Tens of millions of Americans report some type of back pain, whether it’s acute or chronic. This ever-present complaint may lead people to believe that back pain is far more inevitable than it is preventable. However, the story isn’t as straightforward as that, and it’s important to understand what you can do to avoid this common condition.

Acute Vs. Chronic

Acute back pain refers to back pain that comes and goes, while chronic back pain can start to feel like it will last indefinitely. If you’ve been experiencing back pain for longer than three months, you’ve officially entered the chronic stage of this condition. Back pain can be categorized as short, stabbing pains or dull aches.

No matter what kind you experience, it’s important to be aware of how the pain comes on and when it starts to abate. If you’re not seeing any improvements or it’s getting worse, you may want to talk to a physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ.

Is Back Pain Preventable?

You cannot prevent every type of back pain in Flagstaff, AZ. For example, if you get into a car crash that injures your back, you can experience acute back pain until the injury heals. However, there are ways that you can strengthen your back, which can potentially ward off chronic pain and make your back more resilient to physical trauma:

• Exercise: The more active you are, the stronger the muscles around your spine become.
• Posture: Standing and sitting straight reduces the weight and strain on your back muscles.
• Lifting: Lifting with your legs protects your back from awkward bending.

Visit a Physical Therapist in Flagstaff

At Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance, our patients don’t always visit us if they have chronic back pain. Sometimes, they schedule appointments because they feel great and want to continue feeling great. Whether you’re an athlete or just getting older, we work with patients from all backgrounds.

We can tell you more about how to target certain muscles in the back, so they’re more resilient, which can help you ward off far more debilitating problems down the line. If you’re interested in learning more about how to prevent back pain, contact us to start taking action.