Back Pain After Workout? We Can Help!

Back pain is one of the most common health problems that affect people worldwide, with millions of individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives. It’s a condition that can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that interferes with daily activities. But what exactly causes back pain? And what can be done to manage it?

Back Pain is Often Due to

1. Muscle or Ligament Strain One of the most frequent causes of back pain is the overuse or strain of muscles and ligaments in the back. Lifting something heavy incorrectly, sudden awkward movements, or even prolonged sitting in poor posture can lead to muscle strain. Muscle pain after a workout is a common experience, especially when the muscles haven’t been properly conditioned or stretched before activity. When this occurs in the back, the soreness can last longer, particularly if recovery isn't prioritized.

2. Herniated Discs The spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae, and between these vertebrae are discs that act as shock absorbers. A herniated or slipped disc occurs when one of these discs ruptures or moves out of place, putting pressure on surrounding nerves. This can lead to severe back pain and discomfort, especially if the herniated disc compresses a nerve. Improper form during exercise can contribute to back pain from a workout, especially when lifting weights or performing movements that place excessive pressure on the discs.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease As people age, the discs between the vertebrae can begin to wear down. This is a natural part of aging, but for some, it leads to degenerative disc disease, where the discs lose their cushioning ability, causing pain. In more severe cases, this can result in spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. For individuals with degenerative disc disease, certain workouts that involve heavy lifting or excessive bending can increase back pain and make the condition worse.

4. Sciatica Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back, hips, and legs. The condition often occurs when a herniated disc or bone spur compresses part of the sciatic nerve, causing pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the back and legs. If you're performing exercises targeting the glutes or back, improper technique can aggravate the sciatic nerve, leading to increased pain and discomfort.

5. Poor Posture Poor posture, especially when sitting for long periods or standing incorrectly, can lead to strain on the muscles and ligaments of the back. This can result in back pain when working out or even during everyday activities. Maintaining proper posture during exercise, particularly with movements that involve the back and glutes, is crucial to prevent overloading these areas.

6. Skeletal Irregularities Conditions like scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can lead to abnormal alignment of the vertebrae, which can cause chronic back pain. If you suffer from a spinal condition like scoliosis, it's important to be mindful of how certain exercises, including those targeting the back, can affect your pain levels. Certain movements may help, but others could worsen the discomfort.

7. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the cartilage in joints to break down. When it affects the back, it can lead to the development of bone spurs, which can cause pain and stiffness. This degenerative condition can get worse over time, and some exercises, especially high-impact ones or those that involve twisting movements, can contribute to back pain during workouts.

8. Injuries and Accidents Any injury to the back, whether from a fall, car accident, or sports-related incident, can cause long-term pain. A sprain, fracture, or strain can limit mobility and create ongoing discomfort. Back pain after a workout may be caused by improper technique or overuse, especially if you've recently injured your back or haven’t given it enough time to recover.

Back pain is a common but often manageable condition. Whether it’s due to muscle strain, disc issues, or poor posture, understanding the causes and risk factors can help in prevention and treatment. Can working out cause back pain? Yes, but with the right techniques and attention to form, most people can reduce their risk. Practicing proper posture and ensuring you perform exercises like back pain glute workouts correctly will help you avoid injury.

Our Naperville chiropractor team specializes in helping individuals recover from back pain caused by workouts. Whether your pain results from improper lifting techniques, poor posture, or muscle strain, our chiropractors use chiropractor care techniques such as spinal adjustments to realign the spine and relieve pressure on nerves. These adjustments not only improve joint mobility but also reduce inflammation, promoting your body’s natural healing process. We also offer soft tissue therapies to target tight muscles, helping to reduce soreness and stiffness after exercise.

Our chiropractor team focuses on more than just pain relief—we also provide personalized advice on posture correction and proper exercise techniques to prevent future injuries. By strengthening the muscles that support your spine, we help improve your overall mobility and ensure that you can get back to your workouts with less discomfort and a lower risk of injury. At Dupage Health and Physical Therapy Center, we are dedicated to offering chiropractor care that not only relieves pain but also enhances your long-term physical health and well-being. If your pain is affecting your day to day life contact our office to schedule an appointment as early intervention can help prevent further complications. (331) 401-5900