Back pain is a significant issue for many.
About 80% of Americans deal with back pain during their lives. For roughly 16 million adults, this pain becomes chronic and can be hard to detect.
Even though it’s widespread, treating back pain is often complicated. As one expert noted, “it can stem from many overlapping factors that aren’t always visible in tests.”
Some common reasons for lower back pain include muscle tension, herniated discs, arthritis, and even stress.
Yet, one of the more overlooked causes may be psychological rather than purely physical.
A 2024 study pointed to factors like smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and depression as risks for chronic low back pain. The expert mentioned, “Some patients are surprised that depression, especially when linked to sleep issues, can relate to lower back pain.”
Depression can amplify pain, so it might be beneficial for patients to consider therapy or antidepressants if they find their pain worsening.
Research indicates that neurotransmitters tied to depression and anxiety also affect pain perception. Thus, antidepressants could lead to heightened responses in the nervous system.
Interestingly, studies reveal that only about 10% of treatments are successful in alleviating back pain, which means it often requires a multifaceted approach.
Zheng suggests exercise but warns against overly intense workouts. “Staying active is crucial,” she emphasizes, mentioning that she typically does Pilates, aerobics, and light lifting five days a week. “Though, I must admit, I let things slide when my schedule gets hectic.”
In an office setting, she advises maintaining good posture and taking breaks every hour. While standing desks might help, simply taking a walk might be more effective.
A recent Norwegian study found that walking for 100 minutes daily was linked to a 23% reduction in chronic lower back pain risk.
If back pain is linked to an injury, Zheng warns that avoiding movement can lead to worse issues later. “Stopping altogether can make you prone to future injuries,” she says.
In severe cases, minor surgeries or steroid injections might be considered.
Some individuals have found that an anti-inflammatory diet helps alleviate their lower back pain. This typically means cutting out sugar, certain meats, alcohol, and more.
Although Zheng enjoys sweets herself, she emphasizes, “I aim for balanced meals, but I can’t resist dessert!”
