Back Health: Movement, Daily Habits and When to Get Help

Back health supports ordinary activities such as walking, lifting, sitting and sleeping. Back pain can involve muscles, joints, discs or nerves, and several factors may contribute at the same time. The cause is not always a bone being out of place.

Make movement part of the day

Choose activity suited to your ability and increase it gradually. Break up long periods in one position. At a desk, adjust the chair, screen and frequently used items for comfort rather than trying to hold one rigid posture all day. An exercise ball or expensive chair is not required for everyone.

Build a plan you can maintain

A clinician can help identify appropriate strengthening, mobility work and changes to demanding tasks. Sleep, stress and general health may also influence your experience of pain. Recurring symptoms deserve review rather than an assumption that regular adjustments are the only way to prevent them.

Understand the role of chiropractic care

Selected manual treatments and exercise advice may help some people with musculoskeletal pain. Spinal manipulation may offer modest improvements in low-back pain and function. It has not been established as a treatment for every condition or as a way to prevent all injuries, digestive problems, depression or fatigue.

When back pain needs assessment

Arrange medical assessment for pain after an injury, worsening symptoms, fever, unexplained weight loss or persistent pain affecting daily life. New bladder or bowel control problems, saddle-area numbness or rapidly worsening leg weakness need emergency evaluation.

See our lower-back-pain care information or call 704-461-1836 for a non-emergency appointment question.

Sources: NIAMS: Back Pain; NCCIH: Spinal Manipulation; OSHA: Computer Workstations.