Understanding the Primary Cause of Back Pain

Dr. Abigail Lynn Swank Chiropractor Cary, NC

For over 30 years, Dr Abbie Swank, Dr Parker Neill & Dr Timothy Swank have been serving Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Raleigh & surrounding North Carolina areas. We offer affordable Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression therapy for patients suffering from herniated & bulging discs, sciatica & neuropathy. You'll discover that our... more

Back pain can affect virtually anyone. It varies widely in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating misery. Pain can manifest as a dull ache, sharp stabbing, or burning feeling. It may be localized to one area or radiate outward, often affecting the legs or arms.

While there are other, less common causes of back pain-ranging from injuries to disease processes-most experts agree that the primary underlying factor is biomechanical dysfunction.

What is Biomechanical Dysfunction?

Biomechanical dysfunction refers to improper functional movement of the body’s musculoskeletal system. This can occur due to poor posture, muscle imbalances, or limited joint movement, leading to abnormal stress on muscles, ligaments, & tendons. Over time, these imbalances manifest as pain, limited mobility & decreased quality of life.

How Biomechanical Dysfunction Leads to Pain

When the body is not moving optimally, certain areas become overworked, while others may weaken, leading to failure & symptoms. For example, tight muscles along the spine may prevent vertebra from moving when called upon to support the frame. This lack of necessary support causes mechanical failure-precipitating pain, spasm & inflammation. Similarly, if a person has tight hip flexors, it may result in lower back pain as the body compensates for the lack of mobility.

Eliminating the Cause of Back Pain

The goal of Chiropractic treatment is to restore normal (insofar as possible) biomechanical function to spinal and/or body joints. This is accomplished with adjustments, physiotherapy, exercise & more. Studies demonstrate that chiropractic care results in positive physiologic effects; relieving pain & symptoms, stopping/slowing degenerative processes, promoting healing & increasing normal movement. Interestingly, standard medical treatment uses pharmaceuticals or surgery in an attempt to accomplish the very same goal.