Category: Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health issues affecting people worldwide. Back pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. If your back pain is severe enough, it can limit your ability to work, exercise, and even perform simple tasks like bending down or lifting objects. It can even affect your ability to get a good night’s rest.

While back pain can have various causes, two of the most common are muscle-related and disc-related issues. Distinguishing between the two is crucial in finding targeted relief and preventing further complications. 

Disc Pain Vs. Muscle Pain – What Sets Them Apart?

The back is made up of a complex network of muscles that support the spine and help with movement. If these muscles are strained or injured, it can result in muscle-related back pain. On the other hand, discs are soft tissues located between the vertebrae in the spine. These discs are essentially shock absorbers and allow for flexibility and movement. If a disc is damaged or herniated, it can lead to disc-related back pain.

Although both types of back pain can be debilitating, they have distinct characteristics. Knowing the difference between muscle and disc pain is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treating a muscle-related backache with medications or physical therapy might not be effective for disc-related pain and vice versa. Failure to address the underlying cause can even lead to more severe conditions like herniated discs or nerve damage.

Factors To Identify The Cause Of Back Pain

There are a variety of factors that differentiate muscle pain from disc pain. Understanding these factors can help you better identify what’s causing your back pain and seek appropriate treatment. Some of these factors include the following.

Location

Muscle pain is usually localized to specific muscles or areas of the back, while disc-related pain can radiate to other parts of the body, such as the legs and buttocks. This difference in location can give clues on whether your pain is caused by muscle issues or a problem with the spinal discs.

Nature Of Pain

Muscle pain is often described by patients as a dull, achy sensation that can worsen with movement or certain activities. On the other hand, disc-related pain can vary in nature but may include sharp, shooting, or burning sensations. Being able to identify the difference in the type and intensity of pain can help determine the underlying cause.

Duration

Muscle pain is often caused by overexertion or strain, and the onset can be sudden. For example, you may feel muscle pain after lifting heavy objects or performing strenuous exercise. However, it usually resolves within a few days or weeks with rest and proper care. On the other hand, disc-related pain may develop gradually and persist for months or even years if left untreated.

Range Of Motion

Both muscle pain and disc-related pain can limit your range of motion. With muscle pain, you may feel stiffness or tightness in the affected area, making it challenging to move or perform certain activities. In contrast, disc-related pain may only allow for limited movements due to severe shooting pain or numbness.

Associated Symptoms

When it comes to muscle pain, you may experience discomfort only in the back muscles. However, disc-related pain can cause additional symptoms due to nerve compression or inflammation. These symptoms may include:

• Numbness and tingling sensation
• Weakness in arms and legs
• Radiating pain
• Changes in reflexes
• Pain exacerbated by coughing or sneezing
• Difficulty finding a comfortable position

Causes Of Pain

Muscle pain is often the result of overexertion or strain from activities like heavy lifting, poor posture, or repetitive movements. For example, sitting at a desk for long periods without proper ergonomics can strain the back muscles and cause discomfort. Another common cause of muscle pain is sudden movements, such as twisting or bending, that can strain or pull the back muscles. This can happen while lifting weights or playing sports.

On the other hand, disc problems can be caused by various factors. One of the most common causes is age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs. As you age, the discs lose their cushioning and become more susceptible to damage. This damage can lead to bulging or herniated discs, where the soft inner portion of the disc protrudes through the outer layer. These conditions can also be caused by spinal injury or trauma that can be caused by many different incidents, such as a fall or a car accident. Finally, spinal stenosis can also result in disc-related back pain. This condition occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on your nerves.

While the associated symptoms mentioned above can serve as general indicators for identifying whether your back pain is disc-related or muscle-related, it is crucial to speak with a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Every individual’s case is unique, and what may be true for one person may not apply to another.

When To Seek Medical Care

Because of how common back pain is, many people tend to brush it off or try to self-treat at home. However, there are certain symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. These include:

• Chronic or severe back pain that does not improve with rest or home remedies
• Pain accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking
• Back pain after an injury or accident
• Pain that interferes with daily activities and your quality of life
• Any sudden changes in bowel or bladder function

Immediate medical attention is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment of back pain. Delayed or incorrect treatment may lead to worsening symptoms, chronic pain, and potential complications. A healthcare professional can give you personalized guidance on managing your specific condition and preventing further damage.

Diagnosing The Exact Cause 

Diagnosing the exact cause of your back pain can be challenging, but there are several methods that healthcare professionals may use to determine the source of your pain. These include:

• Physical examinations: Your doctor may perform a physical exam to check for muscle tenderness, range of motion, and nerve function.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans can help identify any structural abnormalities in the spine, such as bulging discs or fractures.
  
• Nerve studies: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) can evaluate nerve function and detect any damage or compression.
  
• Blood tests: In some cases, blood tests may be done to check for underlying conditions that could be causing back pain, such as infections or inflammatory disorders.
  
• Medical history: Your medical history and any previous injuries or health conditions can also provide valuable insights into the cause of your back pain. 

 

Neurofunctional Pain Management For Muscle Or Disc-Related Back Pain 

At Neuragenex, we specialize in Neurofunctional Pain Management techniques for both muscle and disc-related back pain. Our treatments target the neurological factors contributing to your pain, allowing us to address the root cause rather than masking the symptoms. 

Our whole-person treatment protocol avoids the use of potentially risky medications or invasive procedures. Instead, we use drug-free, non-chiropractic, non-surgical, and non-invasive treatments to provide safe and effective pain management. The treatment modalities we offer as part of our Neuragenex protocol for managing back pain are electroanalgesia, IV nutrition therapy, and lifestyle counseling.

Relieve Back Pain From Muscle Or Disc Issues

Whether your back pain is caused by muscle strain or disc problems, you should seek medical attention to get the issue properly diagnosed so that you can receive effective treatment. With the help of our Neurofunctional Pain Management techniques, you can find relief from your back pain without relying on risky medications or invasive procedures. Our whole-person approach focuses on addressing the root cause of your pain to provide effective pain management and improve your overall quality of life. Don’t let back pain hold you back any longer – seek proper treatment and find lasting relief with Neuragenex.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, lower back pain affected a staggering 619 million people worldwide. Furthermore, WHO estimates that the prevalence of this often debilitating condition is only expected to continue to increase in the coming years.

Lower back pain can be caused by a varying number of factors, such as poor posture when sitting for long periods or muscle strain from lifting heavy objects incorrectly. Additionally, there may be an underlying medical condition causing pain throughout the lower back, like degenerative disc disease, where the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate over time.

Lower back pain has the potential to significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making everyday activities like walking, bending over, and even sitting for long periods a challenge. This pain is oftentimes persistent in nature and it can be difficult to find effective relief.

Furthermore, living with the ongoing pain and limitations of lower back pain can take a toll on our mental well-being, causing feelings of low mood, heightened stress, or disturbances in our sleep patterns.

If you are experiencing lower back pain, one important factor to consider for managing this condition is the way you sit. How you sit can significantly impact your back health and potentially alleviate or exacerbate the pain.

In this article, we will explore the best sitting position for lower back pain and the importance of proper sitting angles. We will also discuss appropriate standing techniques, alternating neutral sitting positions, and how to incorporate additional best practices to help you manage lower back pain.

By exploring these topics, our aim is to provide valuable advice on how to effectively alleviate and prevent lower back pain. Additionally, we will explain how Neuragenex can play a vital role in helping you find long-lasting relief and improve your overall well-being.

 

1. Getting The Sitting Angle Right

To find the best way to sit with lower back pain, begin by being mindful of the angle at which you sit. The right sitting angle plays a crucial role in providing support to your lower back and reducing muscle and joint strain in that area. Here are a few key points to consider when getting the sitting angle right:

• Backrest Angle: Start by checking the angle of your backrest. A slightly reclined position, around 100-110 degrees, can help distribute your body weight more evenly and reduce pressure on your lower back. Adjust the backrest of your chair to find a comfortable position that supports the natural curve of your spine.
• Angling Your Knee: When sitting, avoid crossing your legs, as it can lead to an imbalance in weight distribution. Instead, keep your knees bent at approximately 90 degrees. Ensure both feet are planted equally flat on the floor, and if needed, use a footrest for additional support. This position helps maintain proper alignment and reduces strain on your lower back.

Maintaining a neutral spine while sitting is essential for alleviating lower back pain. Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed and your spine naturally aligned. It is important to avoid slouching or arching your back, as these positions can strain the back muscles and exacerbate tightness and pain.

 

2. Stand Up The Right Way

Standing up from a seated position is an everyday activity that individuals with lower back pain often find challenging, as it can worsen the pain they experience.

Imagine you are suffering from lower back pain, and you have finally found a comfortable seat to get some rest. However, the real challenge comes when it’s time to get up. This transition often triggers pinching, grabbing, or lingering aches in your lower back.

To make the process much easier on your back and ensure a smooth and pain-free transition, follow these steps:

• Firstly, scoot forward to the edge of your chair, ensuring that your buttocks are close to the front edge. This position allows you to have better control and leverage when standing up.
• Then, bring your feet in toward the chair and check they are firmly on the ground, shoulder-width apart. This stable base provides a solid foundation for your body as you prepare to stand.
• As you initiate the motion of standing up, place your hands on the armrests or the sides of the chair, then push through your arms while engaging your leg muscles, particularly the quadriceps and glutes. Visualize the action of pushing the floor away with your feet, which activates your leg muscles. This coordinated way of standing helps to evenly distribute the load through your arms, legs, and core, alleviating strain on your lower back.
• It is best to maintain a straight and upright posture as you rise from a seated position. Try to avoid any sudden jerking or twisting movements that put unnecessary stress on your lower back. Instead, go slowly so you can move smoothly and gradually, using your leg muscles and maintaining proper alignment of your spine.

By following these steps and using proper technique, you can minimize the strain on your lower back when transitioning from sitting to standing. Remember to practice this method regularly for smoother movements and reduced risk of lower back pain.

 

3. Change Your Neutral Sitting Positions Alternately

Sitting in the same position for extended periods can place strain on your lower back. If you’re sitting at your desk and the minutes turn into hours, you may begin to start feeling that familiar uncomfortable ache. The back strain from maintaining the same position has begun to take its toll.

By changing your neutral sitting position periodically, you can give your lower back much-needed relief from sustained strain and boost your overall comfort and productivity. Here are a few recommended positions you can alternate between:

Reclined Sitting: Leaning back slightly with proper lumbar support can help relieve pressure on your lower back. Use a cushion or a lumbar roll to maintain the natural curve of your spine. This position helps distribute your body weight more evenly and reduces stress on your lower back muscles.

Declined Sitting: Incorporating declined sitting with an adjustable chair can be beneficial in reducing lower back fatigue. The slight forward tilt of the seat shifts some body weight to the stronger thigh muscles, making it harder to slouch or twist and easier to maintain proper posture during work.

Supine Sitting: Lying on your back with your legs elevated, either on a chair or a footrest, is great for relieving pressure on your lower back and promoting improved circulation. Although this position may not be suitable for all settings, such as an office environment, you may choose to try this position during work breaks or at home to give your lower back a rest.

Standing: Whenever possible, consider standing instead of sitting. Standing can help reduce the compressive forces on your lower spine and engage your core muscles, promoting better posture and alleviating lower back pain. Adjustable standing desks are a great option for incorporating more standing time into your work routine. Aim to alternate between sitting and standing throughout a long workday to prevent prolonged stress on your lower back.

In addition to adopting the best sitting positions, there are some additional methods that can further support your lower back health. In the upcoming sections, we will delve in detail into various tools and lifestyle changes that can help you effectively manage lower back pain.

 

4. Additional Best Practices To Incorporate

As we explore additional best practices for supporting lower back health, we’ll explain a range of techniques and strategies that complement the best sitting positions we have already discussed.

These practices aim to enhance your overall well-being and provide valuable insights into managing lower back pain effectively. We hope that these valuable insights provide you with more ways to alleviate discomfort and improve your daily life.

 

Utilize Your Armrests

By utilizing the armrests of your chair, you can reduce strain on your lower back by providing essential support to your upper body. To ensure maximum benefit, adjust the armrests to a height that allows your shoulders to relax fully and your elbows to rest comfortably. This promotes the alignment of a neutral spine, preventing awkward angles or slouching and effectively alleviating any unnecessary muscle strain in your lower back.

 

Use Effective Lumbar Support

During extended periods of sitting, opting for a chair with adequate lumbar support or using a lumbar roll can maintain the natural curve of your lower back. This support effectively relieves pressure and encourages a healthy sitting posture. By ensuring proper lumbar support, you can reduce the risk of developing poor posture and prevent prolonged strain on your lower back that often arises from sitting for extended periods.

 

Create Changes In Your Diet

While diet alone cannot cure lower back pain, making certain dietary changes can contribute to overall health. A healthy diet can support bone strength, reduce inflammation, and aid in weight management. It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to create a personalized dietary strategy that is based on your specific needs.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), dark leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and olive oil, contain antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporating these essential nutrients into your diet can help reduce the overall inflammation throughout the body, helping to promote the healing of painful conditions such as lower back discomfort.

Eat Foods Rich In Vitamin D & Calcium

Consuming foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, such as dairy products, fortified cereals, eggs, and dark leafy greens, is crucial for maintaining healthy bone mass and supporting overall spine health. Strong bones play a significant role in promoting a healthier lower back and preventing the occurrence of painful conditions.

Avoid Eating Foods That Promote Inflammation

To alleviate the inflammatory processes that can worsen painful conditions affecting the lower back, it is essential to reduce the consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages. Instead, opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which support overall health and help reduce inflammation in the body. By making processed foods an occasional option, you can not only promote a healthier lower back but also reduce overall sickness and enhance your well-being.

 

When Pain Persists, Seek An Effective Solution For Lower Back Pain

If you find yourself dealing with persistent lower back pain that significantly impacts your daily life, and the best sitting positions, additional best practices, and lifestyle modifications do not provide sufficient relief, it may be time to consider seeking an alternative solution.

Neuragenex specializes in Neurofunctional Pain Management, an innovative approach to pain relief that focuses on alleviating pain, restoring health, and enhancing your quality of life. Through the use of advanced medical technologies and techniques, our combined treatments of electroanalgesia and IV hydration therapy target specific nerves responsible for pain transmission while optimizing the body’s healing environment and reducing inflammation

By modulating inappropriate and painful nerve signals and providing the body with tailored essential vitamins and minerals, Neuragenex offers effective and long-term relief from lower back pain. Our approach is designed to address the root causes of pain, promote healing, and ultimately improve your overall well-being, by providing you with personalized treatment options to suit your individual needs.

At Neuragenex, we recognize that pain is a complex experience that can affect both the mind and body. To address the full spectrum of pain, we embrace a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, incorporating counseling and coaching for lifestyle modifications. This comprehensive strategy targets the root causes of pain and enhances overall physical and mental well-being.

Adopting the best sitting positions for lower back pain can significantly contribute to reducing discomfort and promoting better back health. Remember to pay attention to your sitting angle, alternate between different positions, and incorporate additional practices like utilizing armrests and maintaining proper lumbar support.

If your lower back pain persists, Neurofunctional Pain Management can offer effective solutions to help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Reach out to Neuragenex today, and we’ll be honored to assist you on your journey to a pain-free life.

Low back pain is a severe musculoskeletal issue that affects nearly a quarter of the population, causing professionals to lose up to 10% of their work time each year. Besides long-lasting pain, reduced mobility, and distress, low back pain also impacts other aspects of a person’s life, starting with sleep health.

Studies estimate that nearly 60% of people with low back pain also experience disrupted sleep and low sleep quality. In turn, sleep disturbances can lead to a cascade of profoundly-impacting consequences like chronic fatigue, stress and irritability, low productivity, and more intense pain. 

Fortunately, there is no need to surrender to living with back pain or take pain medications daily. With Neurofunctional Pain Management – the whole-person approach pioneered by Neuragenex – you can live free of low back pain, restore your sleep quality, and lay the foundations of long-term musculoskeletal health. Learn all you need to know below.

Different Types of Lower Back Pain

According to 2023 statistics, over 23% of adults suffer from back pain, but other studies suggest that the lifetime prevalence of this condition might be as high as 84% in the adult population. 

While this musculoskeletal condition is certainly widespread, it remains challenging to diagnose and treat – and there’s more than one reason for this. Firstly, back pain can be either “primary” – if it is, in itself, the condition – or “secondary” – if it is a symptom of another underlying condition like pancreatitis, endometriosis, or renal colic.

Additionally, the causes of low back pain are often difficult to pinpoint. Currently, up to 85% of cases of low back pain are classified as “non-specific”, which means that there is no inflammation, structural problem, or disease causing the pain.  

To make things even more complicated is the fact that the symptoms of low back pain may vary in nature and intensity from one person to another. Some patients experience shooting pain that from the low back runs through their buttocks and legs, while others experience life-limiting dull aches for months at a time. 

To simplify the process of obtaining a diagnosis and finding the right line of treatment, depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may classify your back pain as axial or radicular. Let’s look at these conditions below. 

 

Axial Low Back Pain

Axial back pain refers to a type of back pain that is concentrated in a single painful area, usually in the lumbar (lower) spine. Axial low back pain is the most common type of low back pain and is often non-specific, meaning that there is no injury or disease at its root cause. 

Nonetheless, this type of low back pain is often structural or mechanical, it tends to be associated with the degeneration of the components of the spine, and it does not usually involve inflammation. Although it can resolve on its own within a few days to a few weeks, this musculoskeletal condition can significantly impact a person’s life. 

Axial back pain can either be acute or chronic:

• Acute Axial Back Pain: Acute pain refers to a type of pain that can be intense, but doesn’t last longer than a few days. It does not cause long-term disability or loss of function, and it tends to resolve on its own with at-home remedies. 
• Chronic Axial Back Pain: Chronic low back pain lasts for 3 months or longer. It may not be intense at first, but it grows in severity over time and can lead to disability. Chronic back pain may arise due to lifestyle and occupational risk factors, injury, or disease, and it does not improve until its underlying cause is addressed. 

 

Radicular Back Pain

Radicular low back pain is a type of pain that originates in the lower back, travels through along the spine, and radiates to the hip, buttocks, and legs. Radicular back pain is often associated with injury to the nerves that radiate from the spinal nerve root. 

When one or more of these nerves are compressed or irritated, the normal transmission of sensory and motor signals to and from the brain is disrupted. This results in other symptoms like burning sensations, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling. 

In some cases, this type of pain resolves itself within six weeks, but it can also be recurring or chronic. Two of the most common causes of radicular back pain include:

• Intervertebral Disc Injury (IDD): Intervertebral disc degeneration occurs when the cartilaginous cushions located between the vertebrae (the spine’s bones) are damaged. Torn, bulging, or herniated discs can compress the nerves that are running alongside the vertebrae in the spinal cord, causing shooting pain, numbness, and “pins-and-needles” sensations. 
• Sciatica: Sciatica is one of the most common causes of back pain, and it is estimated that it will affect up to 40% of people at least once in their lifetime. Sciatica occurs when a herniated disc, overgrowth of bone, or abnormal tissue (i.e.: a tumor) compresses the sciatic nerve, which is the nerve that runs from your lower back through the hip and down your leg. 

 

The Link Between Lower Back Pain And Sleep

As seen above, low back pain can appear in many forms – all of which can be equally disrupting to your daily life. In particular, chronic and acute back pain can prevent you from getting the quality sleep you need to be energized and productive during the daytime. 

According to a 2015 study, low back pain is strongly associated with both short sleep duration and poor sleep quality. The reasons for these are many:

• Low back pain makes it difficult to find a comfortable position and causes sleepers to move around and wake up often during the night.
• At nighttime there are fewer external stimuli and distractions, causing patients to focus more on their pain and distress before going to sleep. This can make it harder to fall asleep and cause the pain to feel more intense. 
• Certain medications prescribed to address low back pain may interfere with the normal sleep cycle, thus causing sleep disturbances. 
• Chronic low back pain is often associated with psychological complications, including depression, anxiety, and stress. In turn, these comorbidities are linked to sleep disturbances and disorders like insomnia.

It is also important to consider that certain risk factors for low back pain – such as excessive consumption of alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle – can also worsen sleep quality. 

 

How Poor Sleep Quality Can Worsen Lower Back Pain

Suffering from low back pain and experiencing poor sleep quality can create a vicious circle. As studies have shown by a 2014 study, experiencing poor sleep quality at night caused by back pain is often followed by a day of higher pain intensity, which can make it even more difficult to get good-quality sleep the night after. 

So, not only poor sleep quality and back pain are connected by a two-way relationship, but they are also mutually reinforcing. While this is nothing more than a temporary problem for those people suffering from occasional aches, patients with chronic back pain can see their lives profoundly disrupted by these dynamics. 

Some ways in which poor sleep affects pain include:

• A 2013 study shows that sleep disturbances interfere with key processes and chemicals necessary to modulate pain sensations. The study also found that sleep impairments caused by low back pain often predict new injuries and more intense chronic pain. 
• Sleep discrepancies interfere with the normal nighttime release of growth hormone, which is a key chemical responsible for pain modulation and healing of damaged tissues. Changes in the production of the growth hormone can lead to longer-lasting and more intense low back pain.  
• As shown by a 2020 study, lower sleep quality is directly associated with lower pain tolerance. Sleep deprivation may increase the activity of the central nervous system and make painful sensations feel more intense. 
• Research conducted in 2021 shows that sleep deprivation can alter the functioning of the immune system which, in turn, causes high levels of sustained inflammation. As a result, pro-inflammatory processes can worsen the painful sensations, swelling, and redness often accompanying low back pain disorders. 

Lastly, it is important to highlight the relationship between a lack of sleep and the prevalence of mental health disorders. Anxiety, depression, and high levels of stress can impact your physical health and worsen your chronic pain. 

While targeting the root cause of your back pain is essential to find a permanent remedy to this condition, there is a lot that you can do to improve your sleep quality and ease your back pain – starting with finding the best sleeping position for your lower back. 

 

4 Best Sleeping Positions For Lower Back Pain

Given the fact that we spend 7-9 lying in bed, the way we position ourselves during sleep plays a major role in determining how forces are distributed across the spine and how the vertebrae align when lying down. Through the correct alignment of the spine, it is possible to ease the pressure on the lower back to alleviate pain and improve overall spine health.

Generally, any sleep position that involves the twisting or contorting of the spine will put pressure on certain vertebrae and should be avoided. So, you should find a comfortable position that allows you to keep the spine aligned and the weight equally distributed across its length.

While investing in a high-quality mattress and pillows is certainly the first step to getting a better night’s sleep, positioning yourself correctly before falling asleep can help. Let’s look at the benefits of these positions below. 

 

1. Sleep On Your Back With Pillows

One of the healthiest ways to sleep is on your back, using a pillow positioned under your lumbar spine to promote natural spine alignment. This position will help your head, neck, and hips remain in a neutral position throughout the night, thus relieving pressure points on the lumbar spine. 

For additional support, it is recommended to place a pillow under the neck and a small, rolled towel under the lower curve of the spine. This position is recommended if you are a back sleeper naturally. 

 

2. Sleep On Your Side

Another excellent option to relieve your back pain is to sleep on your side with your knees partially bent. This position keeps the spine neutral and naturally aligned, but it also alleviates the pressure on the cartilage discs between the spines, allowing them to regain hydration and thickness during the night. As they swell, they can reduce the pressure on the other components of the spinal column, including bones, joints, and the nerves in the spinal cord. 

While this sleeping position is generally considered beneficial for back pain, it is essential to follow a few key steps:

• Draw your legs up towards your chest slightly. This will help you keep balance and prevent you from rolling onto your back, which can cause the spine to curve backward. 
• Place a pillow between your legs to help keep the spine in a neutral position and distribute the body weight evenly. You can also use a full-body or maternity pillow if you prefer. 
• Close the gap between your waist and the mattress with a small rolled-up towel. This will prevent your middle spine from sagging towards the mattress. 
• Change up the side you sleep on regularly to prevent imbalances and abnormal curvatures. 

If the low back pain is caused by herniated discs, you may also benefit from sleeping in a fetal position. Drawing your legs closer toward your torso can stretch out the spine, allowing the discs to plump up and reduce the pressure on the spinal cord.  

 

3. Lay On Your Back In A Reclined Position

If you prefer to sleep on your back, you can do so in a reclined position. Investing in an adjustable bed or arranging your pillows to create a gentle slope can help you maintain a comfortable position throughout the night. 

Reclining is beneficial in that it reduces the pressure on the lower back and creates an angle between the higher and lower parts of the body at the hips. This angle can reduce the pressure that occurs when laying flat on your back, particularly if you suffer from spondylolisthesis. 

This condition occurs when a vertebra slips over an adjacent one, usually in the lower spine. It causes pain and spine instability and can lead to chronic low back disorders. 

 

4. Lay Flat On Your Back With A Pillow Underneath Your Knees

If you tend to change position often, or you prefer to sleep on your back without pillows under the spine, you may consider laying flat on your back and placing a pillow (or rolled-up towel) underneath your knees instead. 

Not only does this position feel natural to most sleepers, but it also ensures the correct alignment of the spine. The pillow under the knees has the function of keeping a neutral curvature in the lower back, preventing it from sagging into the mattress. 

 

Sleeping Positions To Avoid

Some sleeping positions can be counteractive for your spine health and even intensify your lower back pain. This is especially true for back and stomach sleepers who don’t use props such as pillows, rolled-up towels, and reclining mattresses. 

Below, we’ll look at some of the sleeping positions that, by adding pressure to the spine, can aggravate your low back pain and its complications. 

 

Sleeping On Your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach can cause the spine to bend backward and put pressure on certain areas, such as the neck and lumbar spine. What’s more, since you’ll need to twist your head to breathe when lying prone, you’ll also be contorting the spine and affecting its natural alignment. 

 

Nonetheless, if you tend to sleep on your stomach and you are struggling to break the habit, there are easy ways to reduce the strain on your lower back. These include:

 

• Only use a pillow under the head if it doesn’t add pressure to the spine. 
• If using a pillow, opt for a thin one that prevents an abnormal curvature of the spine.
• Place a supportive pillow under the hips, pelvis, or abdomen to keep the spine aligned. 

If you suffer from degenerative disc disease, sleeping on your stomach with the necessary props can actually be beneficial. Indeed, this position removes most external pressures from the intervertebral discs, which are allowed to swell and re-expand, thus getting back into position away from the nerves in the spinal cord. 

 

Sleeping On Your Back

As seen above, sleeping on your back without the necessary tools can cause multiple misalignments in the spine. To prevent this habit from exacerbating your back pain, correct your sleeping position with pillows under the knees, legs, and lower back. This simple solution will help you support the natural curve of the spine and maintain a neutral position while you sleep. 

Sleep Solutions For Lower Back Pain Sufferers

Sleeping in a position that eases the pressure on your low back and contributes to maintaining proper spine alignment is a great strategy to improve your sleep quality. However, this isn’t the only factor to influence your overall spine and sleep health. 

Below, we’ll look at some easy-to-adopt sleep solutions that can ease your back pain. 

• Tip: According to a study published by The Lancet, the key risk factors for non-specific low back pain include having physically demanding jobs, smoking, being obese, battling mental health disorders, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Addressing these lifestyle factors is key to improving your overall sleep quality and spinal health. 

 

Invest In A Quality Mattress

Your choice of mattress will play a significant role in your sleep quality and low back pain intensity. With the wrong mattress, you may not even be able to adjust your sleeping position to promote proper spine alignment. 

That is why, to ease back pain and promote health, you should consider upgrading to a mattress that is medium-firm, offers lumbar support, and is designed with hypoallergenic materials. The level of firmness should be adjusted to your weight and preferred sleeping position.  

In terms of pillows, opt for ergonomically-designed and supportive models, but be sure to choose a thickness that does not cause your spine to sag or bend abnormally. 

 

Exercise Regularly

Studies have confirmed that there is a two-way connection between physical activity and sleep quality. Sleeping 7-9 hours each night can help you replenish your energy, boost your physical performance, support your mental health, and help you stay motivated to exercise daily. 

On the other hand, leading an active lifestyle and partaking in physical activity regularly can offer many benefits for your sleep quality and spine health:

• Adequate conditioning can help you strengthen your muscles and boost flexibility, which can reduce the risk of spine injuries, pain, and degenerative disorders. 
• Exercise increases the body’s temperature, signaling to the brain that it’s time to be awake. However, after a workout, the body temperature drops, which induces sleepiness. 
• Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals induce a generalized sense of well-being that can improve sleep quality, reduce low back pain, and ease the symptoms of mental health disorders (i.e.: anxiety) that may impact your condition. 
• Exercise can help combat obesity and overweight, which are known to be risk factors for low back pain. 

Ultimately, the study concludes that regular exercise may be an efficient nonpharmacologic therapy for adults suffering from sleep disorders. 

 

Avoid Alcohol And Caffeine Prior To Sleeping

Both alcohol and caffeine can significantly disrupt your sleep. 

Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks sleep-promoting receptors in the brain, causing heightened feelings of awakeness and alertness. Even when taken 6 hours before bed, caffeine can delay falling asleep by 1 hour. 

On the other hand, alcohol is a relaxant and, initially, a drink can help you doze off. However, after a few hours of sleep, alcohol can cause you to wake up and make it difficult to go back to sleep. This reduces the time you spend in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase, translating into a disturbed sleep that fails to bring restfulness. Even a low amount of alcohol (1-2 drinks) will reduce your sleep quality by over 9%.

It is also important to note that alcohol and nicotine increase inflammation, which can intensify your low back pain. 

 

Follow A Bedtime Routine

Although a bedtime routine may not alleviate your low back pain alone, it can help you fall asleep faster and remain asleep for longer. In turn, as seen above, a good night’s sleep can help reduce painful sensations and make your condition more easily manageable. 

When designing a bedtime routine that suits your needs, consider the following aspects:

• Going to sleep and waking up every day at the same time can help you reset your body’s Circadian Rhythm, which, as confirmed by a 2022 study, influences your sleep quality and length. 

• Sleep in a dark room and seek exposure to natural light as soon as you wake up to help regulate the natural production of sleep-inducing hormones in the body (i.e.: melatonin). Make sure you also stay away from blue light-emitting devices before bed, as these can disrupt the release of melatonin at nighttime. 
• Try relaxation techniques like massages, warm baths, light yoga, and breathing exercises to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the aspect of the nervous system responsible for calming and relaxing the body. 

 

Consider Using A Sleep Aid

Some sleep medications can help you fall asleep faster even when you are experiencing pain. These medications include Benadryl and Unisom, which are sedating antihistamines. Alternatively, you may try natural alternatives like melatonin supplements and teas infused with plants that have relaxing properties (i.e.: valerian). 

However, it is important to note that sleep aids may not work equally well for every person, and they are not free of side effects. Most sleep medications and supplements can cause drowsiness, daytime sleepiness, urinary incontinence, headache, nausea, and constipation. Because of the risk involved with this line of treatment, you should only consider taking sleep aids during low back pain flare-ups and under the supervision of a specialist. 

 

Position Yourself Properly

Finding the right sleeping position for your needs remains one of the most important strategies to improve your sleep quality and ease your low back pain. Test the positions seen above to find the best one for your needs and don’t be afraid to experiment with pillows, rolled-up towels, and other support tools. 

 

When To Consult A Physician About Your Back Pain

Although low back pain is certainly life-altering, in most cases, it resolves on its own with the help of at-home remedies. However, in some cases, low back pain can be a sign of an underlying disease, a degenerative condition of the spine, or severe mechanical problems. Because of this, it is crucial to understand when you should see a doctor. 

Generally, you should get in contact with your healthcare provider if your low back pain isn’t going away or getting better. It is also recommended to see a doctor if your poor sleep quality begins to interfere with your ability to live your life normally. 

Other signs and symptoms associated with back pain that should not be overlooked include:

• Low back pain that starts with an injury
• Worsening or ongoing pain that lasts longer than a few days
• Painful sensations that radiate to other sides of the body
• Feelings of numbness or loss of sensation
• Debilitating pain that interferes with your life
• Severe symptoms like swelling, fever, unexplained weight loss, and urinary problems

You should also seek an accurate diagnosis if you have a personal history of cancer. 

 

Get Rid Of Lower Back Pain With Neuragenex

There is no doubt that low back pain can significantly disrupt all aspects of your life – starting with your sleep quality. However, taking pain medications or relying on sleeping aids to secure a few hours of sleep each night are no longer the only options!

With the whole-person approach pioneered by Neuragenex, you can regain your sleep quality and live free of back pain without medications or invasive procedures. 

Neurofunctional Pain Management uses non-drug and non-surgical treatments like electroanalgesia, IV therapy, and lifestyle counseling to address your back pain, restore your sleep quality, and lay the basis for long-lasting musculoskeletal health. 

Lifestyle factors and daily habits are profoundly intertwined with our mental and physical health. And, when it comes down to easing chronic pain and boosting overall health, hydration can be as impactful as nutrition and exercise.

Poor hydration can lead to a cascade of complications and detrimental effects, including fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and low blood pressure. Dehydration can also be the root cause of your back pain. 

Understanding the real underlying cause of your back pain can free you of taking pain medications daily and guide you in the choice of an effective treatment. At Neuragenex, our whole-person approach can help you identify and address the source of your back pain, so you can lay the foundations of long-lasting spinal health.

Dehydration And Back Pain

The human body is composed of 60% of water, the vital fluid needed for essential bodily functions, cellular processes, and chemical reactions. Drinking enough water replenishes the fluids lost through sweating, breathing, and waste removal. Hydration also supports your body’s metabolism, prevents overheating, and keeps the skin supple, healthy, and youthful. 

Dehydration – or the process of losing water faster than the rate at which you are able to replenish it – can significantly hinder these essential functions and cause a range of complications. In particular, dehydration can be one of the root causes of back pain. 

The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae, which are interlocking bones responsible for enabling the spine’s range of movement. Between each of these bones is located a soft cushioning structure known as intervertebral disc. These discs play an essential role in:

• Absorbing shock while walking, running, or jumping
• Distributing and balancing loads during movements
• Keeping the spine mobile
• Safeguarding the spinal bones from friction and shock damage

The intervertebral discs are composed mostly of water. This allows them to create the hydrostatic pressure necessary to counteract the compressive force the spine is exposed to at any given time. 

In a healthy spine, the water content of each disc declines throughout the day due to gravity and pressure, and it is then replaced while we sleep, through a process known as intradiscal fluid exchange. 

However, dehydration or hypohydration (having sustained low levels of hydration) can prevent the discs from accessing the water needed to retain their size, remain supple, and counteract the impact of external forces and loads. 

When this happens, the lack of cushioning exposes the spine’s bone to friction and shock damage. Irritation of tissues can lead to inflammation, swelling, and pain, which prevent you from moving your spine as you should. 

In severe cases, poor hydration can cause the outer ring of the intervertebral disc to dry out and crack, which can lead to painful conditions such as disc tears or bulging and herniated discs.

Dehydration can also cause several other effects that can worsen your back pain. For example, hypohydration can increase pain sensitivity, making you experience painful sensations more intensely. Low hydration can also cause the muscles in the spine to become stiffer, which inhibits your range of movement and leads to painful muscle spasms. 

If your back pain is associated with your menstrual cycle, hypohydration can intensify painful sensations and lower your pain threshold during critical phases such as menstruation.

Signs And Symptoms Of Dehydration

Given the impact of dehydration on your musculoskeletal and spinal health, it is critical to take steps to prevent dehydration and hypohydration – starting with learning to recognize the signs of this condition.

Common symptoms of dehydration include the following: 

• Headaches: One of the first symptoms of dehydration is head and neck pain. This symptom occurs when the water content around the brain declines, causing the brain to shrink and pull away from the skull. Dehydration can also stiffen the neck muscles and lead to tension-like headaches. 
• Bad breath: Not drinking enough water can hinder the production of saliva in the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth tends to dry out, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to live and multiply. This leads to halitosis – or bad breath. 
• Dark urine: When there is not enough water in the body, the processes responsible for expelling waste, such as urination, are inhibited. So, when you are dehydrated, you may go to the bathroom less often and your urine may be dark and smelly. 
• Fatigue: Water is essential to the cellular processes responsible for breaking down nutrients and using or storing energy. When you are dehydrated, your cells are unable to produce energy, which leads to fatigue, tiredness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. 
• Muscle cramps: Muscle cramps are the result of dehydration-induced muscle stiffness. Additionally, according to a 2019 study, drinking water after suffering dehydration dilutes sodium and electrolyte concentrations, which make muscles more prone to cramping. 
• Dehydrated skin: Dehydration is the root cause of several skin conditions, including dry skin, itchy patches, and scaling. Inadequate water consumption can also worsen disorders such as psoriasis, make fine lines more visible, reduce the skin’s elasticity, and give your complexion a dull appearance. 

Dehydrated skin isn’t the same as dry skin, which occurs when the skin does not produce enough natural oils. 

• Vision problems: When the eyes aren’t properly lubricated, you may suffer from conditions such as dry eyes, blurry vision, double vision, tired eyes, and headaches. These symptoms should only be temporary and improve with hydration. 

Dehydration can cause several other symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, and fever. If you have noticed one or more of these symptoms, you should consider rehydrating immediately and restoring healthy levels of water content throughout the body.

Hydration Can Cause the Discs to Lose Water

So, what happens to the spinal discs when you are not drinking enough water? As seen above, dehydration can cause tissues throughout the body to shrink and stiffen. A similar effect occurs in the intervertebral discs in the spine. 

The cushioning discs between the vertebrae are composed of two parts:

• The annulus fibrosus. This is the outer ring of the disc, made of multiple layers of stronger cartilaginous fiber. 
• The nucleus pulposus. This is the core of the disc, made of a softer, gel-like substance. 

When healthy, 80-85% of the nucleus pulposus is made of water. This water content is dispersed during the day as the spine supports movements and absorbs shock and pressure. However, while we sleep, the discs regain all the lost water content, increasing the body’s height by as much as 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) by the morning. 

However, prolonged dehydration can prevent the discs from replenishing their water content, which can leave the spinal bones and surrounding tissues unprotected against shock and friction damage. 

When the water content of the nucleus pulposus reaches 70-75%, the spine can experience severe degeneration and permanent alteration of its ability to deal with loads and pressure.

Indicators Of A Dehydrated Disc

Learning to recognize the signs that you may be dehydrated can help you rehydrate as soon as possible and prevent health complications. But it’s just as important to be able to identify whether your back pain derives from low levels of hydration. 

After all, without truly understanding what’s causing your condition, you may be taking pain medications that are inefficient at best – and dangerous at worst. 

Educating yourself on the signs that your back pain is caused by dehydration is key to avoiding exposing yourself to side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, increased risk of stroke or heart attack, and addiction. These are some of the symptoms to watch out for:  

• Extreme pain in the lower back: Prolonged dehydration prevents the intervertebral discs from replenishing their water content. This causes them to dry out and become more prone to tearing and cracking. These injuries, which can develop into herniated and bulging discs, can lead to severe back pain. 
• Numbness in the legs: Tingling sensations and numbness in the legs is the result of two complications of dehydration. Firstly, low levels of hydration can cause a drop in sodium levels, which can cause “pin and needles” sensations. 

Additionally, if the intervertebral discs start thinning, drying out, or bulging they can start adding pressure to the nerve roots in the spine. This can damage the nerves and interfere with the normal transmission of sensory signals to the brain, which results in numbness. 

• Bulging in the spinal area: Without enough hydration, the outer ring of each intervertebral disc can crack, making herniated discs more likely. When the gel-like core of the disc seeps out of the outer ring, you’ll experience pain and a bulging in the spine caused by inflammation, irritation, and swelling. 

You may also experience mechanical stiffness, which occurs when drying intervertebral discs are unable to accommodate spinal movements. 

• Shooting pain in the legs: Without enough fluids, muscles across the body are less able to relax after contractions. This makes painful cramps, spasms, and involuntary movements more likely, especially in the leg. Cramps caused by dehydration are painful, recurring, and can inhibit your balance and movement. 
• Problems in pelvic area organs: Low levels of hydration concentrate the urine and inhibits the body’s processes necessary to expel waste. This translates into the accumulation of minerals in the bladder, irritation of the bladder’s internal lining, painful bladder syndrome, cystitis, and pelvic pain. 
• Diminished or absent reflexes in the legs: The degeneration of spinal discs caused by sustained hydration can create mechanical problems in the spine. 

In particular, the spinal nerve root can come into contact with bones and other components of the spine during movements, which can result in irritation, nerve damage, and permanent back pain. A symptom that the spine in the nerves may be damaged is numbness or an absence of reflexes in the legs.

How To Stay Hydrated During The Day

Although dehydration can cause chronic back pain, this risk factor is easy to address and modify: all you need to do is to stay hydrated. If you are struggling to manage your water intake, these strategies can help:

• Introduce more fresh fruit, raw vegetables, smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, and broths to your diet
• Follow the official recommendations for water intake: drink at least 2 liters of water a day (or eight 8-ounce glasses).  
• Avoid drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda. Beverages that contain sugar, caffeine, or artificial sweeteners contribute to dehydration. 
• Adjust your water intake as needed. In hot weather, you’ll lose water much faster than normal through sweating. On these occasions, you should increase your water intake to 2.5 liters a day. 
• When exercising, increase your water intake, make sure to rehydrate correctly after exercise, and choose water with added electrolytes. 
• Make drinking water more enjoyable by choosing an appealing reusable water bottle and adding fresh fruit or herbs like mint to your drink. 
• Track your hydration levels. You can do so by looking at the color of your urine: the clearer your urine is, the more hydrated you are. Alternatively, download a water-tracking app.

Last but not least, remember to drink before you are thirsty! Building a habit of sipping water throughout the day can help you stay hydrated effortlessly.

What If Increasing Hydration Levels Isn’t Enough?

If you have increased your water intake but the back pain persists, it is time to seek an accurate diagnosis for your condition and identify the root cause of your chronic pain. After all, back pain can be the result of serious conditions like herniated discs, osteoarthritis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, kidney infection, muscle strains, obesity, and traumatic injury.

When partnering with the specialist at Neuragenex, you can pinpoint the exact cause of your back pain and obtain a personalized treatment program designed to improve your spinal health without medications or surgery. 

Here’s what to do if increasing hydration isn’t enough to stop your back pain.

Seek Medical Advice

The first step is always to talk to a specialized healthcare professional. Specialists such as orthopedists, rheumatologists, and neurologists can help you obtain a comprehensive clinical picture of your spinal health and determine what’s causing your back pain.

Undergo Diagnostic Procedures

When you are under the care of a specialist, you’ll undergo a wide range of diagnostic procedures aimed at identifying the reason for your back pain. These procedures include:

• A review of the nature, pattern, and location of your symptoms
• An evaluation of your medical history and conditions that run in your family (i.e.: arthritis)
• A thorough physical exam that involves assessing your pain level, range of motion, and ability to move your muscles. 
• Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans, which offer a visual representation of your spine. These tests are used to determine mechanical problems and abnormalities, such as tumors. 
• A complete blood count that aims to highlight possible causes of back pain, such as inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis. 
• Tests of your neurological reflexes, strength, flexibility, and ability to feel pain and touch.

Consider Electroanalgesia For Pain Modulation 

If you have been struggling with chronic and debilitating back pain, the chances are that you are relying on medications in every aspect of your daily life. You might also have tried different lines of treatments that have proven themselves inefficient, or you are living in fear of surgery. 

Fortunately, with the Neurofunctional Pain Management program pioneered by Neuragenex, you can address your pain and restore your spinal health without invasive procedures, medications, or chiropractic manipulation. 

As part of a more comprehensive Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol, electroanalgesia uses high frequency electrical pulses to inhibit the transmission of pain signals traveling from damaged areas in the spine to the brain. 

Additionally, the precise electrical pulses delivered through electroanlgesia can decrease inflammation, swelling, and redness, while also supporting the circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen. 

When used as part of a tailored whole-person approach that involves Lifestyle Counseling and IV Therapy, e-stim can provide long-lasting relief from pain while also promoting the body’s ability to heal damaged tissues.

Keep Your Spinal Health At Its Optimum Condition

Staying hydrated is a critical step to take to support your spinal health and overall well-being. But what if hydration isn’t enough? Neuragenex can help you access a customized program that uses non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, and non-chiropractic treatments to ease the symptoms of back pain. 

Through Neurofunctional Pain Management and electroanalgesia you can modify all of those factors that are negatively impacting on your spine and lay the foundations of long-term health.

Heartburn is a common discomfort that many people experience at some point in their lives. It’s that burning sensation caused by indigestion, sometimes extending upwards toward the back of your throat. But did you know that heartburn can cause back pain?

Heartburn is commonly associated with the condition of acid reflux. This is when your stomach’s acidic fluid flows back up (the wrong way) into the esophagus, which causes the feeling of heartburn and irritation in the chest. However, the effects of acid reflux are not limited to the chest area alone. So, how can heartburn cause back pain?

In this article, we will explore heartburn as a symptom of acid reflux and explain how it connects to back pain. We’ll also look into the common causes of heartburn and acid reflux and some of the other symptoms to look out for.

Heartburn that causes back pain can be impairing if it is not well managed. We will discuss the standard treatment options available and known lifestyle modifications that can help you manage heartburn as a result of acid reflux.

Additionally, we’ll explore how Neuragenex implements an alternative approach to managing heartburn-induced back pain, offering a different treatment option that doesn’t depend on the reliance on medications.

We hope to provide valuable insights to help you better understand heartburn and the frustrating back pain that it can cause, leading you to the treatment options that best suit your specific needs and desired lifestyle.

Heartburn And Acid Reflux

It’s likely that you have heard the two terms ‘heartburn’ and ‘acid reflux’ be used interchangeably, but did you know they both describe different things? Let’s discuss the connection between heartburn and acid reflux so we can have a better understanding of what body structures are involved and how symptoms emerge.

Let’s start by revisiting acid reflux. As previously mentioned, acid reflux is caused by the stomach’s digestive fluid taking a backward route and flowing back up into the esophagus. It is the harsh acidity of the digestive fluid that causes irritation to the esophagus and brings on the burning sensation, or as we call it, ‘heartburn.

This means that heartburn and its discomfort is a symptom of acid reflux, although heartburn doesn’t just affect the chest, pain can extend to other areas, including your back. So, how does acid reflux cause heartburn in the first place?

The esophagus is what connects your throat to your stomach; A muscular and tubular structure that contracts and relaxes to help food and drink pass through into your stomach. At the end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach, is an important valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

The primary job of the LES is to keep the contents of the stomach, well, within the stomach, where it belongs. Although sometimes, the LES can falter and allow small portions of the acidic digestive fluid to pass back up into the esophagus.

Now we know the distinction between heartburn and acid reflux, let’s look into the effect acid reflux has on the esophagus and the surrounding structures and how it can lead to various symptoms emerging.

Can Acid Reflux Cause Back Pain?

Stomach acid is designed to break down and digest our foods. It is then no surprise that when the LES falters and allows acid reflux to occur, the rogue stomach acid damages the lining of the esophagus, causing it to become irritated and inflamed. But how can acid reflux cause back pain when it affects your esophagus? Let us explain.

There is an extensive network of nerves that surrounds the esophagus, and they are important in sending communication signals to various parts of the body. When stomach acid damages the esophagus through acid reflux, it can directly impact these intricate nerves.

Consequently, signals of pain and discomfort are activated through this complex web, reaching various areas, such as the back. This is called ‘referred pain’ and explains why back pain can be associated with heartburn.

Now we have a greater insight into the underlying processes and mechanisms involved in how acid reflux, heartburn, and back pain are connected. Unfortunately, back pain is not the only frustrating symptom that is associated with heartburn from acid reflux. We will go on to highlight some of the other symptoms you might experience as a result of heartburn that is caused by acid reflux.

Associated Symptoms Of Heartburn Due To Acid Reflux

Other than back pain, there are a number of other problematic symptoms that can develop alongside heartburn that is caused by acid reflux. Let’s explore some of the other symptoms associated with this condition in more detail:

Burping With An Acidic Taste In The Mouth

Quite an unpleasant symptom that accompanies heartburn due to acid reflux is an acidic taste in the mouth, often coupled with burping. This undesirable symptom happens because of the presence of stomach acid and partially digested food in the esophagus and mouth, resulting in a sour, bitter, acidic taste in the mouth and frequent burping.

Burping is a consequence of increased swallowing as your body attempts to clear the esophagus. Unfortunately, these symptoms can linger sometime after heartburn subsides.

Chest Pain

The typical tell-tale sign of acid reflux is one we have already discussed, which is that firey, burning sensation in the chest described as heartburn. Caused by the stomach acid damaging the delicate lining of the esophagus, heartburn may feel like a squeezing, burning, tight sensation that can worsen when lying down or bending over.

If you have never experienced heartburn before or experience a particularly severe episode, it is not unreasonable to mistake this sensation for a heart-related condition.

Having a sound understanding of the underlying cause, triggers, and treatments for heartburn can help you distinguish the differences between heart-related pain and the burning sensation caused by acid reflux. Remember, if your symptoms get worse and you gain no relief from common treatments or are otherwise concerned, seek urgent medical attention.

Nausea

Nausea is a common symptom that emerges as a result of heartburn from acid reflux. The urge to vomit and persistent nausea are a consequence of the inflamed esophagus caused by the rogue stomach acid.

The intensity of nausea may vary; however, it can prove debilitating when combined with the other discomforts of heartburn and back pain. It is important to get a proper diagnosis and evaluation from your healthcare provider if you experience persistent nausea with heartburn from acid reflux.

While these symptoms are commonly linked with heartburn due to acid reflux, it is important to recognize that symptoms can vary in severity and presentation among people. Some individuals might experience a combination of common symptoms, while others might notice their symptoms are not as typically associated with heartburn, such as back pain.

In the next section, we will discuss how you can better recognize back pain that is associated with heartburn. By having a deep understanding of all these diverse ways in which symptoms can manifest, you can identify and address the symptoms and underlying causes of heartburn more effectively.

How To Spot Heartburn-Related Pain In The Back

While back pain is not as commonly experienced as the other symptoms of heartburn due to acid reflux, it can still cause considerable discomfort. It is important to be able to identify if your back pain is related to heartburn or a separate condition. We have outlined two of the key factors to help recognize if your back pain is associated with heartburn from acid reflux:

Location Of The Pain

An episode of acid reflux and heartburn can cause a distinct burning sensation or dull ache in-between the shoulder blades and across the upper back. If this is where you are experiencing your back pain, it is suggestive that the underlying cause is heartburn from acid reflux. Taking the time to identify exactly where the back pain is located can be a helpful indicator of its underlying cause.

Posture And Body Position

Back pain that is associated with heartburn and acid reflux will persist or worsen when lying down or bending over. These two body positions allow for an increased amount of stomach acid to pass through the LES into the esophagus and therefore exacerbate all symptoms of heartburn from acid reflux.

If the back pain you are experiencing worsens in either of these positions, it suggests that it is a symptom of heartburn.

Remember, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis if you are experiencing severe back pain or additional symptoms such as stiffness, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates to your arms.

Taking the time to observe your symptoms and piece together these important clues can be valuable when differentiating heartburn-related back pain from other causes. Additionally, it is important to note that heartburn can emerge from factors other than acid reflux. Now let’s go on to discuss some of the other common causes of heartburn and heartburn-related back pain.

Other Common Causes Of Heartburn

So far, we have established that heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, but acid reflux is not the only condition that can cause heartburn. Let’s go into detail about some of the other causes that can lead to heartburn and heartburn-related back pain.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD requires a medical diagnosis and describes the chronic condition where acid reflux occurs frequently. The persistent bouts of acid reflux seen in GERD will cause chronic esophageal inflammation that can result in repeated episodes of heartburn. Heartburn-related back pain is more likely to be seen in GERD, caused by the established irritation of the esophagus and surrounding nerves.
• Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and drinking alcohol to excess have been associated with an increased risk of developing heartburn. These habits can inhibit the LES from functioning properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and generating symptoms such as heartburn and back pain as a consequence. 
• Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia is a painful type of hernia that causes a portion of the stomach to protrude through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can cause disruption of the LES’s ability to function normally, leading to acid reflux, heartburn, and heartburn-related back pain. 
• Esophageal Spasm: This is a rare condition characterized by involuntary contractions of the esophageal muscles. These muscle spasms can cause acid reflux to occur, leading to the symptoms of heartburn, including back pain through the disruption of nerve signals.

By understanding these other potential causes of heartburn and heartburn-related back pain, it can be easier to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and seek appropriate treatment with the help of a medical professional.

In the following section, we will delve into various treatment options and lifestyle modifications that can help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn caused by acid reflux. By implementing these strategies, you can take proactive steps toward finding relief from this painful and frustrating condition.

Conventional Treatment Options

Conventional treatments for heartburn and heartburn-related back pain focus on managing the associated pain and discomfort while also avoiding factors that can trigger or worsen the symptoms. Outlined below are some of the more commonly suggested treatments and lifestyle approaches to managing this condition:

Medications

Over-the-counter medications are available to help manage symptoms of heartburn and heartburn-related back pain. It may be tempting to treat back pain with anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, however, in the case of heartburn-related back pain, these medications may worsen your symptoms.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can further irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach, aggravating painful symptoms. Therefore, it is best to treat the underlying cause to get relief. Liquids and tablets such as Mylanta or Gaviscon can help neutralize stomach acid, providing temporary relief from heartburn and its symptoms, including back pain.

In more serious or chronic cases, prescription medication, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, can be prescribed to help reduce the overall production of stomach acid, therefore reducing the frequency of heartburn. These medications can be effective in providing short-term relief, but long-term use should be monitored and guided by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle Modifications

There are certain lifestyle modifications that can help prevent or significantly improve the symptoms of heartburn, including back pain. Consider implementing the following approaches for relief:

Avoiding Trigger Foods And Beverages

A number of foods and beverages can trigger heartburn and heartburn-related back pain. Although every individual’s experiences can differ, these foods often include foods that are overly spicy or fatty.

Additionally, foods that are higher in acidity, such as citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, can increase stomach acid and therefore worsen the symptoms of heartburn. By avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, you can reduce both its frequency and intensity, as well as any additional symptoms. 

Elevating Head

When you lie on your back, the stomach’s acid has an increased likelihood of flowing back up into the esophagus and causing heartburn and esophageal irritation. When sleeping and resting, elevate the head by a few inches to help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of heartburn, including back pain.

Weight Management

Holding excess weight increases the pressure being placed on the abdominal organs, such as the stomach. This increased pressure makes the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus more likely.

By adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the burden on your abdominal organs. This will help minimize heartburn episodes and eliminate the symptoms of acid reflux, including heartburn and heartburn-related back pain.

While these conventional treatment options can provide relief, it’s important to remember that individual responses may vary. For some people, finding effective relief from chronic acid reflux and its related symptoms is a significant challenge. Additionally, some individuals may want to avoid taking a number of over-the-counter or prescription medicine as a lifestyle preference.

In the next section, we will explore an alternative approach to managing heartburn-induced back pain and explore non-medication-based treatments that provide beneficial treatment options for individuals seeking alternative or complementary methods of relief.

Neurofunctional Pain Management For Heartburn-Induced Back Pain

Neuragenex offers a comprehensive approach to managing heartburn-induced back pain by directly targeting symptoms at the underlying root cause. Our focus is on providing effective relief by addressing the complex nature of pain through the unique Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol (NFPM).

The NFPM protocol specifically targets the intricate connections between the brain and the nervous system’s perception of pain. By addressing the root causes of heartburn-induced back pain, our approach aims to provide long-lasting relief rather than just short-term management.

Unlike traditional treatment options, NFPM is a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive approach that focuses on targeting and treating the underlying mechanisms involved in heartburn-induced back pain. It combines electroanalgesia, a painless therapy that stimulates the brain, nervous system, and pain pathways, with specialized hydration intravenous therapy (IV therapy).

Electroanalgesia interrupts pain signals, reduces inflammation and nerve irritation, and stimulates the release of natural endorphins, providing pain relief at a cellular level.

Simultaneously, IV therapy addresses nutritional deficiencies and promotes overall health by restoring essential nutrients and electrolytes to the bloodstream. This helps minimize inflammation, support organ function, and reduce the progression of heartburn symptoms, including back pain.

At Neuragenex, we prioritize a safe and effective holistic approach to all of our treatment plans. As a part of the NFPM protocol, we are proud to offer comprehensive lifestyle counseling. Our lifestyle coaches help empower patients to maintain both their psychological and physical health, learning and adopting lifestyle strategies that achieve long-term pain relief.

Furthermore, our personalized approach to NFPM treatments for back pain is not limited to heartburn-related pain. We provide management plans that can address the underlying causes of back pain as a result of multiple conditions.

Manage Your Underlying Conditions With Neuragenex

Managing heartburn and its associated symptoms, including back pain, can be challenging. Gaining an understanding of how heartburn occurs and recognizing its other related symptoms can be helpful in effectively identifying and addressing this potentially painful and frustrating condition.

A number of over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adaptations can be adequate for managing this condition by providing short-term relief from heartburn and its nagging back pain. By considering the Neurofunctional Pain Management protocol as a complementary option, individuals can take proactive steps toward regaining control over their health and finding relief.

Neuragenex offers NFPM as an innovative and holistic approach to managing heartburn and heartburn-related back pain that does not solely rely on medicines. By targeting the underlying mechanisms, such as esophageal inflammation and nerve irritation caused by acid reflux, individuals can experience long-lasting relief and an improved quality of life.

Lower back pain can be a real issue in many people’s lives. It can be caused by an injury, poor posture, and even just normal aging. Fortunately, there are many treatment solutions available. However, not all of those solutions are ideal. For example, we always recommend against surgery or pain medications, both of which are risky and can have long-term adverse effects.

At Neuragenex, we take a whole-person approach, which includes the implementation of lifestyle counseling as part of our treatment protocol. As far as back pain goes, we may recommend different types of exercises tailored to the individual patient. With the proper exercise program, you can reduce chronic lower back pain and mitigate future pain and other issues.

Common Causes Of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a very common issue people face. It is estimated that up to 80% of people may experience discomfort or pain in their lower back at some point in their lives. The reason lower back pain is so prevalent is that there are so many different issues that can contribute to it. Some of the common causes of lower back pain include:

Poor Posture

Poor posture can be caused by sitting in the same position for too long, or it can simply result from poor habits, such as slouching when sitting or sleeping in an awkward position. Poor posture can cause the lower back muscles to become tense and strained, leading to pain and discomfort.

Muscle/Ligament Strain

Muscle strain is caused by sudden or repetitive movements that put too much stress on the lower back muscles. This can range from heavy lifting to being active for extended periods of time. Ligament strain, however, usually occurs when a joint moves beyond its normal range of motion, such as twisting suddenly or stretching too far. Such injuries often result from playing sports or participating in other recreational activities.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage can be caused by various factors, including trauma, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. These issues can occur due to a single event (such as an accident) or result from long-term wear and tear. Nerve damage is usually characterized by a shooting or burning pain in the lower back that can radiate down the legs. 

Nerve damage may also cause numbness and tingling in the affected area. If left untreated, nerve damage can also cause muscle weakness and even paralysis.

Spinal Degeneration/ Injury

Spinal degeneration occurs over the course of years, resulting from normal wear and tear on the spine. As people age, the discs in their spine become less flexible, and the joints begin to stiffen. This could lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back. Trauma, such as a car accident, can also lead to a spinal injury that can cause lower back pain.

How Exercises Ease Lower Back Pain

Specific exercises can be incredibly effective at helping to reduce your lower back pain. The following are some examples of how exercise can benefit your lower back issues:

Improves Mobility

Certain exercises can help to improve your mobility by stretching and strengthening the muscles of your lower back. This helps to reduce tension in the area and can improve your range of motion and flexibility. As a result, you may experience less pain and discomfort when moving around. Also, increased flexibility can help prevent you from aggravating your lower back pain with sudden movements.

Reduces Pain In The Affected Area

Exercise can help to reduce the pain in your lower back by strengthening the muscles and ligaments of the affected area. This helps to support the spine, relieve tension, and mitigate further injury. Additionally, increased blood flow can help to reduce inflammation in the affected area, which can reduce pain.

Enhances Bodily Strength

Exercises specifically designed to target the muscles of the lower back can help enhance their strength and stability. This can provide long-term relief from pain and discomfort by decreasing the strain placed on your lower back. Additionally, improving your strength can help you to move more freely, reducing the likelihood of further injury.

Precautions Before Exercising

Although certain exercises can be incredibly beneficial for your lower back, they can be detrimental if you’re not doing them properly — or if the exercises you’re doing are too strenuous. To ensure that you’re protecting your lower back, here are a few precautions to keep in mind before engaging in any form of exercise:

• Focusing On Low-Impact Movements: Low-impact activities like walking and swimming can be good for your lower back. These exercises place minimal strain on the lower back muscles, allowing you to improve your strength and flexibility without placing too much stress on the area. High-impact activities, such as running and jumping, can significantly strain your lower back muscles. If you already have lower back pain, avoiding these activities is best.
  
• Engaging Muscles In A Balanced Way: When working out, it’s essential to focus on engaging all the muscles in your body in a balanced way. This ensures that you are evenly distributing strain and tension, preventing any one area from becoming too tight or sore. Additionally, make sure to alternate between exercises that focus on different areas of the body to ensure that you are targeting all your muscles evenly.
• Listening To Your Body: When exercising and easing lower back pain, listening to your body is critical. Don’t push yourself too much. If an exercise is causing pain or discomfort, it’s best to stop and rest. Additionally, make sure to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises as you become stronger. This may help to prevent injury and keep you from doing too much too quickly.
• Modifying Exercises To Fit Your Condition: Not all exercises are suitable for everyone. You should modify the exercises you do so they don’t aggravate your back pain. Doing so may require the help of a professional, who can help you to determine which exercises and movements are best suited for your body.
  

Types Of Lower Back Pain Exercises

When it comes to lower back pain, there are several different exercises that can help to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength, thereby helping to reduce pain and discomfort. The following are the different types of lower back pain exercises that we may recommend as part of our lifestyle counseling services:

Stretching

Stretching can relieve pain and tension in the lower back by increasing flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, stretching helps to reduce stiffness and tension in the lower back muscles, allowing for more comfortable movement. To ensure that your stretching is effective and safe, focusing on proper form and targeting the right muscles is critical. One thing to keep in mind is to avoid twisting and extending simultaneously. 

The following are some of the stretching exercises that tend to be appropriate for patients with lower back pain:

• Hamstring Stretch: This stretch targets the back leg muscles and helps reduce stiffness. Hamstring stretches help reduce lower back pain by improving the range of motion in the hips and lower back. To do this stretch, lie on your back with one knee bent. Extend the other leg straight. Gently press down on the thigh of the bent leg while keeping your back flat against the floor. Hold for at least 30 to 60 seconds, and then switch legs.
  
• Child’s Pose: This stretching exercise is excellent for releasing tension in the lower back muscles. To do this stretch, start on your hands and knees with your arms extended forward and your buttocks resting on your heels. Gently move your torso towards the floor while extending your arms until a gentle stretch is felt in the lower back. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
  
• Spine Twist: This stretch helps to release tension in the lower back muscles and improve flexibility. Begin on your back and extend your arms out to your sides. Gently bring your knees towards your chest, and then let them fall to one side while keeping the other shoulder on the floor. Hold for at least 30 to 60 seconds before switching sides.
  
• Shoulder Roll: This stretching exercise helps to release tension in your neck, shoulders, and back. To do this stretch, start by sitting with your arms at your sides. Let your palms rest on the floor. Gently roll your shoulders forward, up, back, and down in a circular motion. Repeat 10 times.
  
• Side-Lying Leg Lift: This exercise helps strengthen the lower back and hip muscles. To do this exercise, lay on your side with your bottom leg bent and your top leg extended straight out. Gently lift your top leg towards the ceiling, without lifting your hips off the floor. Hold for a couple of seconds, and then lower back down. Repeat 10 times on each side.
  
• Knee To Chest Stretch: This stretch targets the muscles of the lower back and buttocks, helping to reduce stiffness and pain. Lie on your back and then bend your knees upwards. Gently bring one knee up towards your chest, while keeping the other leg on the floor. Hold for around 30 to 60 seconds, and then switch legs.

Core Strengthening

Strengthening the core muscles is essential for managing lower back pain. The core muscles help provide stability and support for the spine, which helps reduce pain and discomfort by improving posture and mobility. Additionally, if you have a strong core, you’ll be better able to manage and reduce the strain on your lower back. The following are a few core strengthening exercises that can help you manage lower back pain:

• Planks: Planks are an excellent exercise for improving core strength and stability. To do a plank, start in a push-up position with your arms extended straight and your hands shoulder-width apart. Pull your navel towards your spine to engage your core muscles, and hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Glute Bridges: Glute bridges are a fantastic exercise for strengthening the glutes, hamstrings, and core. To do a glute bridge, lie flat on your back. Then, bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the ground. Engage your core muscles by squeezing them together, and then lift your hips off the floor until your body forms a straight line. Hold for a couple of seconds before lowering back down.
• Leg/Hip Lift: This exercise is great for strengthening the core, glutes, and hamstrings. To do this exercise, start by lying on your back with one knee bent. Extend the other leg straight up in the air. Engage your core, and then slowly lift your hips off the ground. Hold for a couple of seconds, and then lower back down.
  

Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises

Low-impact aerobic exercises can be an effective way to manage lower back pain. These exercises are gentle on your joints, reduce the strain on your lower back, and help improve your overall cardiovascular fitness. They can also help you lose weight, which may relieve some of the pressure off your back. Some examples of low-impact aerobic exercises include the following:

• Walking: Taking a walk is an easy way to increase your heart rate and improve overall fitness. It’s also relatively low-impact, so it won’t put too much strain on your lower back. Just make sure to wear shoes with good support.
• Swimming: Swimming is a great way to get an aerobic workout without putting too much strain on your lower back. The buoyancy of the water supports some of your weight, so it’s not as hard on your joints.
• Recumbent Cycling: Recumbent bikes are a great way to get an aerobic workout without putting too much strain on your lower back. They provide the support for your lower back, allowing you to pedal with less strain and discomfort.
  

Exercises To Avoid With Back Pain

While some exercises can help manage lower back pain, certain activities may aggravate it. Any exercise that puts too much strain on your lower back should be avoided. These include activities such as the following:

Toe Touches

Toe touches can be hard on your lower back as they require you to bend over and reach for your toes. This can put too much strain on your lower back, so it should be avoided if you’re experiencing pain.

Heavy Weight Lifting

Lifting heavy weights of any kind can put too much strain on your lower back, so it should be avoided if you’re experiencing pain. If you want to do strength training, focus on low-weight exercises that don’t require you to lift more than your own body weight.

Situps and Abdominal Crunches

Situps and abdominal crunches can be hard on your lower back as they require you to lift your torso off the floor. Doing so may put too much strain on your lower back because of the resulting torque. If you’re trying to improve your core strength, focus on exercises like planks and glute bridges instead.

Leg Lifts/ Double Leg Raises

Leg lifts and double leg raises can be dangerous for people with lower back pain, as they require you to lift both legs off the ground. This puts a great deal of strain on your lower back and should be avoided if you’re experiencing pain.

When To See A Physician For Your Lower Back Pain

If you have mild to moderate lower back pain, many of these exercises — along with simple rest — can help reduce your discomfort. However, if your pain is more severe or does not improve with rest and exercise, it is vital to seek medical help. At this point, you’ll want a proper diagnosis of what’s causing your lower back so that your treatment (including exercises) can be tailored to your specific condition.

Regain Your Movement Without Experiencing Lower Back Pain

Exercise can be an effective way to manage lower back pain. However, it’s essential to focus on exercises that don’t put too much strain on your lower back and avoid those which can exacerbate the pain. At Neuragenex, we provide lifestyle advice as part of our whole-person approach to pain management. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend various exercises in conjunction with our drug-free, non-chiropractic, non-invasive forms of treatment to help you regain your movement without experiencing lower back pain.