Beyond the Spine: Understanding and Treating Lower Back Pain as a Whole-Body Issue
When it comes to lower back pain, many assume the problem is just in the spine—a disc, sciatica, or degenerative disc disease. But as we’ve learned at Unpain Clinic, back pain is often a complex issue involving more than just bones and discs. Today, we’re exploring the unexpected causes of lower back pain, from gut health to old injuries, and how effective treatment must consider the entire body. Read on for insights and practical advice to help you better understand and manage your pain.
Lower Back Pain Is More Than Just a Spinal Problem
For many, receiving a diagnosis like “herniated disc” or “degenerative disc disease” feels like an answer. But diagnosis alone doesn’t reveal what’s driving the pain or why it persists. X-rays and MRIs may show physical changes, yet they cannot capture dysfunction—the way your muscles, nerves, and organs interact dynamically. Without understanding this complex network, you could treat the pain without addressing its true source.
A Holistic View of Lower Back Pain
I’ll share an example: A gentleman in his seventies came to our clinic with severe lower back pain and an X-ray showing multiple herniated discs and degeneration. I expected him to be barely able to move, but he surprised me—standing tall with perfect posture. This reinforced a critical truth: visible damage on imaging doesn’t always correlate with pain or dysfunction. Pain, particularly chronic pain, is often a sign of something deeper, like muscular imbalance, previous surgeries, or even digestive issues.
Common Overlooked Causes of Lower Back Pain
To truly alleviate pain, it’s essential to look beyond the spine. Here are some common yet often overlooked contributors to chronic back pain:
- Post-Surgery Dysfunction- Surgeries, even those from years ago, can create compensatory imbalances. For instance, an appendectomy from childhood may impact core function decades later. Over time, our bodies compensate for these small dysfunctions, which can manifest as lower back pain later in life. Understanding these triggers is crucial, as the body will continue to adapt to dysfunction until the root cause is addressed.
- Digestive Health- IBS, constipation, and other gut issues can contribute to lower back pain. Inflammation or tension in the digestive system affects the surrounding muscles and spine. When your gut is out of balance, your spine and lower back often bear the brunt, increasing pain and discomfort. That’s why addressing gut health—through diet, hydration, and supplements like magnesium—can be a surprisingly effective approach for managing back pain.
- Soft Tissue Injuries and Chronic Tension- Falls, old sports injuries, or even rolling an ankle can contribute to chronic back pain by changing the way you move. Muscles are meant to absorb impact and support the joints, but when they’re tight, they transfer the shock to the bones, increasing the risk of joint degeneration over time.
Effective Solutions for Lower Back Pain- The good news is there are several ways to address lower back pain holistically:
Start with Breathing Exercises- Practicing breathing exercises is an often-overlooked yet powerful first step. Shallow breathing restricts oxygen to muscles, causing tightness and decreased movement. By focusing on deep, diaphragmatic breathing, you can relieve tension in critical muscle groups like the diaphragm, hip flexors, and quadratus lumborum (QL).
Try Gentle Stretching- Gentle stretching for the lower back and surrounding areas, especially the hip flexors and glutes, can be extremely helpful. These muscles often tighten up with poor posture or prolonged sitting, contributing to lower back strain. Start with a few simple stretches, then progress based on comfort and range of motion.
Consider Shockwave Therapy for Persistent Pain- If chronic pain persists despite trying multiple treatments, shockwave therapy may offer relief. Using sound waves, shockwave therapy can break down scar tissue, reduce adhesions, and stimulate healing deep within the body. Shockwave reaches areas that manual therapy can’t access, allowing for targeted treatment of muscle, fascia, and connective tissues up to 12.5 cm below the surface. For chronic back pain, three to five sessions are often enough to start seeing results.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help– If stretching, breathing exercises, and standard treatments don’t work, it may be time to seek a specialist’s opinion. We recommend looking for a practitioner with experience in treating the root causes of back pain rather than just the symptoms. Physical therapists, chiropractors, and specialists in modalities like shockwave therapy can offer targeted solutions. However, remember that each modality is a piece of the puzzle—the most effective treatments will address the whole-body system.
Conclusion
Chronic back pain doesn’t have to be a lifelong issue. By understanding its complex causes, from old injuries to gut health, and taking a whole-body approach to treatment, you can find relief. If you or someone you know is struggling with lower back pain that hasn’t responded to conventional therapies, consider booking a free 15-minute telehealth session with us at Unpain Clinic. We’ll help you explore your options, answer your questions, and guide you toward a pain-free future.
Author: Uran Berisha