Why Does My Back Pain Keep Coming Back?

Back painc an be frustrating - especially when it settles down, only to return again a few weeks or month later. You may have rested, stretched, used pain releif or had treatment, but the same discomfort keep appearing.

This doesn't necessarily indicate serious damage or that your back is inherently "weak." Back pain is frequently affected by multiple factors, and symptoms can reoccur if the underlying causes have not been correctly identified or addressed.

Why can back pain return?

Pain relief and rest can be beneficial during a flare-up, but they don't necessarily ready your body for the activities that initially triggered the symptoms.

For instance, your pain might lessen after staying away from the gym, running, or lifting for a few weeks. However, going back to your previous routine right away can be more than your back is currently able to handle.

Getting better in the long run usually requires more than just waiting for the pain to go away. It means understanding what you're feeling, getting back to your normal abilities, and slowly starting your activities again.

Five Common Reasons Why Back Pain Keeps Returning

1. Focusing Solely on the Painful Area

The location of your pain might not be the only area needing attention. Factors like hip mobility, trunk control, lower-body strength, and your movement patterns can all impact the stress on your lower back.

This doesn't imply that every movement difference is problematic. A thorough assessment can determine which findings are truly relevant to your symptoms, rather than addressing every minor "imbalance."

2. Resuming Activities Too Soon

Just because the pain subsides doesn't mean you're ready to return to your usual activities or workload. If your back has been less active during recovery, its tolerance may be temporarily reduced.

A gradual return helps you rebuild tolerance to activities like bending, lifting, running, and prolonged sitting without overwhelming your current capacity.

3. Resting for Extended Periods

While rest can be beneficial during a severe flare-up, avoiding movement for too long can decrease strength, confidence, and tolerance.

In most straightforward cases, staying gently active and slowly reintroducing normal movement is more beneficial than waiting to be completely pain-free before resuming activities.

4. Halting Rehabilitation When Pain Lessens

Reducing pain is a crucial milestone, but it doesn’t signify the end of rehabilitation. If exercises cease as soon as symptoms improve, the strength and capacity needed for work, training, or daily life might not be fully regained.

Effective rehabilitation should shift from symptom management to stronger, more challenging movements that align with your body's needs.

5. Fluctuating Overall Workload

Back pain isn't solely affected by a single exercise or movement. Sudden increases in training, demanding physical work, prolonged sitting, poor sleep, and heightened stress can all influence your body's tolerance.

It's not necessary to avoid every possible trigger. Instead, recognizing patterns and adjusting your workload while gradually enhancing your capacity can be beneficial.

What Should a Back-Pain Assessment Include?

A thorough back-pain assessment starts with a conversation about your symptoms, health, daily routine, and the onset of your issue.

Physical Assessment Components

The physical assessment may include:

• Movements that improve or reproduce your symptoms

• Strength and mobility around your hips, trunk, and lower body

• Relevant neurological signs, if applicable

• Tolerance to bending, lifting, and other activities

• Potential referrals to other healthcare professionals

The aim is to understand your unique situation and develop a tailored plan that aligns with your symptoms and goals.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

While most back pain cases are not serious, seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• Changes in bladder or bowel control

• Numbness around the groin or saddle area

• Worsening weakness in the legs

• Severe pain after trauma

• Fever, unexplained weight loss, or general malaise

If unsure about your symptoms, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is always wise.

How Can J Works Fitness & Rehab Help?

At J Works Fitness & Rehab, we customise our back pain rehabilitation to fit your individual needs.

Your first appointment will involve a detailed discussion and physical assessment to understand your symptoms and identify contributing factors.

From this, we will create a progressive rehabilitation plan focused on reducing symptoms, rebuilding strength, and helping you return to the activities you love.

If your back pain continues and you’re unsure of the next steps, contact us to arrange an initial MSK assessment in Shefford. We’re here to support your recovery journey.