Tag Archives: lower back pain

What Did I Do to My Back?!

Back pain is a pretty common complaint. But there isn’t just one type of back pain — and there isn’t just one thing that causes the problem. Here are three major causes of back pain. A sprain or strain is the most common cause of back pain. Tendons and ligaments are the stretchy stuff in your body that (among other things) hold the vertebrae of your spine in place and attach muscles to the spinal column. An injury or tear to a tendon, ligament, or muscle can cause some serious pain. Why? If these support pieces are weak or injured, … Continue reading →

New Wisdom for Back Pain

A recent study from the Northwestern University Institute of Neuroscience has found that constant pain can cause your brain to shrink by as much as eleven percent over ten years. Too many people suffer from lower back pain — but there are so many options out there. Is the traditional wisdom of bed rest and a firm mattress still good advice for your aching back? NO! Studies from UCLA and the University of Washington have shown that bed rest can make your muscles deteriorate and actually make pain worse. Instead, gentle exercise can help decrease recovery time. Try yoga and … Continue reading →

More Pains of Walking

You can’t beat a walk for an easy, gentle form of exercise. But even the gentlest form of exercise can cause problems. A pain in your toe, heel, or calf can mean different things. Does walking leave you with a pain in your lower back? You may be experiencing lumbar strain. Walking may not have caused the problem, but it can exacerbate an existing back strain. Protect your back by NOT leaning forward when you’re walking — especially if you are walking quickly or headed uphill. Keep your trunk strong and steady by using those abdominal muscles. Suck in your … Continue reading →