Who’s at Greater Risk for Back Pain?

Back pain does not discriminate! Many factors contribute to the cause of mild or severe back pain and conditions care vary from acute (short term) or chronic (long term) pain. Fact is, anyone can suffer from back pain…

However, you should be aware of factors that increase your risk which are as follows:

• Getting older: It’s a simple truth, back pain is more common the older you get.
• Poor physical fitness: Back pain is more prevalent in people who don’t exercise regularly or stay fit.
• Being overweight: Carrying excessive weight can overburden the back, causing stress and pain.
• Heredity: Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine, can have a genetic component.
• Other health conditions: Some types of arthritis and cancer can cause back pain.
• Your job: The daily grind of having to lift, push, or pull while twisting your spine, may cause back pain. Conversely, if you work at a desk all day and do not sit up straight, you may also get back pain.
• Smoking: Your body may not be able to get enough nutrients to the disks in your back if you smoke. Smoker’s cough may also cause back pain. People who smoke are slow to heal, so back pain may last longer.

We hope that knowing these risk factors will help you make smart decisions about your health and wellness. On behalf of the entire team at National Spine & Pain Centers, we wish you the very best in pain-free, balanced living.

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