Understanding Back Pain: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It
Back pain is something most of us will experience at some point in our lives. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 6 Australians have back problems at any given time, making it one of the most common health complaints nationwide.¹ Whether it’s a dull ache after a long day, stiffness when getting out of bed, or sharp pain after lifting something awkwardly, back pain can quickly interfere with your routine.
Why Do So Many People Suffer From Back Pain?
In today’s modern world, much of our day is spent sitting—at desks, in cars, on couches. We move less, and when we do, we often do it with poor posture or weak core muscles. Back pain often develops gradually from:
Poor posture and prolonged sitting
Sedentary lifestyle and lack of movement
Weak core and postural muscles
Lifting or moving items incorrectly
Previous injuries or spinal imbalances
It’s important to understand that back pain isn’t always caused by a single event. In many cases, it builds up slowly due to small, repetitive stresses that accumulate over time.
How It Affects Daily Life
People often adapt to back pain without even realising it. You might:
Avoid certain tasks like bending over or playing with your kids
Sleep poorly due to discomfort
Feel more irritable or tired from persistent pain
Reduce physical activity, leading to further stiffness and deconditioning
This can create a cycle where inactivity leads to more pain, and more pain leads to even less movement.
What You Can Do
Improving your posture, staying active, and maintaining spinal mobility are key. Gentle stretching, core strengthening exercises, and posture awareness all help. For persistent or recurring pain, a spinal assessment can help identify underlying biomechanical issues that may be contributing.
References:
AIHW, Back Problems Snapshot, 2023.
Maher C et al. Non-specific low back pain, The Lancet, 2017.
