Where Does My Back Pain Come From?

Back pain develops when structures in and around the spine come under pressure, become damaged, or are loaded incorrectly. The most common causes are problems with intervertebral discs, joints, muscles, or nerves, often aggravated by posture, movement patterns, and lifestyle factors such as stress. In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions about back pain, so you can better understand where your complaints may be coming from.

Which structures in the back can cause pain?

Back pain can originate from various structures in and around the spine. The most commonly involved structures are the intervertebral discs, the small facet joints between the vertebrae, the surrounding muscles and tendons, and the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. Each of these structures responds differently to overload, wear, or damage.

• Intervertebral discs: These act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges or tears, it can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause pain, radiation, or tingling.
• Facet joints: Small joints at the back of the spine that enable movement. Wear or inflammation of these joints often leads to localised pain that worsens with certain movements.
• Muscles and tendons: Overloaded or cramped back muscles are one of the most common causes of back pain, particularly in the lower back and the area around the shoulder blades.
• Nerves: When a nerve becomes pinched, for example by a herniated disc or a blocked vertebra, the pain can radiate to the buttock, leg, or arm.

Because multiple structures can be involved at the same time, it is not always straightforward to determine without examination which structure is the primary source of the complaint.

What is the difference between acute and chronic back pain?

Acute back pain is pain that comes on suddenly and generally lasts fewer than six weeks. Chronic back pain lasts longer than three months and often has a more complex background in which multiple factors play a role. The distinction is important because the approach to both forms differs.

Acute back pain often develops after a sudden load, an awkward movement, or a trauma. The pain is intense but in many cases follows a good recovery course when the cause is addressed quickly. Rest, tailored movement, and targeted treatment help promote recovery.

Chronic back pain is the result of a prolonged process in which the spine, muscles, or nerves are structurally overloaded or incorrectly loaded. Sometimes there is persistent inflammation, wear, or an underlying condition. But psychological factors such as prolonged stress, sleep deprivation, and a lowered pain threshold also play a proven role in chronic pain. This makes chronic back pain a complaint for which treating the body alone is often not sufficient.

How can poor posture cause back pain?

Poor posture causes back pain because certain muscles and joints are structurally overloaded, while other muscles are used too little and weaken. This disrupts the balance in the spine and over time leads to pain, stiffness, and loss of function.

Sitting for long periods with a rounded back, a forward-tilted head when using a phone or computer, or standing in the same position for too long are examples of postures that place strain on the spine. The intervertebral discs experience uneven pressure with a poor sitting posture, which can contribute to premature wear.

What many people do not know is that poor posture is rarely the result of laziness or unwillingness. The cause often lies in a combination of muscle weakness, habitual patterns, and a work environment that is not set up ergonomically. This is why adjusting posture alone is not a sustainable solution if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Can stress also cause back pain?

Yes, stress can cause back pain or significantly worsen existing back complaints. When the body is under prolonged tension, muscles unconsciously tighten, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. This chronic muscle tension leads to pain, stiffness, and a reduced recovery process.

Stress also affects the way the nervous system processes pain signals. With persistent stress, the nervous system becomes overstimulated, making the body more sensitive to pain. This explains why people under a great deal of stress sometimes experience back pain without a clear physical cause being identifiable.

In addition, stress indirectly affects back health through sleep deprivation, reduced physical activity, and an unhealthy diet. All of these factors contribute to a build-up of pressure on the spine and muscles. Anyone who wants to address back pain would do well to also pay attention to recovery, relaxation, and stress regulation.

When is back pain a sign of something serious?

Back pain is in most cases not dangerous, but there are signs that point to a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate medical attention. Watch out for the following so-called “red flags”:

• Back pain accompanied by loss of control over the bladder or bowels
• Numbness or weakness in both legs simultaneously
• Severe pain after a fall or accident
• Back pain combined with fever, unexplained weight loss, or night pain that does not improve with rest
• Pain that radiates to the chest or abdomen

With these symptoms it is important to consult a doctor promptly. In most other cases, back pain is a musculoskeletal complaint that responds well to targeted treatment. Are you unsure whether your complaints are serious? Always have them assessed by a healthcare provider.

How does a chiropractor determine the cause of back pain?

A chiropractor determines the cause of back pain through a combination of a thorough medical history, physical examination, and functional tests. Based on this, it is determined which structures are involved and which treatment is most appropriate.

During the first consultation, questions are asked about the course of the complaints, the circumstances under which the pain developed, previous treatments, and factors such as posture, work, and lifestyle. The spine is then examined for mobility, muscle tension, nerve function, and any joint blockages.

When there is reason for further investigation, a chiropractor can refer for imaging such as an X-ray or MRI. However, this is not always necessary. Many complaints can already be well assessed and treated on the basis of the clinical examination.

How Ruggensteun helps with back pain

At Ruggensteun we tackle back pain at the source, not just the symptoms. Our chiropractors in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard thoroughly examine the spine and draw up a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.

• Specialised treatment methods: We are one of the few chiropractors in the Netherlands certified for the Y-Strap treatment, a technique that creates targeted decompression in the intervertebral discs and provides rapid relief for many patients.
• Broad expertise: From acute back pain to chronic complaints, from sports injuries to complaints caused by stress or poor posture. We also offer specialised care for babies, children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
• No referral needed: You can make an appointment directly without a referral from your GP, and for acute complaints we ensure rapid availability.
• Holistic approach: We look not only at the back, but at the whole body and nervous system, so that the treatment also has an effect in the long term.

Would you like to know where your back pain is coming from and how we can help you? make an appointment at Ruggensteun or get in touch with our practice. We are happy to think along with you.