How Do I Get Rid of My Back Pain?

Getting rid of back pain starts with addressing the underlying cause, not just the pain itself. For most people, this means a combination of targeted treatment, movement, and adjustments to daily habits. Whether you’re dealing with acute complaints or have been struggling with recurring back pain for years, there are concrete steps you can take. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about back pain and what you can do about it.

What are the most common causes of back pain?

Back pain usually develops through a combination of factors that together put pressure on the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and surrounding muscles. The most common causes are prolonged poor posture, overexertion from physical work or sports, too little movement, and sleep deprivation. Stress also plays a greater role than many people realize.

When several of these factors are present at the same time, the likelihood of complaints increases significantly. Think of someone who sits behind a desk all day, sleeps poorly, and is under high work pressure. The muscles become tense, the spine loses its optimal alignment, and the intervertebral discs come under increased pressure. This can lead to pain in the lower back, radiating pain to the legs, or stiffness that is worst in the morning.

Other causes include a herniated disc, wear of the joints in the spine, or a misaligned pelvis. Back pain is rarely the result of a single cause, which also explains why an approach that only combats the pain is often insufficient.

When should you see a specialist for back pain?

See a specialist if your back pain persists for more than two to three weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by radiating pain to the legs, numbness, tingling, or loss of strength. It is also advisable to seek professional help promptly after back pain following a fall or accident, or when pain worsens at night.

Many people wait too long because they hope the pain will go away on its own. That is understandable, but with persistent complaints, delay can lead to further damage or worsening. A specialist can identify the cause and draw up a treatment plan focused on recovery, not just temporary pain relief.

The good news is that you do not need a referral from your GP to make an appointment with a chiropractor. You can contact us directly, even for acute complaints.

How does a chiropractor help with relieving back pain?

A chiropractor treats back pain by improving the alignment of the spine and restoring communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. Through targeted adjustments of the vertebrae, pressure on nerves and intervertebral discs is reduced, which relieves pain and activates the body’s self-healing ability.

Chiropractic care focuses on the cause of the complaint, not just the symptoms. Where painkillers temporarily suppress pain, a chiropractor works on restoring the function of the spine. This makes it an effective approach for people who have long suffered from recurring back pain without structural improvement.

In addition to classic adjustment techniques, chiropractors use supplementary methods such as dry needling and specialized techniques for specific groups, including pregnant women, children, and people with neurological complaints. The treatment is non-invasive and has no side effects like those associated with medication.

What is a Y-strap treatment and does it work for back pain?

The Y-strap treatment is a chiropractic technique in which the head is pulled along the vertical body axis to relieve pressure in the intervertebral discs. This principle is called spinal decompression. The technique is effective for back pain caused by overloaded or compressed intervertebral discs.

The treatment has two forms of application, depending on the complaint and the condition of the spine:

• Slow stretching movement: Slow, fluid movements aimed at general decompression and relaxation, without abrupt impulses. This is the standard form.
• HVLA movement (High Velocity Low Amplitude): A fast movement with limited displacement, used for a blocked vertebra or functional restriction. This is a recognized technique within manual medicine that is applied worldwide.

The chiropractor determines which form is most appropriate based on a thorough assessment. The treatment is safe when performed by a qualified and certified chiropractor. Not every chiropractor in the Netherlands is certified for this specific technique, which makes choosing the right practice important.

What can you do yourself to reduce back pain?

To reduce back pain, you can start right away by moving more, improving your posture, and lowering stress. Staying active is better than resting for most forms of back pain. Light activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga help support the muscles around the spine and improve circulation.

In addition, there are a number of practical adjustments that can make a big difference:

• Check your sitting posture at your desk and adjust your chair and screen properly
• Stand up regularly and change position, even when you experience little pain
• Get sufficient sleep on a mattress that properly supports your spine
• Strengthen your core and back muscles with targeted exercises
• Reduce stress through relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation

Heat can help with muscle tension, while cold works better for acute inflammatory reactions. If you are unsure what suits your complaint, ask a professional for advice before starting treatments on your own.

How do you prevent back pain from coming back?

You prevent back pain in the long term by addressing structural causes and maintaining healthy habits. This means exercising regularly, maintaining good posture, and having your spine checked periodically, even when you are not in pain at that moment. Preventive care is more effective than waiting for complaints to return.

People who are regularly treated by a chiropractor, even outside periods of pain, often notice that complaints recur less frequently. The spine and nervous system function better when they are structurally maintained, comparable to how you have a car serviced regularly to prevent bigger problems.

Prevention is also about awareness: knowing which postures, movements, or habits put strain on your back and being mindful of them. A chiropractor can guide you in this and provide personal advice tailored to your situation and lifestyle.

How Ruggensteun helps with back pain

At Ruggensteun, we treat back pain with a focus on the cause, not just the symptoms. Our chiropractors in Eindhoven and Valkenswaard work with proven techniques and a holistic approach in which the spine and nervous system are central. This is what we can do for you:

• Specialized Y-strap treatment: We are one of the few chiropractors in the Netherlands certified for this technique, allowing us to apply targeted spinal decompression
• No referral needed: You can make an appointment directly, even for acute complaints
• Quick availability: For urgent cases, we ensure short waiting times
• Treatment for all ages: From babies and children to pregnant women and the elderly
• Preventive guidance: In addition to treatment, we provide personal advice to prevent recurring complaints
• Free parking: Free parking is available at both locations

Would you like to know what we can do for your back complaints? Make an appointment or contact our team. We are happy to help you on your way to a pain-free life.