Back pain is a common issue that almost everyone faces at some point. It can range from minor annoyances to serious problems that disrupt daily life. With so many people struggling with it, finding the right way to treat back pain is more important than ever.

Lance Einerson specializes in physical therapy, coaching, and stress management. As the founder of Revenant Rehab, Lance helps people worldwide find relief and tackle the root causes of their back pain.

In this article, we'll learn why back pain often feels like it comes out of nowhere, even though it builds up over time. We'll look at common causes, the limits of standard treatments like surgery, and the steps you can take to manage pain better. With Lance's practical advice, we'll discover how to get to real, lasting relief.

The Causes and Challenges of Treating Back Pain

Back pain affects nearly 80% of people at some point in their lives and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It impacts daily life in various ways, from minor inconvenience to completely derailing a person's ability to function.

While heart disease and cancer are often associated with serious health issues, back pain actually leads to the greatest loss of independent living.

Why Back Pain Is So Common

Several factors contribute to back pain, many of which build up over time rather than appearing suddenly.

Some common reasons include:

Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for extended periods, especially over three hours a day, significantly increases the risk of back pain. While sitting itself is not harmful, a lack of movement limits time spent on protective activities.
Lifestyle changes: Reduced physical activity in later decades, like moving from an active 20s lifestyle to a more sedentary one in the 30s or 40s, can contribute to back issues.
Increased stress: Higher stress levels from demanding jobs, family responsibilities, or other pressures can affect the body's ability to manage pain.
Poor sleep and nutrition: Both can weaken the body's resilience and increase the likelihood of developing back problems.

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The Mystery Behind Back Pain's Sudden Onset

Often, people perceive back pain as appearing out of nowhere. However, lifestyle consequences accumulate over time, leading to symptoms years later.

Even if there's no clear event, such as a specific injury, the root causes can still be traced to long-term habits and changes.

Addressing Back Pain Requires Patience

Effectively managing back pain goes beyond finding an immediate fix. It involves evaluating lifestyle habits, restoring movement, and gradually restoring to an active lifestyle.

The process may take months, especially for those without regular physical activity.

How to Approach Treating Back Pain Effectively

Addressing back pain requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond quick fixes. When people seek help, they often expect a straightforward solution, such as specific exercises or manual therapy.

However, understanding the root causes and preventing future issues involves examining various lifestyle factors.

Start With the Right Questions

The initial step involves gathering information through detailed questions. This helps identify potential triggers and lifestyle factors contributing to the pain. Important aspects to explore include:

Sleep patterns: Poor sleep quality can affect recovery and exacerbate pain.
Stress levels: High stress can impact the body's resilience and increase injury vulnerability.
Recent activities: Reviewing physical activities leading up to the injury helps identify potential causes.

These questions also encourage people to reflect on their habits and recognize areas they might overlook.

Immediate vs. Long-Term Solutions for Treating Back Pain

Manual therapy and targeted exercises can provide temporary relief and improve comfort. However, these methods alone won't resolve the underlying problem.

Individuals must adopt proactive lifestyle changes to prevent future injuries and break the cycle of repeated issues.

Building Self-Reliance for Treating Back Pain

Empowering individuals to manage their back pain independently is essential. This includes educating them about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and recognizing early warning signs. The goal is to enable people to avoid becoming dependent on continuous therapy.

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Focus on Meaningful Goals

Establishing meaningful, personal goals motivates recovery. For example, aiming to run a half marathon may be the surface goal, but deeper motivations often lie in shared experiences or maintaining a certain identity.

Understanding these underlying motivations adds weight to the goal, making it easier to stay committed when setbacks occur.

Track Small Wins

Progress is rarely linear. Acknowledging small improvements, such as reduced discomfort during everyday tasks, can reinforce positive changes and maintain momentum.

These smaller achievements act as milestones, providing evidence of progress and keeping individuals motivated throughout their recovery journey.

Why Surgery Isn't Always the Solution for Treating Back Pain

While surgery might seem like an easy solution for back pain, it's not always the best option. In some cases, such as trauma from accidents or falls, surgery might be necessary to repair structural damage.

However, for most back pain cases, particularly those related to lifestyle, surgery may not address the root cause.

When Surgery Might Be Necessary for Treating Back Pain

Surgery could be appropriate for individuals who have suffered specific trauma or whose condition has progressed significantly. This can include:

Accidents like car crashes or falls
Severe degenerative issues that have gone untreated for years

Even then, surgery alone won't fully resolve the problem. After surgery, patients still need to make lifestyle changes, such as improving physical activity, stress management, and overall health, to prevent further issues.

The Problem with Standard Treatment Approaches

Many people rely on standard back pain treatments like rest, medication, or surgery without addressing the underlying causes.

While these approaches may provide temporary relief, they often fail to fix the long-term problem. If back pain stems from lifestyle factors, neglecting to address them can result in recurring issues.

The Risks of Early Imaging and Unnecessary Surgery

Early imaging, such as MRIs, can lead to unnecessary surgeries. For example, one study found that individuals who received an MRI for non-specific back pain within the first six weeks were 13 times more likely to undergo unnecessary surgery.

These surgeries often lead to worse pain outcomes over time. Imaging frequently reveals abnormalities that may not even be causing the pain, as many asymptomatic people also have these findings without discomfort.

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Mentorship Program to Equip Coaches and Clinicians for Treating Back Pain

Lance is developing a mentorship program for coaches and clinicians who want to improve their skills in helping people with back pain.

This program will improve the lives of those suffering from chronic pain and offer professionals the tools to grow their expertise and businesses.

The mentorship will focus on providing real, actionable solutions for back pain, an issue that often lacks effective treatment options.

What the Program Offers

The mentorship program is designed to provide structured learning, practical tools, and community support.

It includes:

Monthly Learning Modules: Participants will receive lessons focusing on specific back pain management techniques. These modules are crafted to be practical, allowing participants to immediately apply the knowledge in their work.
Weekly Discussion Sessions: These round table discussions will cover recent research, common challenges, and real-life case studies. Participants will be able to ask questions, share experiences, and receive guidance from experts and peers.
Community Engagement: A key benefit of the program is the chance to interact with a wide network of professionals. This includes coaches, physical therapists, and chiropractors, all sharing ideas and solutions.

Who Should Join?

The mentorship is ideal for two groups of professionals:

Coaches working with general clients who want to help them overcome back pain and other lifestyle challenges while pursuing their fitness goals.
Sports performance coaches working with athletes who face pain that interferes with their performance. They will learn to address pain that limits their athletes' ability to train or compete.

Addressing Gaps in the Current Care Model

Traditional healthcare often limits physical therapists to symptom management, constrained by insurance policies and time.

This mentorship aims to move beyond these limitations by equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to offer meaningful, personalized solutions.

Coaches and clinicians will learn how to deliver care that truly makes a difference in their clients' lives, empowering them to achieve long-lasting results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, treating back pain requires more than quick fixes or temporary relief. A long-term approach that addresses lifestyle habits is key to lasting improvement. While manual therapy and exercises may help in the short term, they do not solve the root causes.

Understanding lifestyle factors, setting meaningful goals, and tracking progress are crucial steps. Surgery may be necessary in certain severe cases, but it often doesn't address the underlying problem.

Instead, adopting proactive changes in physical activity, stress management, and overall health is essential. By taking a comprehensive approach, individuals can reduce back pain, prevent future issues, and achieve sustainable recovery.

FAQs

Is it safe to exercise when treating back pain?

In most cases, light to moderate exercise is beneficial for back pain. Walking, swimming, or stretching can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

How does diet affect back pain recovery?

A balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods can support recovery. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

How does poor posture contribute to back pain?

Poor posture can strain muscles and ligaments, leading to misalignment and pain. Maintaining a neutral spine position can help alleviate symptoms.

How long does it typically take to see results when treating back pain?

Recovery time varies, but noticeable improvements can often be seen within 4-6 weeks with consistent treatment.

Should I avoid lifting heavy objects when treating back pain?

Avoid lifting heavy objects during severe pain, but practice safe lifting techniques when resuming, such as bending the knees and keeping the back straight.

Is there a link between sleep quality and back pain?

Yes, poor sleep can worsen back pain by limiting the body's healing ability. Improving sleep hygiene can help alleviate pain.

Nov 13 Treating Back Pain the Right Way for Lasting Relief