8 Factors That Could Be Impacting Your Recovery

Dr David Tang- OSTEOPATH-Double Bachelor of Health Science/Applied Science (Osteopathy) – Member Osteopathy Australia

Are you experiencing back pain that just won’t go away? If so, you’re not alone. Back pain is one of the most common complaints that people have. However, recovery from back pain can sometimes be difficult. We’ll explore eight potential reasons why you might not be recovering from your back pain, and we’ll also offer some tips on what you can do to help yourself feel better. 

1. Poor posture: If you’re not paying attention to your posture whilst sitting, standing, or sleeping, it could be causing extra stress on your back muscles and ligaments, which can hinder your recovery. 

2. Lack of exercise: When you don’t keep your back muscles active and strong, they can become weaker and less flexible, which can slow down your recovery. 

3. Not getting enough rest: Rest is critical for your body to recover from injuries, including back pain. If you’re not getting enough sleep or taking enough breaks during the day, it can be harder for your back to heal. 

4. Psychological factors: Sometimes anxiety, depression, or stress can contribute to back pain and make it harder for your body to recover. Addressing any underlying psychological issues could help improve your recovery process. 

5. Poor diet: Your diet can have a big impact on your body’s ability to heal. If you’re not getting enough essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, it can weaken your bones and muscles, which can slow down your recovery. 

6. Not seeking the right treatment: Over-the-counter pain medications may offer some relief, but they don’t address the underlying cause of your back pain. Seeking appropriate medical treatment, like physical therapy can help speed up your recovery. 

7. Overdoing it: It’s essential to listen to your body and gradually increase activity levels as you feel comfortable. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can worsen your back pain and slow down your recovery. 

8. Underlying medical conditions: Sometimes back pain can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition like herniated discs, arthritis, or osteoporosis. Identifying and treating the underlying condition is crucial for recovery. 

Recovery from back pain can sometimes be difficult, but by paying attention to your posture, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, seeking psychological support, eating a healthy diet, seeking appropriate medical treatment, taking it slow, and ruling out underlying medical conditions, you can improve your chances of feeling better. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards recovery. 

References

1. “Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.” Medical News Today. Accessed April 22, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172943. 
2. “The Relationship Between Exercise and Back Pain.” Spine-Health. Accessed April 22, 2023.
3. “Managing Chronic Pain: How Psychologists Can Help with Pain Management.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 22, 2023.