After being in practice for over 25 years and having had the opportunity to help well over several thousand people - I was always curious to see if there was a common thread - something about back pain that was age related, job related or something to do with economic back-round or the type of bed they all slept in, etc.
At first I couldn’t find anything that they all had in common - Back pain seemed to happen to anybody regardless of income, sex, age or whatever.
After closer evaluation though I did find that there was one thing that most people who have chronic back problems Do have in common.
People who have recurring back problems are out of shape. They may have been in shape at one time but have since de-conditioned. They’re not necessarily over weight but there is a strong correlation there that cannot be ignored.
But, people who have recurring back pain do not move as much as others who do not have back problems, they are generally more sedentary, their ligaments and muscles are tighter, they’re less flexible and their joints don’t have as full a range of motion as those who do not have back problems.
They do not work out. They don’t do resistance work or cardio on a regular basis.
Their idea of exercise is going to the mailbox to get the mail.
The "gym rats" - people who work out regularly generally don’t have problems with their back.
Yes, I do have those who got hurt working out - It happens.
I did it myself and I’m in the best shape of anyone I know.
However, people who are in good condition when they get injured - heal faster, more thoroughly, and are back to working out as soon as possible.
Some get hurt and because of their injury or their head-space, allow themselves to de-condition.
These people will continue to have recurring episodes of back pain.
A strong, healthy back is strong and healthy because it "moves".
Look at the school playground at recess time. It would be safe to say that most, if not all of the children, do Not have pack pain. As these same children age into adults some will slow down before others and become more sedentary - these are the ones you’re most likely going to be seeing later in the doctor’s office for back and other health-related problems.
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