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Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. It might come on suddenly after a movement like shoveling snow or lifting furniture, or it could be the result of repetitive activities like mopping/cleaning or even from lack of movement throughout the day (such as too many hours seated at a desk!). You might feel discomfort in your lower back, upper back, or neck, and it can range from a dull ache to sharp pain.

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While we are often told that poor posture is the main cause of back pain, current research suggests that sitting in one position for too long without moving is more likely to be the culprit. That's why it's important to take breaks and stretch if you have a desk job or spend a lot of time sitting.

patient with back pain shoveling snow
physiotherapist using manual therapy to treat low back pain in kanata

There are certain conditions that can lead to or contribute to back pain such as muscle strains, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Muscle strains can happen when you overwork or stretch the muscles of your back with a movement for which your body is unprepared. A herniated disc can occur when the soft tissue between the vertebrae of your spine becomes compressed or ruptured. Spinal stenosis happens when the space around your spinal cord narrows, putting pressure on your nerves and causing pain. While these can often be present on medical imaging without corresponding pain, sometimes they can be the culprit.

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