Why Does My Back Hurt? Understanding Back Pain in Upper Darby

Back pain in Upper Darby may develop from muscle strain, poor posture, repetitive work, disc problems, arthritis, or irritation involving a nearby nerve. As a result, symptoms may interfere with walking, lifting, sleeping, exercising, and other normal daily activities.

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center, we evaluate patients from Upper Darby, Havertown, Drexel Hill, Springfield, Broomall, Lansdowne, Clifton Heights, Yeadon, and surrounding Delaware County communities. Because back pain has many possible causes, a proper evaluation is important before choosing treatment.

Common Causes of Back Pain in Upper Darby

Back discomfort may begin suddenly after lifting or twisting. However, symptoms can also develop gradually from repeated stress, prolonged sitting, or poor movement habits.

Common causes include:

  • Muscle or ligament strain: For example, lifting, overuse, sudden movement, or repetitive activity may strain the tissues supporting the spine.
  • Poor posture: In addition, prolonged sitting, driving, computer work, or awkward sleeping positions may place added stress on the back.
  • Bulging or herniated discs: In some cases, an injured disc may irritate a nearby nerve and cause back or leg symptoms.
  • Restricted joint movement: As a result, reduced movement in the spine or hips may create uneven mechanical stress.
  • Arthritis and degenerative changes: Over time, age-related changes may contribute to stiffness and reduced mobility.
  • Sciatic nerve irritation: Additionally, irritation involving the sciatic nerve may cause pain that travels into the buttock or leg.

According to MedlinePlus, back pain may be associated with injuries, medical conditions, inactivity, or physical stress. Therefore, persistent or recurring symptoms should be properly evaluated.

Where Is Your Back Pain Located?

The location and pattern of symptoms may provide useful information during an evaluation. For example, lower, middle, and upper back pain may each have different contributing factors.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back symptoms may be related to muscle strain, posture, joint dysfunction, disc problems, or nerve irritation. In addition, pain may sometimes travel into the hip, buttock, or leg.

Mid-Back Pain

Mid-back discomfort may develop from prolonged sitting, repetitive movement, muscle tension, or restricted thoracic joint movement. However, unexplained or persistent symptoms should be evaluated to rule out nonmusculoskeletal causes.

Upper Back Pain

Upper-back symptoms may be associated with posture, computer use, muscle tension, or restricted movement involving the upper spine and shoulders. Furthermore, prolonged desk work may contribute to stiffness and fatigue in this area.

How Did the Back Pain Begin?

How symptoms started may help determine what should happen next. For instance, pain following an injury may require a different evaluation than discomfort that developed gradually.

  • After lifting or twisting: The problem may involve muscle strain, a joint injury, or an irritated disc.
  • Gradually over time: Meanwhile, posture, repetitive work, reduced mobility, or age-related changes may contribute.
  • After a fall or accident: In this situation, a prompt professional evaluation may be necessary, especially when pain is severe.
  • Without a clear cause: Finally, persistent unexplained pain should be assessed rather than ignored.

Back Pain Warning Signs

Although many cases are mechanical, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Therefore, seek immediate evaluation if back pain is accompanied by:

  • Progressive weakness
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Numbness in the groin or saddle area
  • Fever or unexplained weight loss
  • Severe pain following significant trauma
  • Pain that is constant, worsening, or unusually severe at night

How Chiropractic Care May Help Back Pain

Chiropractic care focuses on improving joint movement, reducing mechanical stress, and helping patients move more comfortably. After reviewing the patient’s history and examination findings, treatment may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Joint mobilization
  • Soft-tissue therapy
  • Corrective exercises
  • Posture and ergonomic guidance
  • Movement and lifting recommendations

For example, some patients may benefit primarily from mobility work and adjustments. Meanwhile, others may also require exercises, spinal decompression, laser therapy, or SoftWave Therapy when appropriate.

In addition, treatment recommendations should always be based on the cause of the symptoms, the patient’s health history, and the examination findings. Therefore, no single treatment approach is appropriate for every patient.

Can Back Pain Travel Into the Leg?

Yes. In some cases, irritation involving a spinal disc or nearby nerve may cause pain to travel into the buttock, hip, or leg. Additionally, patients may experience tingling, numbness, or weakness.

For more information, learn about our approach to sciatica treatment in Upper Darby. However, worsening weakness or changes in bowel or bladder function require prompt medical evaluation.

Back Pain Treatment Near Upper Darby

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center is located at 115 E Township Line Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082. Dr. Dan Klein has more than 30 years of experience evaluating back pain and providing personalized conservative care.

Furthermore, our office is conveniently located for patients from Havertown, Drexel Hill, Springfield, Broomall, Lansdowne, Clifton Heights, Yeadon, and nearby Philadelphia communities.

Schedule a Back Pain Evaluation

If back pain in Upper Darby is affecting your work, sleep, exercise, or daily movement, make an appointment at Everybody’s Chiropractic Center or call 610-789-1800.

Find Everybody’s Chiropractic Center on Google Maps

Click Find Everybody’s Chiropractic Center on Google Maps for directions to our office at 115 E Township Line Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082.

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center
115 E Township Line Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082
610-789-1800