Four Common Causes of Back Pain

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Back pain is one of the most common conditions that people experience. It can impact several areas of your life. From relationships to your career, back pain can get in the way. Luckily, there are some great treatment options that can help.

If you’re searching for dependable back pain treatment in Flagstaff, AZ, look no further than Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance. We can properly diagnose your condition and get you on the path to better health!

In this post, we’ll discuss four common causes of back pain.

Muscle or ligament strain

Muscles and ligaments are found throughout the body. That said, we use them day in and day out. When certain muscles or ligaments are strained, this can lead to back pain. Those who lift heavy weights are more prone to developing the condition. Being in poor physical shape is another risk factor to consider.

Arthritis

Many people with arthritis experience back pain. Some people even get arthritis in the spine, which can cause narrowing of the space around the spinal cord. This condition is called spinal stenosis.

Bulging or ruptured disks

Those with bulging or ruptured disks can also have back pain. These disks act as cushions for the bones in your spine, but they can experience problems. Bulging or ruptured disks occur when the disks in your spine bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. Those with this condition may have a lot of pain or none at all.

Osteoporosis

Over time, the bones in our vertebrae can become weak and porous. This can lead to small breaks in the bones, which can cause back pain.

Base Camp Physical Therapy and Performance

If you’re tired of everyday back pain, our team is ready to help. While we treat several different conditions, back pain is one of the most common. That said, we know special techniques and treatments that can help kick the back pain for good. We’re here to get you back to optimal health! Make an appointment today to work with the top physical therapist in Flagstaff, AZ!

Is All Back Pain Preventable?

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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.