therapy and Exercise
- Back Pain and Neck Pain
- Stretching Exercises Sciatica Pain Relief
- Chiropractic-treatments Whiplash
- Back Muscle Spasm
- Chiropractic Examination and Treatments
- Leg pain and numbness
- Cervicogenic Headache
- 2014
- May (53)
- Back to the basics
- Evaluation Patient
- Reactions Following a Chiropractic Adjustment
- Chiropractic Adjustment Lumbar Spine Low Back Video
- Tai Chi theory
- Treatment a Cervical Herniated Disc
- Manipulation Under Anesthesia Pain
- Treatments Low Back Pain During Pregnancy
- Video What Causes a Stiff Neck
- How are you sleeping these days?
- Ice Massage Back Pain Relief
- Sacroiliac Joint Problems
- Cold Laser Therapy
- Aerobic Exercise
- Muscle Strain
- Compassion
- Chiropractic Treatment
- Strong Hamstring Muscles
- Axial Pain
- Myofascia
- Non Surgical Treatment Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Video
- Lumbar Spine Anatomy and Pain
- Sacroiliac Joint Anatomy
- Osteoarthritis Treatments
- Snow Shoveling Techniques
- Chiropractic Examination
- Leg Pain
- Occipital Nerve
- Hamstring Stretching
- Back Muscle Spasms
- Joint Cavitation
- History of Chiropractic
- Subluxation
- Integrating Chiropractic Care Other Doctors
- Assessment of Back Pain
- Herniated Discs
- Persistent leg pain
- Stenosis
- Headache
- Joint Dysfunction
- Home Exercise
- Evolution Chiropractic Care
- Depression Guide
- Assessment of Lower Back Pain
- Exercise
- Lower Back or Buttock Pain
- Do-it-yourself massage ideas
- Soreness
- Ease your Back Ache
- Ice Massage
- Herniated Disc
- Fibromyalgia
- Welcome to Our Blog
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Posts for: October, 2019
Daily stretching can be one of the best ways to alleviate radiating leg pain from a lumbar herniated disc. The following 3 stretches can help loosen your tight hamstring muscles for better lumbar spine support and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve going down your leg. Just remember to stop if any exercise causes pain to worsen.
See Types of Sciatic Nerve Pain
Seated hamstring stretch
This stretch is ideal for those with limited mobility or really tight hamstrings, as it is done in a seated position. To perform this stretch:
- Sit at the front edge of a firm, straight-back chair with both feet on the ground, 3 to 6 inches apart.
- Straighten one leg in front of you, with your heel on the ground and toes pointed at the ceiling.
- Keeping your back straight, lean forward over the outstretched leg. You should feel the stretch in the back of your thighs.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds, if possible. Then switch to the other leg.
Watch Seated Chair Hamstring Stretch for Sciatica Relief Video
To increase the stretch, prop your heel on a stool or second chair rather than the floor.
See Hamstring Stretching Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief
Towel hamstring stretch
If you prefer to stretch while lying down, the towel hamstring stretch may be a good option. To perform this stretch:
- Lie on your back with your left leg flat on the ground and your right leg bent.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles while slowly lifting your right leg.
- Wrap a towel or yoga strap around the ball of your right foot. Hold the two ends of the strap with each hand.
- Gently push your right heel toward the ceiling as you straighten out your right leg. Keep your left leg against the ground.
- Once a stretch is felt, hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Release your right leg back to its original position. Switch legs and repeat at least 3 times per leg.
Watch Supine Hamstring Stretch (Towel Hamstring Stretch) for Low Back Pain and Sciatica Relief Video
To make the stretch more comfortable, lie on a soft surface such as carpet or a yoga mat, or on a padded physical therapy table at your gym.
See Easy Exercise Program for Low Back Pain Relief
A standing hamstring stretch can help alleviate radiating leg pain. Watch: Standing Hamstring Stretch for Low Back Pain Relief Video
Standing hamstring stretch
You can also stretch your hamstrings while standing.
- Stand up straight with legs and feet together.
- Engage your lower abdomen, drawing your belly button toward your spine.
- Inhale to lengthen your spine, and as you exhale, fold forward from the hips, lowering down your torso. While folding forward, draw your shoulders away from your ears and keep your spine nice and long.
- Place your hands at your hips or on the front of your thighs, avoiding pressing your hands into the tops of your knees. Keep your legs engaged to protect your knees.
- Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.
- Inhale and keep a flat back to come out of this stretch.
When doing any stretches, only go into the stretch as far as is comfortable for you—never stretch to the point of pain. Hamstrings can become quite stiff and tight over time, especially if you have pain secondary to a herniated disc. Start with gentle stretches, such as by holding for only 5 or 10 seconds, and gradually increase the stretches over time. For any pain that worsens or does not improve, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Learn more:
Specific Hamstring Stretches for Back Pain Relief
5 Little-Known Tips for Lumbar Herniated Disc Pain Relief
Massage therapy provides a promising way to help ease your sciatica pain1 through a combination of:
- Relaxing tight muscles
- Improving blood circulation2
- Reducing stress2
- Fostering a better healing environment2
Massage therapy is a commonly overlooked treatment for sciatic pain.
Learn more: Sciatica Treatment
The specific benefits of massage on the tissues of your lower back, guidance on finding a good massage therapist, and simple tips for self-administered massages are highlighted below.
The effects of massage on nerves and soft tissues
Depending on the type of massage, a therapist may work on your muscles, joints, nerves, and/or layers of connective tissue deep below your skin. A few examples of massage techniques include deep tissue massage, trigger-point therapy, and neuromuscular therapy.2
A massage can cause the following changes to occur in your body, easing the sciatica pain:
- Loosen and relax muscles. When your trunk, core, and lower back muscles are tight, they can apply pressure on the sciatic nerve root(s) in your lower back. Tight muscles may also get knotted up into small painful nodules, causing trigger point pain. Massage therapy can effectively stretch, loosen, and elongate these muscles, improving pain and function in your lower back and legs.2
- Facilitate the circulation of healing nutrients. Hands-on soft tissue manipulation from massage stimulates the blood vessels in your skin and deeper tissues. There is enhanced circulation of blood, oxygen, and other nutrients to the sore areas, promoting healing.2
- Release endorphins. Massage stimulates specific pressure receptors in your brain, which are special nerve fibers. Stimulation of these pressure receptors helps reduce pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormone.2,3
- Reduce stress. Stimulation of the pressure receptors also helps reduce the levels of cortisol in your body—the hormone that causes stress. Reduced stress helps provide a feeling of relaxation and relief, with a lesser perception of pain.2,3
Some therapists may use aromatic oils or essential oils to rub into your skin. Some of these oils may have a therapeutic effect on tissues and help reduce pain. The scent from these oils also helps provide an overall relaxed feeling. If certain types of scents bother you, inform your therapist before you start the massage.
Massages are usually safe when performed by a trained professional. Rarely, increased pain, soreness, stiffness, and/or damage to blood vessels and/or nerves may occur from the forceful application of pressure.2
Read more about Massage Therapy for Lower Back Pain
Finding the right massage therapist
Therapeutic massages are typically given by qualified, trained professionals, such as massage therapists, physical therapists, sports medicine professionals, occupational therapists, and other qualified health practitioners. You can enjoy a relaxation massage at a spa or a massage center. Massages can also be self-administered.
Here are a few pointers to help you identify the right type of massage technique and therapist for your sciatica pain:
- Identify your goals. Figure out what you want to accomplish before you start your search for a massage therapist. For example, if you want to relieve lower back tension, look for someone who is trained in specific muscle-relaxation techniques, such as neuromuscular therapy. If your goal is simply to raise your endorphin levels, you can head to your local spa for a basic Swedish (deep tissue) massage.
- Consult with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to recommend an appropriately qualified health professional who administers therapeutic massage in your area. If you have specific health conditions, such as high blood pressure or nerve problems (neuropathy) in your leg, a doctor can advise if massage is a safe option to consider for your sciatica pain.
- Check with professional organizations. The American Massage Therapy Association provides a searchable list of licensed massage therapists in your area. The list is not exhaustive, but unlike internet search engines, it screens out individuals who are not legally allowed to practice.
For people who have difficulty with mobility or driving, consider an in-home massage in which the therapist will come to your home.
See Massage Therapy Considerations for Lower Back Pain
DIY Massage
You can also massage your back using tennis balls and topical medication or creams. A few simple tips include:
- Secure two tennis balls next to each other with duct tape. Place the secured balls under your back, buttock, or upper thigh while you lie on the floor and gently move around to find sore muscle groups. When you identify a tender spot, focus and press the area gently.
- Press a tennis ball between your chair and lower back to loosen up tight back muscles.
- Use topical medicated creams or gels on your rear pelvic area and massage with firm pressure.
See How to Use Tennis Balls for DIY Lower Back Pain Massage
Massage therapy can be an important part of your treatment plan—providing temporary but effective pain relief, stimulating your body to produce natural pain-relieving hormones, and enhancing the body’s own healing abilities. A massage can also provide an overall relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Learn more:
Can Massage Help Your Back Problem?
Myths About Sciatica Treatment Options
5 Exercises for Upper and Middle Back Pain
Upper and middle back pain is less common than pain affecting the lower back or neck. But that doesn’t make it any less aggravating to deal with. Here are 5 common exercises that target the muscles surrounding the thoracic spine. It’s advised you try these exercises under the guidance of a health care professional.
See Early Treatments for Upper Back Pain
Cobra pose
This back extension exercise is referred to as the cobra pose in yoga. It targets your back extensor muscles, which are attached to the back of your spine.
- Lie down with your stomach on the floor, with your hands in a push-up position.
- Slowly push through your arms until you straighten your elbows, lifting the top half of your body off the ground.
- Keep your lower body relaxed against the ground. This position is typically held for 1 to 2 seconds and repeated 10 times.
If this exercise is difficult for you, try a modified version where you rest on your forearms.
Back extension exercise
Here’s an advanced extension exercise that targets your upper back muscles:
- Lie face down on your stomach with a pillow tucked under your hips.
- Reach your hands straight back. You can clasp them together behind your back.
- Raise your head and chest off the ground.
- Hold this position for 5 seconds while looking at the ground.
- Gradually work up to 20 seconds at a time. Aim to complete 8 to 10 repetitions of this exercise.
See Back Strengthening Exercises
To increase the intensity slightly, you can lift your legs off the ground, too.
Cat-cow pose
The cat-cow pose is a gentle stretch that can help ease the pain in your middle back.
- Get on your hands and knees. Align your arms straight under your shoulders, your knees directly under your hips, and your head straight in line with your torso and spine.
- Round your back, lifting your spine toward the ceiling. Your eyes should face your belly. Hold this pose for a deep breath.
- Slowly lift your chest and tailbone toward the ceiling, letting your stomach sink toward the ground. Your eyes will look up toward the ceiling.
- After another breath, gently round your back and lift your spine toward the ceiling again.
Alternate between the two poses.
See Stretching for Back Pain Relief
Opposite arm/leg raise
This exercise, sometimes called the bird-dog pose in yoga, strengthens your abdominals and back muscles.
- Get on your hands and knees. Keep your spine straight, with your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees aligned directly under your hips.
- Slowly reach out with one arm while extending the leg on its opposite side. Keep both straight and level.
- Hold for a few deep breaths, then gently lower your arm and leg to starting position.
- Repeat this exercise with your other arm/leg.
Try for 10 to 15 repetitions on each side.
See Back Exercises and Abdominal Exercise Recommendations
Corner stretch
Upper back pain is often due to poor posture, which may be exacerbated by tight chest muscles. The corner stretch is an easy and effective way to open up the chest muscles and encourage healthy posture.
- Face a corner of a room or stand in a doorway. Place your forearms against each wall (or each door jamb) with your elbows slightly below shoulder level.
- Lean forward until you feel a stretch in your chest under your collarbone.
Hold this stretch for up to a minute.
See Easy Chest Stretches for Neck Pain
A health care professional can create for you an exercise plan specifically tailored to treat your underlying condition. Stop immediately if any of these exercises cause pain.
Learn more:
5 Ways Motion Causes Low Back Pain
Our spines are remarkable—they're made up of incredibly intricate systems of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to enable movement in all directions. While all of this movement is great, the potential downside is that it can contribute to injuries and wear-and-tear damage over time that may lead to back pain and stiffness.
The spine is made up of strong bones, flexible ligaments and tendons, large muscles, and highly sensitive nerves. Watch: Lumbar Spine Anatomy Video
Understanding how movement impacts your spine can help you better communicate with your physician and hopefully get an accurate diagnosis for faster treatment and pain relief. With this in mind, here are 5 common ways that motion can contribute to back pain:
1. Large spinal muscles are easily strained with twisting motions
The most common reason motion causes back or neck pain has little to do with the bones in your spine. Instead, it’s related to the muscles and ligaments that surround your spine.
When you twist your lower back, such as during a golf swing or while bending to unload grocery bags, you run the risk of overstretching or tearing any of the large muscles or supporting ligaments around your spine. In response to this damage, the surrounding area will usually become inflamed. This inflammation can lead to a back spasm , which can potentially lead to severe lower back pain.
See Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain
Strains and tears in the spinal muscles and ligaments are a common cause of lower back pain. Watch: Lower Back Strain Video
2. Lumbar spine motion can cause a disc herniation
Your lumbar spine (lower back) is constantly in motion, and it also carries the entire weight of your upper body. This makes your lumbar spine particularly prone to injuries.
See Causes of Pain in the Lumbar Spine
The motion in your lumbar spine is divided into 5 spinal motion segments. Each of these segments is made up of 2 cartilage-covered facet joints and a spinal disc that provides shock absorption and prevents adjacent vertebrae from grinding together.
Your two lowest discs (the L4-L5 and L5-S1) endure the most strain, and therefore are the most likely to become herniated.1 A herniation can lead to sciatic pain that radiates down your leg and to your foot.
Watch Sciatica Overview Video
Symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc vary widely. Watch: Lumbar Herniated Disc Video
3. Overuse and injuries can lead to cartilage breakdown
Repetitive motions and overuse injuries, especially for athletes, can lead to spinal osteoarthritis—or the mechanical breakdown of the cartilage between your aligning facet joints in the back portion of the spine.
See Causes of Osteoarthritis and Spinal Arthritis
When this happens, the facet joints become inflamed, and progressive joint degeneration creates more frictional pain. As your back pain progresses, the motion and flexibility of the spine decreases.
See Symptoms and Diagnosis of Facet Joint Problems
Typical symptoms include:
- More stiffness and pain in the lower spine and sacroiliac joint in the mornings and later in the day.
- Decreased pain during the day as normal movements stir the fluid lubricant of the joints.
- Low back pain radiating to the pelvis, buttocks, or thighs—and sometimes to the groin.
While overuse and injuries can potentially accelerate the development of osteoarthritis later in life, it is important to remember that staying active is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Check with your doctor as to which exercises are appropriate for you, and how to perform exercises safely.
Excessive motion in the spine can lead to cartilage breakdown. Watch: Lumbar Osteoarthritis Video
4. Disc degeneration may lead to pain from micro-motion
Disc degeneration in your spine can create excessive micro-motion at a vertebral level and lead to lower back pain, a condition termed lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include:
- Low back pain that generally worsens with prolonged sitting or holding stationary positions
- Worsened pain with certain movements, such as bending, lifting, or twisting.
See Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease Pain
Potential pain relief may be experience when changing positions frequently, and lying day may be most comfortable.
Micro-motion from disc degeneration can lead to lower back pain. Watch: Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease Video
5. Bone spurs can form to compensate for too much motion
Over time, excessive motion in your spine can lead to inflammation and enlarged spinal joints. When this happens, bone spurs—or small, irregular growths on the bone—typically form on your facet joints in response to joint instability from the degeneration. The bony overgrowths can eventually become big enough to reduce joint motion and cause more swelling and stiffness.
While spurs can be a normal part of aging and do not directly cause pain, they may become large enough to irritate or compress nerves passing through spinal structures. This may result in diminished room for the nerves to pass—which is referred to as spinal stenosis.
Over time, degeneration of the facet joints in your lower back can result in the formation of a fluid-filled sac called a synovial cyst. These cysts are benign, but if they put pressure on the spinal canal they can, like bone spurs, cause symptoms of spinal stenosis.
See Treatment Options for Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are a marker of spinal degeneration, and are quite common in people over the age of 60.
Watch: Lumbar Osteophytes (Bone Spurs) Video
When discussing your back pain with a doctor, try to remember which activities make the pain better or worse. Sharing this information with your doctor may help him or her more accurately identify the specific cause of your pain.
Learn more:
Understanding Lower Back Strain
Most episodes of acute lower back pain are caused by damage to your soft tissues, or the muscles and ligaments that support your lumbar spine.
This type of injury is called a lower back strain, but it’s popularly referred to as a pulled muscle. The pain resulting from a lower back strain can be surprisingly severe, sending many patients to the emergency room.
See Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain
Your back is supported by a large, complex group of muscles that hold up the spine. Watch: Lower Back Strain Video
Our animated video on lower back strains can help you better understand this type of injury.
See Sport Injuries, Back Injuries, and Back Pain
Video highlights
Your spine is made for movement: lifting, bending, twisting, and arching. The discs between the vertebrae enable this movement, but your muscles surrounding your spine power the movement.
See Lumbar Spine Anatomy and Pain
The back muscles that power the movement of your spine, shown here in red, include the extensor, flexor, and oblique muscles.
See Back Muscles and Low Back Pain
These muscles are made up of individual fibers, seen here.
In This Article:
- What Is Your Back Muscle Spasm Telling You?
- Understanding Lower Back Strain
- First Aid for Intense Pain from a Pulled Lower Back Muscle
- Video: What Is Your Back Muscle Spasm Telling You?
Movements that place stress on your back, such as lifting heavy objects, falling to the ground, or twisting while lifting can cause a fiber in one of your back muscles to become over-stretched or tear. This injury is called a lumbar muscle strain. When a ligament in your back tears it is referred to as a sprain.
Watch Back Strains and Sprains Video
Symptoms of muscle strain
Symptoms of a lumbar muscle strain may include tenderness in your lower back, the sudden onset of pain, and localized pain that does not radiate into your leg.
See Lower Back Muscle Strain Symptoms
Lumbar muscle strains may be accompanied by muscle spasms as your body works to stabilize your injury.
Watch Back Spasm Treatment Video
The good news is that the initial pain from your lower back strain typically subsides in a short amount of time. The bad news is that low levels of pain or periodic flare-ups may continue for weeks or months after your initial injury.
See Early Treatments for Lower Back Pain
After 2 weeks, back muscles can atrophy—shown here as a white area in the muscle—from lack of use. This may lead to additional pain.
Treatment options for lower back strain
Most back strain injuries heal on their own within 3 to 4 weeks. But to prevent your muscles from atrophying it’s best to engage in various stretches and strength building exercises after 1 or 2 days of initial rest.
See Exercise and Back Pain
Other treatment options for your pain include:
We hope this video helps you better understand lower back strain injuries. Keeping your back muscles well-conditioned and flexible with strengthening and stretching exercises will help you avoid this type of injury.
See Pulled Back Muscle Treatment
Learn More:
Causes and Diagnosis of Lower Back Strain
Exercises for Lower Back Muscle Strain