This is the second part in a series about suffering from lower back pain when bending forward. In the first installment, we looked at some of the common reasons, including slipped discs, weak facet joints, and pinched nerves.
Today we’ll answer the question ‘why do I have lower back pain when I bend forward?’. In other words, we’ll look at reasons for your back pain that may be particular to you.
Why Do I Get Lower Back Pain When Bending Forward?
Lower back pain is at almost epidemic proportions in Canada. Up to 85% of working Canadians will suffer back pain at some point in their lives. The basic cause of pain in your lower back is the strain you put on it and your core muscles when you bend down.
But people with back pain can suffer because of causes that are particular to their individual situations. Here are just a few reasons why you might experience pain in your lower back.
- Being Overweight – Bending forward puts an enormous strain on your lower back. Added body weight only exacerbates the problem. It’s why many back pain sufferers report fewer symptoms after they lose weight.
- A Previous Injury or Medical Condition – Previous injuries, like from a motor vehicle accident, or a medical condition, like a herniated disc, can trigger back pain. Your muscles and ligaments may be damaged or overly sensitive, so any added strain can be a problem.
- Repetitive Motion – Bending forward even once stresses your back. Bending forward repeatedly for long periods, as you might do as part of your job, makes the problem exponentially worse. This is especially so if you lift heavy weights.
How to Find Back Pain Relief
There are many ways you can help relieve lower back pain when bending forward. Exercises that focus on your core muscles can help them better support your back. Massage and other physical therapies can improve circulation and maintain your range of motion. If you live in Markham, our physiotherapy clinic offers a core stability program and massage therapy for your back pain.
Just being more active can also keep your core strong and minimize your back pain. Check out our recent article on how to stay active this winter.
