Back pain can make everyday activities feel harder than they should. Getting out of bed, sitting at a desk, lifting something, exercising, or even taking a walk can become uncomfortable when your back isn’t functioning properly.

The good news is that many common cases of back pain are related to musculoskeletal factors and can improve with appropriate movement, exercise, education, and conservative care. However, back pain has many possible causes, so understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms is an important first step.

At Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre in Burnaby, Dr. Ron Uppal takes a personalized approach to evaluating back pain and other musculoskeletal concerns.

Here are five common causes of back pain and some signs that it may be time to have your symptoms assessed.

1. Muscle and Ligament Strain

One of the most common causes of back pain is a strain involving the muscles or ligaments that support the spine.

This can happen after lifting something heavy, making an awkward movement, exercising harder than usual, or repeatedly placing stress on the back. Poor conditioning and prolonged physical strain can also contribute to muscle fatigue and discomfort.

You may notice:

• Aching or soreness in the lower back
• Muscle tightness
• Stiffness when getting up or changing positions
• Pain that becomes worse with certain movements
• Muscle spasms

A strain doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to stop moving completely. In many cases, appropriate activity and gradual return to normal movement are important parts of recovery.

A chiropractor can assess your movement and help determine whether your symptoms appear to be related to a musculoskeletal problem and whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.

2. Poor Posture and Prolonged Sitting

Modern work and lifestyle habits can place significant demands on the back.

Spending hours sitting at a desk, working from a laptop, driving, or looking down at a phone can contribute to prolonged static positions and muscle fatigue. Poor posture itself isn’t necessarily the sole cause of back pain, but sustained positions and limited movement can contribute to discomfort for some people.

You may notice back discomfort that develops gradually throughout the workday and improves when you change positions or move around.

Rather than focusing on maintaining a “perfect” posture all day, it is often more useful to incorporate regular movement and adjust your workstation to support comfortable, varied positions.

Simple strategies can include:

• Taking regular movement breaks
• Adjusting your desk and chair
• Changing positions throughout the day
• Incorporating appropriate strengthening exercises
• Avoiding long periods of uninterrupted sitting

At Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, a movement and posture assessment can help identify areas that may be contributing to your symptoms.

3. Disc Problems and Nerve-Related Pain

The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions and help the spine move. Sometimes a disc can bulge or herniate and irritate or compress a nearby nerve. However, disc abnormalities do not always cause symptoms and can sometimes be found incidentally on imaging.

When nerve involvement is present, symptoms may feel different from typical muscle soreness.

You may experience:

• Pain that travels from the lower back into the leg
• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
• Numbness
• Burning or shooting pain
• Changes in strength

This type of presentation deserves an appropriate assessment before treatment is recommended.

A chiropractor may be able to help with certain musculoskeletal presentations, but treatment should always be based on an individual’s symptoms, examination, and overall health.

4. Repetitive Activities and Improper Lifting

Your back is involved in many everyday movements. Repeated lifting, bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, or physically demanding work can place stress on the muscles and other structures supporting the spine.

The problem isn’t necessarily one single movement. Sometimes it is the repeated exposure to physical demands without enough recovery.

For example, back discomfort may develop in people who:

• Frequently lift objects at work
• Perform repetitive bending or twisting
• Participate in physically demanding sports
• Increase their exercise routine too quickly
• Use poor lifting mechanics
• Spend long periods performing the same physical task

Learning how to manage physical loads, gradually build strength, and maintain an active lifestyle can help reduce the risk of recurring problems.

If back pain continues to interfere with work, exercise, or everyday activities, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing to it.

5. Arthritis and Age-Related Changes

Back pain can also be associated with changes in the joints and other structures of the spine as we age.

Osteoarthritis, for example, can affect the joints of the lower back. Other conditions can also affect spinal movement and function.

Age-related changes do not automatically mean that pain or reduced mobility is inevitable. Staying active and maintaining strength and mobility can be an important part of healthy aging.

For people experiencing ongoing back discomfort, a healthcare professional can help determine whether the symptoms are consistent with normal musculoskeletal changes or whether further evaluation is needed.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Back Pain?

Not every episode of back pain requires professional treatment. Many uncomplicated cases improve with time, continued appropriate activity, and self-care.

However, you may want to consider a chiropractic assessment when:

• Your back pain keeps returning
• Pain is interfering with work or daily activities
• Stiffness is limiting your movement
• You have difficulty performing activities you normally enjoy
• Your symptoms aren’t improving as expected
• You want help developing a plan for improving movement and function

A chiropractor can assess the musculoskeletal system and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation.

The World Health Organization includes spinal manipulative therapy among physical interventions that may be offered for adults with chronic primary low back pain, alongside approaches such as exercise and education.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

When back pain is related to the muscles, joints, movement patterns, or other musculoskeletal factors, chiropractic care may be one component of a broader recovery plan.

Depending on your individual needs, care may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Mobility work
• Soft tissue techniques
• Stretching recommendations
• Exercise guidance
• Posture and movement education
• Recommendations for maintaining healthy activity levels

The goal isn’t simply to address where you feel pain. A comprehensive assessment looks at how you move and which factors may be contributing to your symptoms.

At Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, Dr. Ron Uppal focuses on personalized care designed around each patient’s needs, activity level, and health goals.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Back Health

Back pain can have many different causes, and the right approach depends on what’s contributing to your symptoms.

Whether your discomfort started after lifting something, developed during long hours at a desk, followed an increase in physical activity, or has gradually become part of your daily routine, getting the right assessment can help you understand your options.

If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Burnaby for back pain, Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre provides personalized chiropractic care focused on movement, function, and overall wellness.

Holdom Chiropractic & Wellness Centre

111-2251 Holdom Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5B 0A2
Phone: 604-298-1777