It can be mild or very intense, appear suddenly, or develop gradually.
In most cases, this pain is not linked to a serious illness but rather to a mechanical imbalance in the back: tight muscles, dysfunctional joints, or irritated nerves.
The good news is that it responds very well to treatment, especially when addressed early.
Chiropractic care helps to understand the cause, relieve pain, and prevent its recurrence.
What is Back Pain?
The term “back pain” refers to pain felt in the upper or middle part of the back.
It can be localized on one side or more diffuse.
Some describe it as tension, others as burning, stiffness, or a feeling of blockage.
Pain may also be felt in other areas such as the ribs, flanks, or chest. Conversely, issues originating from the back can sometimes manifest as pain in the lower back region.
There are three main regions of the spine:
- Cervical: at the neck level
- Thoracic or dorsal: between the shoulder blades and the middle back
- Lumbar: in the lower back
The human body typically has 33 vertebrae, which are divided into five distinct regions to form the spinal column (or spine).
However, it is important to note that only the first 24 vertebrae are considered individual and mobile bones. The lower vertebrae (sacral and coccygeal) are fused.
The Most Common Causes of Back Pain
1. Muscle Weakness and Tension
Lack of movement progressively weakens the muscles that support your back. These muscles lose strength, tire quickly, and become tight. When the muscles are too stiff, they can no longer properly support your spine. This constant muscle tension is often the primary cause of the pain you feel.
2. The Role of Movement for Discs
Sitting too long also harms the health of your spinal discs. Discs receive their nutrients through a process called osmosis, which requires movement. When you move, nutrients enter and waste leaves the discs. Without this movement, discs are less nourished and may become stiff, increasing sensitivity to pain and the risk of injury such as sprains or even disc herniation.
3. Improper Physical Effort
Lifting a load without bending your knees or pulling an object that is too heavy can create sudden and unexpected tension in the back. This can cause micro-tears in muscle or tendon fibers and local inflammation.
4. Stress and Nerve Fatigue
Stress directly influences muscle tone. Under tension, the muscles of the upper back and neck contract, which can create persistent and chronic pain. This phenomenon is well documented by the World Health Organization, which highlights the link between mental health and musculoskeletal pain.
5. Muscle Imbalances
A weak neck or underused abdominal muscles lead to an overload of the back muscles. The body compensates, which alters posture and causes chronic tension.
6. Trauma or Repeated Microtraumas
A fall, an accident, or repetitive movements at work can irritate joints and back tissues. For example, a warehouse worker who lifts boxes daily or an aide who twists their torso hundreds of times during a shift. These constant movements create small irritations in the muscles and joints of the back. Individually, they are often painless, but they accumulate over time. The body eventually reacts with pain. Athletes are also affected. A golfer repeating the same swing, a cyclist keeping a rounded back for hours, or a tennis player who always stresses the same side may develop this type of pain.
Symptoms of Back Pain
Symptoms vary from person to person.
Some experience morning stiffness, others sharp pain on movement.
The most common symptoms are:
- Localized pain or radiating to the ribs, flanks, or chest.
- Muscle stiffness upon waking or after prolonged sitting.
- A sensation of blockage or pinching.
- Muscle cramps or spasms.
- Difficulty bending or straightening up.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or groin.
These signs indicate that the back is overworking or that a joint is moving poorly.
If symptoms last longer than a week, it is advised to consult a chiropractor to assess the real cause.
How a Chiropractor Can Help
A chiropractor is a first-contact health professional trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mechanical disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system. They observe posture, joint mobility, and nervous system function.
The aim is to restore the natural functions of the human body and reduce pain without medication.
Chiropractic Assessment
At the first visit, the chiropractor takes time to listen to the patient and understand their lifestyle habits. This discussion helps identify possible causes of the pain, whether related to work, posture, or physical activity.
The examination continues with observation of posture, back mobility, and the body’s reactions to movements. This moment is essential to identify areas of tension or blockage. They then perform a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination to rule out other pathologies. In some cases, the chiropractor may recommend X-rays of the affected area. This evaluation primarily aims to understand the true origin of the problem, to build a personalized care plan rather than just to alleviate symptoms.
Chiropractic Treatment
Once the cause is identified, the chiropractor sets up a personalized treatment. They may use precise manual techniques, such as chiropractic adjustments to restore joint mobility and relax tight muscles. This work helps the nervous system better communicate with the rest of the body.
Treatment is often accompanied by postural advice and simple exercises to do at home to support healing. The chiropractic approach is based on a clear principle: a body that moves well heals better.
According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, the combination of joint adjustments, exercises, and postural education remains one of the most effective strategies for chronic back pain.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers rapid but especially lasting relief. By restoring natural back mobility, it promotes muscle relaxation, improves posture, and reduces stresses on the spine.
Beyond physical comfort, many patients also notice increased energy and greater confidence in their movements. Chiropractic thus helps to regain a strong and flexible back capable of supporting daily activities without pain.
Additionally, chiropractic follow-up focuses on patient autonomy: treatment is not just endured; the patient actively participates.
Preventing Back Pain in Daily Life
Prevention is the key to a healthy back.
Here are some simple tips:
• Move for only 2 to 3 minutes every 45 minutes when sitting
• Adjust your chair and screen to keep your head straight: CNESST Link
• Strengthen core muscles with regular exercises
• Sleep on a comfortable and ergonomic mattress
• Learn to breathe properly to reduce tension
These habits, combined with preventive chiropractic care, help keep the spine mobile and resilient.
Discover our articles How to Effectively Adjust Your Workstation
When to See a Chiropractor
See a chiropractor if:
- Pain lasts more than a few days
- It prevents you from moving or sleeping
- You experience numbness
- It often returns despite rest
The chiropractor will assess the cause and inform you if another medical opinion is necessary.
Early consultation often prevents worsening of the problem.
For more information, see our article on Lower Back Pain: Common Causes and Natural Solutions.
FAQ – Back Pain and Chiropractic Care
1. What are the most common causes of back pain?
Lack of movement, poor posture, and stress are the most common causes. Improper efforts and weak core muscles also play a major role.
2. Which symptoms should raise concern?
Pain radiating to the chest or ribs, causing numbness or preventing sleep should be evaluated quickly by a professional.
3. Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes. They are performed precisely, gently, and tailored to each patient. The INESSS (National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services) confirms their safety when performed by a qualified chiropractor.
4. How many treatments are necessary?
It depends on the severity and duration of the problem. Some people feel relief after a few sessions; others need longer follow-up.
5. Can chiropractic care prevent back pain?
Absolutely. By restoring mobility, strengthening posture, and educating the patient, chiropractic greatly reduces the risk of recurrence.
Back pain can be annoying, but it is not inevitable. With appropriate management and some habit changes, it is possible to regain a strong, flexible, and pain-free back.
Chiropractic offers a natural, safe, and effective solution to relieve, correct, and prevent back pain.
Make an appointment today with a chiropractor who is a member of ChiroRéseau and rediscover the pleasure of moving freely.