3 Uncommon Causes of Back Pain
While many causes of back pain can be attributed to overuse, pulled muscles, sciatica, or muscle strain, there are other, less common causes that may lead to discomfort. Visiting your chiropractor for alternative treatments can help diminish your pain, however, it will be necessary to determine the source of your pain before an effective treatment plan can be implemented. Here are three uncommon causes of back pain and what you can do about them:
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies not only cause watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and a scratchy throat, but they can also trigger a body-wide systemic inflammatory response. When this happens, your joints, ligaments, and muscles, including those in your back, can feel sore and painful.
Chiropractic therapeutic massage, hot compresses, topical analgesic ointments, and mild exercise can all help diminish pain, however, treating your allergies with antihistamines may be needed in order to dampen inflammation. Antihistamines work to inhibit pro-inflammatory chemicals that are released into your circulation in response to allergies and other health conditions. Once your allergies and systemic inflammation are under control, your back pain may improve dramatically.
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety and panic attacks can cause tense muscles, and like allergies, excessive anxiety can heighten the risk for systemic inflammation and subsequent back pain. Chiropractic spinal manipulation coupled with massage can help ease tense muscles while reducing anxiety.
Massage can promote the release of "feel good" chemicals known as endorphins, which are thought to induce a sense of calm. While prescription anti-anxiety medications can help stave off panic attacks, they are usually not recommended for long-term use. These medications can lead to significant side effects such as extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. In addition, anti-anxiety medications can raise the risk for addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Food Sensitivities
Certain foods are known as nightshade foods, and they include eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes. While most people can enjoy these foods without problems, those with nightshade sensitivities may develop overall body pain and significant back pain after consuming them.
If you experience body pain or a headache after eating nightshade foods, you may have a sensitivity. Raw nightshade foods usually cause more symptoms than cooked or pasteurized foods such as tomato juice. The cooking process helps eliminate some of the inflammatory substances released by the foods, so even if you do have a nightshade sensitivity, you may still be able to enjoy tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant in vegetable juices or when cooked.
If you have any of the above conditions along with back pain, work with both your medical doctor and chiropractic physician. Working with both disciplines will help ensure that an effective treatment plan is developed and easy for you to comply with. You can also seek further counsel from resources like Dr. Jason B Kaster DC.
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