Back Pain: Surprising Causes and Solutions
Oct 21, 2020If you read last week’s blog post, you already know that pain doesn’t always mean there’s an injury or even imminent danger. In the moment, though, whether it’s a muscle spasm or a continuous ache, low back pain can put a huge damper on your activity level and energy levels!
Take a moment and close your eyes, imagining this possibility: your brilliant brain could actually be looking out for you by sending back pain signals. Back pain could actually be an act of LOVE from the part of your brain that knows you need something different than what you’re doing, eating or experiencing right now.
So, if traditional approaches to fixing back pain (we most often hear : strength training, massage or chiropractic, and heat or ice) aren’t helping in the long term, it might be time to ask your body: What do you really need?
There are a few “usual suspects,” once we’ve addressed any mobility or postural issues, that our clients often find provide relief and a reset:
Note: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Breathing Mechanics and Respiration.
Poor breathing mechanics and the resulting oxygenation issues can quickly cause issues related to inflammation, core instability and poor blood flow in and around your lumbar spine. Start with some of these drills 3-5 times per day.
Digestion.
Inflammation in your GI tract (your intestines!) or irregular bowel movements can cause restriction and tension in the muscles and connective tissues that attach to your tailbone and low back. Start with a warm pack on your low belly, along with some gentle clockwise self-massage on your lower abdomen, mindfully eat metabolically supportive foods and hydrate, and chat with a coach about possible vagus nerve or vestibular issues if this has been going on a long time.
Stress.
Fun fact: Low job satisfaction is one of the primary indicators in low back pain. Unmanaged stress often manifests itself as pain, because what do so many of us do when it hurts? REST! Take a moment now and identify the two or three biggest stressors in your life. Notice how your body responds to even thinking about those. Give yourself credit for the work you’re putting into those areas and choose one thing - that takes two minutes or less - that you can actively do to address them. Then, take 10-20 min each day - all at once or in 2-5 minute chunks - to do this exercise, meditate, nap, sip tea, hug someone or just walk barefoot outdoors.
When back pain strikes:
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Don’t panic. Remember, it’s simply a request for change or help.
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Do something to tell your brain “I hear you. I’m creating change.”
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Move. Breathe. Eat. Drink water. Talk to someone.
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Register for our upcoming workshop of easy ways you can start your own healing.
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Download this video and start moving!
3. Ask for connection or help. Find a provider who LISTENS to your experience, HEARS your experience and GUIDES you in learning your individual system and needs.
We’d love to hear in the comments -- what is the “oddest” thing you’ve found that addresses your back pain!?
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