Can a young person get sciatica? (Spoiler: Yes, and we’ll explain why)

Sciatica most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune if you’re still in your 20s — young people can get it too. If you feel pain, numbness or weakness that stretches from your back down your leg, it could be sciatica, no matter your age. […]
3 possible reasons why my back hurts when I lay down

According to a survey of people with chronic pain, most participants reported that their backs were the source of their discomfort. But how can you know what is causing your back pain? It can be helpful to evaluate the severity and frequency of your pain levels while standing, walking, or lying down. If you notice […]
3 things that can be acute exacerbations of your chronic lower back pain

Approximately 7.5% of the world’s population experiences chronic lower back pain (LBP). Chronic back pain can be extremely debilitating and disruptive to everyday life. When you couple lower back pain with minor exacerbating factors, chronic back pain can worsen. The origins of back pain typically cannot be easily identified, but there are several factors that […]
Is dehydration the culprit behind your back pain?

Summer means more time exercising in the sun. But the heat can put you at risk of dehydration, whether you’re working or playing outside. Dehydration occurs when the fluid you drink doesn’t replace the fluid you’ve lost. Your body’s systems require ample water to function. Without enough, dehydration sets in. Symptoms of dehydration can include […]
Why am I feeling back pain when coughing?

Coughing is your body’s way of getting rid of bits of dust or other unwanted irritants you may have breathed in. Or, you may be suffering from a cold, and your body is trying to clear the mucus out of your throat and lungs. Regardless of the cause, a cough is one of the ways […]
Why does my back keep cracking all the time?

Adjusting your back once in a while so that it cracks is normal, and for the most part, pretty safe. It can be helpful for relieving pressure and tension in the joints. One study even showed that after cracking a joint the joint’s range of motion improves slightly. However, overly frequent cracking or popping with […]
3 lower back problems that can cause future issues if they aren’t treated now

An estimated 4 out of 5 people will deal with lower back pain at any point in their lifetimes. This type of back pain can be tricky to deal with because it can affect even simple daily activities and tasks. 3 lower back problems that could lead to future issues if left untreated Poor posture […]
The 3 parts of your spinal anatomy that are likely behind your lower back pain

Lower back pain affects almost 8% of the population worldwide and also is the number one cause of disability in the world. Back pain is frustrating to deal with, especially if it interferes with the activities you partake in daily. It’s also notoriously difficult to pinpoint, making it harder than the average condition to successfully […]
3 benefits that will have you seeking the Mulligan technique for your lower back pain

Approximately 65 million Americans suffer from back pain. Lower back pain is a common problem for many people. It can be caused by injury, heavy lifting, poor posture, repetitive motion and stress. You can reduce your chances of lower back pain by improving muscle strength and flexibility and maintaining proper posture. To experience more significant […]
4 things you should NOT do if you have a pulled lat muscle

The latissimus dorsi is a very large muscle in your back. It runs along the spine from the middle of your rib cage down to the top of your pelvis, and it’s also attached to the bones in your upper arm. The lat muscles move when you rotate your arm toward your body, or when […]
Why are you feeling back pain after recovering from COVID-19?

It’s no secret by now that COVID-19 can continue to cause people issues long after their bodies have defeated the virus. A common example of post-COVID-19 symptoms is back pain. COVID-19 has been exhibiting many new symptoms as new virus variations have emerged. This includes the infection causing back pain and headaches, even after the […]
How can physical therapists help treat my lower back and knee pain?

Lower back pain and knee pain are both very common. One medical study reports that 25% of U.S. adults surveyed had lower back pain in the past three months. Another study found that about 25% of adults experience frequent knee pain. Having either type of pain is bad enough, but some people have the misfortune […]