Backs Don’t “Go Out”- and 6 Ways to Address the Real Causes of Back Pain

We’ve all heard the phrase, “My back went out.” Maybe you’ve even used the expression yourself. I’m here to tell you, that’s not a real thing. Sorry. There is no real “out” or “in” when it comes to backs. And, without a better understanding of back pain people will persist seeking quick fixes for symptoms rather than do what it takes to heal and even prevent more back problems in the future.

Everything in life has a breaking point. A position that is too close to the edge of disruption. Usually, it’s been busting at the seams for a while, or it’s been a slow creep. Think of a balloon that bursts. It has a capacity or limit to its construction and basic building materials.  Perhaps, somone gains an extra 15 pounds slowly over the winter and the extra load changes their blood pressure, pant size and energy level. What about a tire that blows?

Even relationships can slowly begin to breakdown in communication and direction and the distance between partners increases as people get closer to their edges of discomfort and dis-ease. There are breaking points in many parts of life and most have been coming on for a while. Somewhere, a weakness was present and destruction occurred. It’s time we recognize the weakness before the breakup or blowout. Let’s understand and address the cause of why backs “give out.”

So, what’s the real cause of back pain?

1.        Anatomy. We don’t know our weak links. People aren’t perfectly engineered. Sometimes our anatomy dictates our limits. This is why x-rays and special imaging are important. Spinal curves, bone spurs, worn discs, herniations can all generate pain, wreak havoc on spinal motion and contribute to compensation problems. We can’t assume we aren’t aging or old injuries haven’t resulted in tissue changes over time. Therefore, good information (examination and imaging) lend to understand and respecting the bodies limits. Then, you can strengthening weak links with a plan of action and care.

2.         The Edge. Back function is compromised when we let pain or discomfort go too long, or we ignore symptoms, or we assume things are okay. When we don’t heed the warning signs it’s like ignoring your gas gauge being too close to empty. Without correcting the problem it won’t be long until things stop all together. Likewise, if you know you have a problem, but don’t or won’t do the work the body needs it will eventually fail. Pretty soon it's not just the low gas light coming on, the whole dashboard is blinking and it’s gonna take more than fuel to get it up and running again. In other words, edges can be ignored by enduring and waiting until it’s so bad we can’t stand it. If we don’t take action by stepping back from the edge by seeking care, or having the hard conversations in relationships, or putting the potato chips down instead of in our mouths, or not driving another mile despite the shimmy of the car we are headed for a breakdown. Somethings got to give.

3.        Deconditioning. Being out of shape, too weak, inflexible, overweight, and haivng muscle imbalances are all contributing factors to spinal alignment and misalignment. Compensation follows deconditioning. Over time you stop lifting as much, stop bending correctly, stop turning your head without recruiting your shoulders. Eventually, one body part moves too much or too little because something else isn’t strong or flexible enough to do its own job. If you offload a problem area, the area that is recruited might not be able to withstand the load and then it becomes strained. For example, if your hamstrings (back of your legs) aren’t flexible enough to bend properly to use your legs to lift then you will offload the weight to your back and strain your back. Another example. If you’ve been sitting too long and your muscles have been stretched and spinal discs have been compressed, and then you get up and bend over to pet the dog  or pick up a gum wrapper those structures may not be able to protect you. Suddenly, that simple movement strained your back.

There is a reason behind the statement “I didn’t do anything to hurt my back,” a complaint I hear all too often.

It’s complicated and that’s why you need to know about the state of affairs of your back and have a personalized and well-rounded fitness plan addressing your specific back problems for whole-body stability.

Alignment influences function.

4.        Alignment and Core. Alignment is when each vertebra is within a healthy position next to adjacent vertebra and is moving well in relationship to the discs, ligaments, muscles, nerves and surrounding fascia. Each segment of the whole spine has a job to do including protecting the spinal cord and nerves that go to different body parts and organs. No spinal joint is in and of itself a problem. The goal is a little movement at each segment, not none at all, and not offloading the movement to other segments.

Metaphysically, alignment is a word used to describe how we are and feel at our inner core compared to our thoughts and behaviors in our outer world. A loving person who lashes out and misbehaves is thought to be out of alignment and a loving person who uplifts and exudes appreciation is considered in alignment. Physiology is similar. If the spine is the core or center of our physiology, it would make sense that the more freedom and natural aspects of the spine that are expressed the more functional the surrounding nerves, ligaments, muscles and other structures would be. The overall health of the spine and whole person would be better.

Things align to a strong center whether physical or metaphysical. Therefore, focusing on the core of the body, including the spine and nervous system, as well as, core beliefs and values can work as a basis for healing. Often people don’t recover fully because they don’t align completely. The spine out of alignment can trip or effect nerve function to the body. Personal values out of alignment can trip or effect the nerves returning from the body to the spine and brain. Stress  (separation from core being) is neurology and it goes both directions.

5.        Disconnection from body. Ignore, ignore, ignore. Health is all about movement and mechanics. Activity keeps you “in your body.” One of the biggest reasons I love teaching yoga. If you aren’t doing sit ups, down dogs, bending to feed the dogs or doing a variety of physical activities you may not know how you feel and if you have limitations. You have to be moving to really know how you feel physically.

Our relationship with our bodies develops over time. From being oversensitive, to stoic, to physically traumatized by accidents, situations, medical procedures or abuse. No two human/body relationships are the same. There is no perfect relationship, some are healthy and some are destructive and most are somewhere in between. I’ve noticed that people who do activities generally are better reporters of what, when, and how their body feels or does something. Those that dissociate or are too tough let things go too far and the recovery time is longer, harder and less repairable. We must respect and heal our mind/body relationships to be both mentally and physically well.

The conversation or inner listening between the body and the mind must be addressed if someone truly wants to improve a condition. Sometimes we need more grace, other times more discipline. I’m willing to lean into this in private sessions with patients who really want to do this work for better health and more success.

6.        Spinal hygiene, checkups and routine care. If you go to the dentist, you understand a checkup, and the potential buildup of plaque, early cavities and gingivitis. The goal is to brush and floss to avoid dental breakdowns that lead to root canals or dentures. Sound familiar?

Prevention is the key. Spinal care is similar. Instead, chiropractic addresses health and function of each vertebra. Does each vertebra move symmetrically? Is there vertebra where the attached muscles have spasm? Is there tenderness? Does each vertebra move well with the rest of the spine and the extremities as a whole? Specific movement, tenderness, and spasm all indicate healthy or unhealthy spinal segments. Exercise and stretching are to spinal health what brushing and flossing are to dental health. Stay up to date with your check ups and routine care.

 Answer These Basic Questions About Your Back.

1.        Does your back “give out?” Now that you know what it means. Would you like a long term solution the episodes of failure that need addressed?

2. Do you have good posture or try to have good posture? Does your head align with shoulder, hip, knee, ankle?

3.        Do you have a strong core? (spine and spinal muscles, abdominals, diaphragm, pelvic floor) Are you actively and adequetely exercising each area? Do you know how?

4..        Are you compensating for pain or injury?

• ·      Do you have a knee problem that makes you walk off kilter?

• ·      Does your stiff neck make you also turn your shoulder when looking behind you?

• ·      Do you swing up using momentum or use your hands when getting up from a chair instead of using your abs or butt?

• ·      Can you do 10, 20, 50 sit ups and squats.

These are the basic indicators. If you aren’t able to do the basic movements its a good indicator you need attention for prevention. If you can do the basic movements a next level evaluation is a good idea. We can all use a professional perspective for health management and coaching.

You might not have pain but your back may be on the edge of giving out. If you do have pain get motivate to continue to work at it getting better, figure it out, get as good as you can get. I’m happy to teach you. Address the real causes of back pain and get your whole self back in alignment.

Make an appointment for an exam or check up and address the body, spine and mind for better spinal hygiene and holistic prevention.

To schedule an evaluation, discuss or begin care call today 406.888.6044.