Dealing with middle back pain? Symptoms, Causes, Treatments Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief We often hear a lot about neck pain or lower back pain, but middle back pain  is relatively common , too. Middle back pain can be just as disruptive to daily life as other types of back pain. Luckily, there are many effective ways to treat middle back pain and get “back” to normal. What is middle back pain? Middle  back pain  is pain that you feel in your back between your shoulders and the bottom of your ribs. It can happen for several reasons, and in some cases, you may not know why your back is hurting. The back can be broken down into two major parts: the sides of your back (primarily muscles, connective tissue, and skin) and the spine. The spine can be further broken down into 4 major sections: Cervical spine , located in the neck Thoracic spine , located in the middle and upper back, which attaches to the rib cage Lumbar spine , located in the lower back Sacral spine , which includes part of the pelvis called the sacrum and the tailbone (coccyx) One reason you may be having middle back pain is an issue with your spine. The spine protects the spinal cord and the nerves that run from the cord to the rest of the body. It also provides the structural support that allows the body to stand upright. The spine is made up of bones, called vertebrae, separated by cushiony intervertebral discs that absorb pressure and impact to the vertebrae. It’s also connected to muscles and ligaments that  hold the spinal column together  and integrate with other parts of the body. Middle back pain can be caused by problems with any of these parts of the back or a combination of several of them. It’s important to find a healthcare provider who takes the time to find the root cause of your back pain, not just slap a bandage on the pain itself. What should I do if I have middle back pain?  If you have persistent or severe middle back pain, call your healthcare practitioner to determine the root cause. If you experience chest pain, jaw pain, leg muscle weakness or paralysis, or a loss of bladder control along with your back pain, call 911. Symptoms The most common symptom of middle back pain is pain in the area between your shoulders and the bottom of your ribs. You could feel sharp pain or a dull  ache , and the pain may be chronic or acute, depending on the root cause of the pain. In addition to pain symptoms, you may also experience muscle stiffness or a feeling that the joints of your spine are stiff. Some patients will experience their back pain as a burning sensation. Patients with middle back pain also often experience  low back pain , shoulder pain, and/or neck pain because muscles and connective tissue are linked all up and down the back. What are the symptoms of pain in the middle of the back?  The symptoms of pain in the middle of the back are pain (dull or sharp), aches, burning sensations, or stiffness in the middle part of the back. What causes middle back pain? Middle back pain can be caused by almost every part of the back, including muscles, nerves, and bones. There are some underlying causes of middle back pain more common than others, which we’ll briefly cover here. What is middle back pain a symptom of?  Middle back pain is a symptom of many conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves, bad posture, osteoporosis, arthritis, or injuries. Poor Posture One of the most common causes of middle back pain is sitting or standing with poor posture all day. If you spend most of the day hunched over a computer, your slouching posture is almost certainly contributing to your back pain. Damage to Spinal Discs Occasionally, the discs between the vertebrae can become herniated. This means the squishy inner part of the disc pushes out through a tear in the tough outer cartilage of the disc. Herniated discs put extra pressure on the nerves coming out of the spine, causing pain or numbness. Disc degeneration can also cause middle back pain. In conditions such as degenerative disc disease, the discs become inflamed, which can produce severe pain. Similarly, osteoarthritis of the spine involves the breakdown of discs and can cause a lot of back pain. Damage to the Vertebrae Damage to the bones of the spine is another common cause of middle back pain. When the vertebrae are damaged, they can put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves coming out of the spine. This can lead to pain, numbness, and general discomfort. Osteoporosis is one of the most common reasons vertebrae break down or become damaged. Weakened vertebrae can develop compression fractures and other fractures that are quite painful and debilitating. Injuries Sports injuries, car accidents, or other acute injuries can easily lead to back pain. Trauma to the spine or muscles in the middle back results in ongoing pain until the injury heals. Patients may also experience overuse injuries, muscle strains, and sprains that cause back pain. Nerve Issues Some middle back pain occurs when the nerves in the lower back become irritated or injured. Pinched nerves, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canals that nerves run through), and other anatomical changes or injuries can lead to nerve pain in the back. Chronic Pain Conditions that cause chronic pain in the muscles, like fibromyalgia or lupus, can also lead to back pain. The pain associated with these conditions isn’t usually confined to the back, and these patients generally experience pain all over the body. Scoliosis Scoliosis occurs when the spine develops with an abnormal curve, which can lead to back pain. Depending on its severity, scoliosis can be pretty painful if it presses on the spinal discs or nerves. Obesity Studies  have shown that obese patients are more likely to experience back

Back Pain vs. Kidney Pain: How to Tell the Difference Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief Determining the source of discomfort in your back can be a challenge. When it comes to back pain vs. kidney pain, it can be a little bit easier if you know what to look for and how to treat it. What are the differences between kidney pain and back pain?  The differences between kidney pain and back pain include the location and severity of your pain and any additional symptoms. Typically, you won’t feel kidney pain in your lower back. While some  back pain  may resolve itself with rest, the same isn’t true for kidney pain. If the root cause of discomfort is an issue with your kidneys, the pain will worsen without treatment. Let’s explore more about each so that you know how to tell the difference between back pain and kidney pain and when to get help. Back Pain Back pain is one of the most common ailments people face. Some  studies suggest  that up to 84% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. About a quarter of the world’s population is suffering from chronic pain due to back problems at any given moment. To treat back pain successfully, it’s important to understand the cause of your pain. Location The lower back is the most common location for back pain, but back pain can occur anywhere. Middle back pain  can signal various conditions, including herniated discs, pinched nerves, and your body’s response to bad posture. Pain in the upper back is often the result of a sprain or strain. If your pain radiates to other areas, like the legs or your buttocks, that still doesn’t signal kidney pain. Damaged discs and pinched nerves can both cause your back pain to radiate to other areas of the body. Signs & Symptoms A variety of symptoms can show up alongside back pain. While many patients experience chronic pain, some of these signs and symptoms result from an acute injury or trauma.  Common symptoms: Pain in the lower, middle, or upper back Neck or shoulder pain Muscle cramps or spasms Difficulties standing or walking Soreness in the back Stiffness in the back and spine Pain in the legs Pain in the buttocks Numbness or tingling in the legs If you experience worsening back pain symptoms after a trauma or back injury, seek medical attention immediately. Types of Pain The type and severity of your back pain will depend on the root cause of your pain. Muscle pain  can feel like dull  body aches  that come and go, often with exercise or movement. If you’re dealing with muscle pain, movement will worsen symptoms. Nerve pain  may start in the back but travel to other areas of the body, like your legs. Sciatica, or  lumbar radicular pain , is an example of pain that runs from the lower back to one or both legs along the sciatic nerve. Bone pain  is often the result of an injury, like a fracture, or irregularities in the spine. An abnormal curve in the spine, for example, can cause moderate to severe pain that comes on suddenly and worsens with movement. Causes The causes of back pain vary, with some more common in women than men. Both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, for example, are common causes of back pain that are more likely to occur in women. Here are a few of the more common causes of back pain: Muscle sprains and strains Poor posture Overexertion Muscle spasms Damaged discs, including herniated discs Spinal conditions, including abnormalities in the spine Tumors on or near the spinal cord Sciatica Spondylitis , a rare inflammatory arthritis Back injuries and fractures Torn ligaments Medical conditions like meningitis,  endometriosis , high blood pressure, and  fibromyalgia  may also cause back pain. That is why it’s important to be upfront about all symptoms with your doctor as you identify the root cause of your pain. How to Get Relief Rest and changing environmental triggers like your desk chair may be the easiest places to start when addressing back pain, but there are additional ways to relieve pain in the long term. Chiropractic care  has proven effective at reducing not only back pain, but neck pain and headaches, including  spinal headaches . At Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractic , we use gentle manipulations to adjust spinal misalignment, a common cause of back pain. Additional treatments for back pain include: Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve your postu re and core strength can help alleviate back pain. Lifestyle changes: This includes changes to diet, exercise, and posture. Stress and sleep problems are also common triggers for chronic back pain. Acupuncture: Acupuncture has proven somewhat effective in some low back pain patients. More research is needed to demonstrate long-term efficacy. Surgery: In rare cases, your healthcare provider may recommend back surgery to address severe pain. Spinal fusions and disc replacements are 2 common surgical options. Injections: Your treatment plan or medical advice may include nerve blockers or injectable steroids for targeted back pain relief. Massage therapy: Tension release in the back muscles through massage therapy can be a helpful way to relieve both physical and mental stress. Pain medications: Many patients turn to over-the-counter painkillers to mask back pain symptoms, but this should not be a plan for long-term relief. Kidney Pain Your kidneys are there to make red blood cells and remove waste and any excess fluids in the body. They keep your body and your bloodstream filtered and balanced. Dealing with your body’s waste makes the kidneys susceptible to infection and other conditions that may cause kidney pain. Kidney pain is common, but kidney problems can get serious quickly if left untreated. Location Kidney pain is typically localized pain, but it can spread to the groin or belly if the cause is left untreated. Where is kidney pain?  Kidney pain is typically felt higher up the back or below the rib cage. It can start on either side of the spine or at both

Thoracic Back Pain: Causes & Treatment Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief Thoracic back pain is middle back pain due to injury or tension in your thoracic spine. Thoracic back pain can spread to your ribs , neck, or other parts of your back. The most common cause is muscle tension due to poor posture. What is the best way to manage thoracic pain? The best way to manage thoracic pain is by maintaining good posture. You can also use stretches and exercises to strengthen your core muscles and ease muscle tension. Below is everything you need to know about thoracic back pain. If you’re looking for science-based holistic chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with Denver Upper Cervical Care today. What is the Thoracic Spine? The thoracic spine is the middle section and longest region of your spine. Its main purposes are to protect the spinal cord and other vital organs in the chest, anchor the rib cage, and provide stability. The thoracic spine’s vertebrae (labeled T1-T12) connect to the cervical spine in the neck (vertebrae labeled C1-C7) and to the lumbar spine in the lower back (vertebrae labeled L1-L5). Poor posture, obesity, back injury, or other medical conditions can lead to thoracic back pain, also called middle back pain . Symptoms of Lumbago Lumbago/lower back pain isn’t a single disease — instead, it is a symptom of many different medical conditions affecting the lower back. What is a symptom of lumbago ? Symptoms of lumbago include: Chronic pain in the lumbar region (lower back) Soreness in the back Pain or tingling sensation down one or both legs Muscle spasm Weakness in one or both legs Stiffness/muscle tension in the lower back Depending on the cause of lumbago, other symptoms may also occur. For example, if lumbago is caused by a herniated disc, the pain will increase while sitting but decrease when lying down. Lumbago that is due to scoliosis could also cause an abnormal curvature of the spine. Risk Factors The most common risk factors for low back pain include: Poor posture Older age Obesity Lack of exercise Heavy lifting, especially when it’s part of your occupation Smoking Kidney or bladder problems Pregnancy Common Causes for Upper & Mid-Back Pain So what are the most common causes of thoracic back pain? Thoracic back pain is most commonly caused by one or more of the following conditions: Poor Posture The most common cause of thoracic back pain is muscle irritation or muscle tension due to poor posture. Many of us sit at work or at home, and most of us do not have good posture. If you spend a lot of your days hunched or slouched over, your muscles can get tense and cause mid-back pain. Tip: To improveyour posture, practice good posture for short periods and work your way up to longer stretches of time. For example, instead of looking down at your phone, try holding it up and looking at it straight-on for a few minutes. Injury to Spine There are multiple ways your spine can get injured, whether by a single traumatic event or over time. Car accidents — Automobile collisions are a very common source of injured spine. Sudden crashes can damage every portion of your spine, including your thoracic spine. Sports injuries — Athletic injuries are another common way to injure your thoracic spine — especially in contact sports. Overuse injuries — Repeated twisting, lifting, or bending motions can lead to overuse injuries of the thoracic spine. Disc herniation — The spinal discs between the vertebrae can become herniated, which puts pressure on the spinal nerves, causing pain or numbness. Herniated disc is more common in males and those aged 30-50 are at higher risk. Disc degeneration — Degenerative disc disorders cause inflammation, resulting in severe back pain. Vertebral damage — Injury to the vertebrae (spinal bones) can cause pain, putting pressure on the spinal cord or the spinal nerves. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis — These bone conditions increase your risk of damage or ​​vertebral compression fractures. Other conditions — In some cases, thoracic back pain can be caused by various medical conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis orScheuermann’s disease (a type of structural kyphosis). Obesity Ovesity is a risk factor for thoracic back pain. While not always the direct cause of back pain, it can lead to other conditions that cause back pain. Chronic Pain Chronic pain conditions, like fibromyalgia and lupus, may lead to back pain. Pain associated with these conditions isn’t confined to the spinal region — pain is typically experienced all over the body. Abnormal Spine Curvature This might cause thoracic back pain. The curvature can be minor or severe, as can the pain associated with the curvature. There are 3 types of spine curvature to look out for: Scoliosis — an abnormal curve to one side.  Kyphosis — excess outward curve. This looks like hunching forward. Lordosis — excess inward curve. Usually in the lower back, this is commonly referred to as a “swayback” posture. Nerve Problems Thoracic back pain may occur when spinal nerves become irritated, injured, or inflamed. Although uncommon, some nerve conditions include: Thoracic radiculopathy — pinched nerves Post-herpetic neuralgia — a nerve condition related to shingles Spinal stenosis — occurs when the space inside the vertebra is too narrow and compresses the nerve Joint Dysfunction Thoracic spinal joints may go through cartilage tears or degeneration. This facet joint dysfunction often leads to thoracic back pain. Pregnancy Pregnant women often experience thoracic and low back pain because of the weight of the growing fetus and the natural loosening of their ligaments. This can result in sore ribs and middle back discomfort. Most chiropractors are trained to treat women during pregnancy. Treatment Options for Thoracic Spine Pain What are some treatments for thoracic back pain? The most effective treatment options for thoracic spine pain include the following: Chiropractic care — Chiropractic adjustments reposition the spine to alleviate pinched nerves, headaches , nervous system issues, thoracic back pain, and other health concerns. Chiropractic can improve range of motion and provide spinal pain relief. Physical therapy — Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option to stretch and strengthen the back muscles to improve

Lumbago (Low Back Pain): Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief Lumbago is an outdated term for lower back pain without an indication of the cause or type. The term “lumbago” can be dated back to the early 1600’s. Latin for lumbus , meaning “hip, loin,” was used in reference to the weakness of the lower back/hip area. In the modern era, sedentary lifestyles are the main cause of pain in the lumbar spine (lower back). Back in the day, when lumbago was a more popular term (even into the 60’s and 70’s), lower back pains were more likely due to degeneration. Fortunately, lower back pain can often be treated with chiropractic care . Chiropractic patients consistently report higher satisfaction rates than those who go to physical therapy or a primary care physician. Click here to set up your appointment at Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractic or give us a call today at 303-955-8270.  Our patients and their success stories speak for themselves. (We reserve Fridays for out-of-town patients.) Causes of Lumbago On any given day, it is estimated 12% of people experience lumbago/low back pain. (This number isn’t surprising — I meet many of them on a daily basis.) What is lumbago called now? These days, if your lower back pain is caused by back muscle strain, doctors would call that low back pain due to muscle strain instead of using the term lumbago. Is lumbago a real disease? No, lumbago is not a real disease. It’s a general term for the symptom of low back pain . Doctors tend to use more specific terms nowadays, such as sciatica or spinal stenosis. What is the cause of lumbago ? Medical conditions that may cause lumbago (lower back pain) include: Muscle strain Ligament injury Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis (and the compression fractures it causes) Sciatica (pinching of the sciatic nerve) Spinal stenosis (compression of the spinal nerve roots) Herniated disc Degenerative disc disease Scoliosis (or the related conditions lordosis and kyphosis) Tumors near the spine Fibromyalgia Spondylitis Spondylosis Osteomyelitis Broken bone near the spinal column Sprain Likely, a healthcare professional will have to diagnose the underlying cause of your chronic low back pain before he or she recommends treatment options specific to your case. Healthcare providers may x-ray your spinal cord and/or administer a physical exam before diagnosing the underlying cause. For instance, I get full 3-D views of my patients’ spine with an array of digital x-rays to ensure I can see what’s happening (and recommend they see a specialist, if it’s outside of my expertise to treat). Symptoms of Lumbago Lumbago/lower back pain isn’t a single disease — instead, it is a symptom of many different medical conditions affecting the lower back. What is a symptom of lumbago ? Symptoms of lumbago include: Chronic pain in the lumbar region (lower back) Soreness in the back Pain or tingling sensation down one or both legs Muscle spasm Weakness in one or both legs Stiffness/muscle tension in the lower back Depending on the cause of lumbago, other symptoms may also occur. For example, if lumbago is caused by a herniated disc, the pain will increase while sitting but decrease when lying down. Lumbago that is due to scoliosis could also cause an abnormal curvature of the spine. Risk Factors The most common risk factors for low back pain include: Poor posture Older age Obesity Lack of exercise Heavy lifting, especially when it’s part of your occupation Smoking Kidney or bladder problems Pregnancy Treatments Seek immediate medical attention if your low back pain is accompanied by a fever, unexplained weight loss, or new issues with your bladder or bowels. If low back pain appears after a fall or traumatic injury, see a doctor as quickly as possible to assess the damage and prevent further injury. Possible treatment options for lumbago/low back pain include: Chiropractic Care Research indicates that expert spinal manipulation is better and more cost-effective than taking medicine and/or visiting a primary care physician for back pain. Chiropractors leave their patients feeling less pain , less disabled, less dependent on drugs, and more satisfied. Physical Therapy Also called physiotherapy, physical therapy can teach you stretches and exercises that improve your posture and strengthen your back /core. Physical therapists should be able to improve your range of motion and strengthen your musculoskeletal system so future injuries are less likely.  https://youtu.be/MtWUoA5tt-8 Pain Medications Many doctors prescribe pain-relieving pharmaceuticals to “treat” lumbago. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen treat symptoms, not the root cause. These pain medications are not recommended as long-term treatment. Injections There are various injections doctors may administer to treat back pain, depending on the underlying cause. These injections include: Nerve block injections: Provide temporary pain relief for low back pain by blocking pain receptors.  Facet joint injections: Treat neck pain and back pain by introducing anesthetic and steroids to the affected facet joint.  Epidural steroid injections: Reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves.  Botulinum toxin A (botox): Shown to improve chronic back pain in half of patients. These treatments come with a host of side effects. I only recommend these to patients in rare situations when less invasive measures haven’t proven effective. Acupuncture This strategic insertion of filiform needles has been shown to work better than a placebo at treating low back pain. Massage Therapy A massage may help ease tense or overworked muscles, which is a common cause of low back pain. Surgery Surgical treatment is a last resort for most lumbago patients. A neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon may perform a spinal fusion, spinal laminectomy, discectomy, or nucleoplasty — to name a few common procedures. What is the prognosis for lumbago ? The prognosis for lumbago depends on the underlying cause of the lower back pain. If lumbago is caused by inflammation, a steroid injection may cure it. However, other lumbago-causing medical conditions cannot be permanently cured, like osteoporosis. Prevention To prevent low back pain with proper spine care: Regularly practice low-impact aerobic exercises. They make your back feel better in the short term, and they help you maintain a healthy weight in the long term. Build muscle strength, particularly in your lumbar region. Quit smoking, which increases your risk of

Why Your Back Hurts and What to Do About It Exploring the Unique Causes of Headaches in Denver and How Chiropractic Care Provides Relief Back pain is discomfort and pain caused by injury or illness between the shoulders and the hips. It’s not a disease on its own, but a symptom of various medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, sciatica, and general muscle strain. 65 million adults  report a recent bout of acute (short-term) back pain, and 16 million suffer from chronic (persistent) back pain. Adults with back pain earn less income and spend more on healthcare than their counterparts without back pain. Instead of living with back pain , improve your overall quality of life by getting your back pain treated. Just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to live with it! Let’s cover the common causes, risk factors, and the best treatment options for back pain. What Causes Back Pain? The most common causes of back pain are: Muscle strain Ligament injury Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis (and the compression fractures it causes) Spinal stenosis (compression of the spinal nerve roots) Sciatica (pinching of the sciatic nerve) Scoliosis Cauda equina syndrome Herniated disc Degenerative disc disease Kidney stones Tumors near the spinal cord Meningitis Fibromyalgia Spondylosis Ankylosing spondylitis Spondylolisthesis Osteomyelitis Broken bone near the spinal column Sprain What causes back pain in females?  These are conditions that cause back pain that apply more to women than men: Osteoporosis, which is more common in females Osteoarthritis, which is more common in females Pregnancy Large breasts Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) Dysmenorrhea (very painful menstruation) Endometriosis Piriformis syndrome Sacroiliac joint dysfunction Coccydynia (tailbone pain) Weight gain Risk Factors for Back Pain Poor posture Older age Obesity, excess weight Lack of exercise Heavy lifting, especially when it’s part of your occupation Sedentary lifestyle Smoking Pregnancy Genetics Back Pain Symptoms Here are the symptoms you may feel when you have back pain: Pain in the upper region of the back Pain in the lumbar spine region (low back pain, or  lumbago ) Neck pain, shoulder pain Pain in the buttocks Muscle spasm Back soreness Back stiffness Pain or tingling sensation down one or both legs Weakness in one or both legs How do I know if my back pain is serious?  Your back pain is serious if it is accompanied by any of the following symptoms: Incontinence Fever Unexplained weight loss Severe stomach pain Pain in both legs, instead of just one Issues with balance Back pain should also be considered serious if it occurs shortly after an injury or accident (car accident, sports-related injury, fall, etc.). Diagnosis for Back Pain Most healthcare professionals will ask about symptoms and perform a physical examination, medical history, and family history. But to diagnose the cause of your back pain, tests are often required. Doctors tend to use the following tests to diagnose back pain: X-rays  reveal bone alignment or fractures, as well as signs of arthritis. CT scans  (computed tomography) are used to investigate the source of your back pain, such as injuries, infections, disc herniation, pinched nerves, and much more. MRIs  (magnetic resonance imaging) tend to over-diagnose because of their incredible detail. MRIs may be good for early detection of back pain conditions, but doctors tend to avoid them for simple cases of back pain. Bone scans  are rarely used, but can help a doctor look for bone tumors or compression fractures. Blood tests  show if an infection or other medical condition may be causing back pain. Electromyography  (EMG) can confirm nerve compression by herniated disk or narrowing of the spinal canal. How do you know if back pain is in the muscles or discs?  Back pain is  muscle-related  if your back hurts more when you’re moving than when you’re still. Back pain is  disc-related  if moving relieves pain, if bending forward hurts more than returning to an upright position, and if pain radiates past your buttocks into your legs. Treatment for Back Pain The below treatments are some of the best, evidence-based methods for relieving back pain. Always seek medical advice before you take back pain treatment into your own hands. 1. Chiropractic Care Also called manual spinal manipulation, chiropractic care is a treatment plan in which a chiropractor adjusts spinal alignment and mobilizes the surrounding muscles and joints.  Chiropractic care  has been shown  to effectively reduce back pain  and neck pain. Research indicates  that chiropractic care is better and more cost-effective than taking medicine and/or visiting a primary care physician. After an adjustment , patients feel less pain,  less disabled , less dependent on drugs, and more satisfied. This is because it aligns the parts of your spine that interfere with proper nervous system function. Different chiropractors may have different methods. At  Denver Upper Cervical Chiropractic , we employ  gentle  spinal manipulations mainly to the upper spine. We do not treat our patients like rag dolls. Our approach is gentle enough for newborns and grandmas. 2. Physical Therapy Also called physiotherapy, physical therapy for back pain sufferers uses stretches and exercises that improve posture and musculoskeletal strength. Physical therapists also help to prevent future injuries through patient education and core muscle strengthening. The stretches and exercises you learn may be difficult to remember if you are experiencing little or no pain. And once the pain comes back, it could take at least a day for the stretches and exercises to alleviate your pain. So it’s important to remember to do your stretches and exercises learned at physical therapy, even if you aren’t experiencing back pain at that moment. Also, obesity and excess weight are risk factors for low back pain. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight. 3. Spinal Decompression Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy involves a gentle, slow stretching of the spine. Decompression creates a vacuum effect that can help retract herniated or bulging discs. If your back pain is caused by disc problems, a decompression table is one of the only effective ways to reduce that pain. We use a spinal decompression table in our office, and it’s shown huge success with our patients! Often, you’ll find these tables at the physical therapist or chiropractor’s office. 4. Lifestyle Changes The following lifestyle changes may relieve