ABOUT BACK PAIN

Back pain is the most common physical ailment in the world. In the U.S., 70-90% of the population have experienced back pain in some significant manner. Back pain contributes to an estimated $100 billion in annual lost productivity due to missed work. And it is getting worse!

Most doctors agree that our lifestyles cause our back problems. Most back problems are caused by stress and weak muscles. In our sedentary work lives, we sit in front of computers, often in poor posture. We do not exercise as much and as a nation we are gaining weight. All of these factors combine to create a nation in chronic pain.

Many doctors agree that main causes of back pain are:

- Gravity
- Weak Back Muscles
- Muscle Imbalances
- Poor Flexibility

To have a healthy back, we need to alleviate stress and create strong muscles in our stomachs, hips and back to support ourselves.

Gravity - Everyday the forces of gravity pull us down and create stresses on our bodies. Do you know that every morning you wake, you are an average of 1/2" to 1" taller than when you went to be the night before? Every night, you back relaxes, your discs decompress and you grow in your sleep! During the day, standing, sitting, exercising, etc, all compress your spine and can lead to pain.

Poor Flexibility - Your back is made up of muscles and ligaments that need movement and stretching to remain limber and flexible. As we age, and our discs actually become thinner, this flexibility becomes even more important. Stiff muscles and ligaments don't have the strength to support your back the way limber, strong muscles do, which increases your chances for injury. Stretches and exercise are key components of any healthy back.