Back Pain Explained: Why It Happens and How Chiropractic Can Help

Most of us have felt that sharp twinge or dull ache in our back at some point. In fact, back pain is one of the most common reasons people take time off work or visit their GP. While it’s usually not a sign of anything serious, it can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes persistent. The good news? There are safe, natural ways to manage it—and chiropractic care can play a big role.

Types of Back Pain

Not all back pain is the same. Sometimes it comes on suddenly and disappears within a few days—this is called acute back pain. Other times, it lingers for weeks or even months, which is known as chronic back pain.

For most people, the cause is what’s known as mechanical back pain. That simply means the pain is linked to how the joints, muscles, or ligaments in your back are working. Poor posture, stress, or sitting in one position too long can all play a part.

Occasionally, back pain can involve the nerves, leading to symptoms like pins and needles, numbness, or pain spreading into the leg (often called sciatica).

Why Does Back Pain Happen?

Back pain can be triggered by all sorts of everyday things. Some of the most common causes include:

• Lack of movement – Sitting at a desk all day or slouching on the sofa can strain your back.

• Overdoing it – Lifting something heavy or moving awkwardly can spark pain.

• Stress – Emotional tension can make your muscles tighten, which puts extra pressure on your back.

• Previous injuries – Old injuries sometimes flare up and cause new problems.

• Age – As we get older, the discs in our spine naturally become less flexible, which can lead to stiffness and discomfort.

  
  

What You Can Do at Home

The best thing you can do for most types of back pain is to keep moving. While lying in bed might sound tempting, staying still for too long can actually make things worse. Instead, try:

• Taking gentle walks and stretching throughout the day.

• Breaking up long periods of sitting or standing with short movement breaks.

• Using a hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) to ease stiffness or an ice pack to reduce soreness.

• Sleeping with a pillow between your knees (if you’re on your side) or under your knees (if you’re on your back) for extra support.

How chiropractic can help with back pain

If your back pain isn’t getting better, keeps coming back, or is affecting your daily life, it’s worth getting checked out. Chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat back pain safely and effectively.

At your first appointment, your chiropractor will talk through your health history, ask about your symptoms, and do a gentle physical exam. If needed, they may recommend further tests like an X-ray or MRI. Once they know what’s going on, they’ll explain your options and create a tailored plan for you.

Treatment might include gentle adjustments to ease stiff joints, exercises to strengthen your back, and simple lifestyle advice to help prevent flare-ups in the future.

When to Seek Medical Help

While most back pain isn’t serious, there are times when you should speak to a doctor straight away. If your pain comes with symptoms like numbness in both legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain after an accident, you should seek urgent medical attention.

The Bottom Line

Back pain is incredibly common—but it doesn’t have to take over your life. By keeping active, looking after your posture, and seeking support when you need it, you can recover faster and reduce the chances of it coming back.

If you’ve been struggling and want to discover firsthand how chiropractic helps with back pain, our clinic is here to support you.