Signs Your Back Needs Help 

The back is an intricate construction that uses bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons, and other types of tissue in one whole system. Without your spine and all the structures that work together to support it, you wouldn’t be able to do most of your daily activities, from reaching to get food out of the fridge or even typing at your computer. With all that goes into making our backs what they are, it’s no wonder that back pain can be complicated to figure out. These are the signs that your back might be asking you for help.

Are You Having Back Pain?

Back pain is common, in fact, about 31 million Americans are experiencing it at this very moment. However, many people don’t think about the health of their spine until they are already in pain. Before you have full-out back pain, there are normally signs that your body gives you trying to tell you to take care of your spinal health. Symptoms could include: 

• Inflammation centered in the lower back, neck, and/or mid-back 
• Stiffness along the spine or in the muscles surrounding it
• Pops, cracks, and other noises or sensations when you move after resting or being active
• Pain that is worse or better after rest
• Pain that is worse or improved after exercise 
• Spasms that happen throughout the back, making it difficult to sit, stand, or even lie down
• Numbness 

Back pain could also be the symptom of other health conditions, from the flu to even pregnancy and hormonal changes. 

Causes of Spinal Pain 

Unfortunately, for many people, there is no clear cause for why their back pain begins. Other people have luck finding a definite issue through proper testing. Some spinal issues may require immediate treatment, while others might respond well to conservative treatment options. Common causes of back pain that respond to conservative treatments include:

• Injuries to the spine during a car accident or athletic activity 
• Activities like running and jumping that put a lot of strain on the back
• Degeneration due to aging, osteoarthritis, or excess stress on the joints of the spine
• Scoliosis 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia 
• Nerve compression or a herniated disc
• Poor posture from sitting at a desk or computer all day 

Risks of Developing Back Pain

Even if you don’t have pain now, you might be putting yourself at risk through the things you are currently doing each day. High risk activities of developing back pain include: 

• Poor posture, especially when seated
• Pushing yourself too hard when exercising or doing physical labor
• Lifting heavy boxes or unbalanced loads
• Lifting with your back rather than your legs
• A sedentary lifestyle that allows the major back muscles to weaken
• Untreated depression or anxiety 

When Should You See a Doctor for Back Pain?

It’s hard to know sometimes when spinal pain warrants a visit to the doctor, however, if the pain is ongoing or if you have any of these symptoms, it is best to seek medical advice for your situation:

• Pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• If your pain follows an injury or fall
• Numbness in the legs
• Muscle weakness
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss 

Treatment Options for Back Pain

The advancement of spinal treatments and spread of chiropractic care now provides patients with a multitude of more options that come with far less side effects and risks. Our treatment options for your spinal pain can include:

• Egoscue Postural Therapy 
• Spinal alignment therapy to straighten out slipped vertebrae and relieve pressure placed on discs
• Braces and other support appliances to protect yourself when doing activities that put it at risk for injury
• Steroid shots to reduce pain
• Electrical stimulation to calm irritated or damaged nerves 

However, if you’ve tried these methods before and haven’t experienced pain relief, our diverse staff is more than qualified to treat you. Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center now works with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spinal health. We now provide treatment options from chiropractic care to regenerative medicine, and even spine surgery. If you’re in pain, trust that you will be in excellent hands here at Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center. 

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you are suffering from back pain, our team is ready to help. Specializing in back pain treatments here in Austin, Texas, Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center is here to help you understand the source of your pain and what it will take to get you living a pain-free life again. Call us now at (512)-806-0015 today to make an appointment.