Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Up to 85% of adults in the United States will experience back pain at some point in their lives. But what causes back pain? And what can you do about it? Causes of back pain “One of the most common reasons for back pain is related to an inciting strenuous event, such as lifting heavy objects or bending and twisting the spine, especially with poor body mechanics,” says James Dunlap, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon with Kettering Health. Sometimes, this pain is sudden (acute), especially when it’s related to a specific event or injury. Other times, the pain lasts for months or even years, which is called chronic pain. You may be more likely to develop chronic back pain if you have • A sedentary lifestyle • Obesity • Poor eating habits How to prevent back pain The good news is that most people can lower their risk of developing back pain with a few simple lifestyle changes: Brain & Spine What to do and when to see a doctor Back pain got you DOWN ? • Reduced flexibility • A weak core 18 ketteringhealth.org
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