Back pain is one of the most common health issues today. A majority of the adult population experiences it—and its incidence has been rising significantly in recent decades. The reasons are not always obvious at first glance. Often, it is not just a single specific problem, but a combination of lifestyle, physical condition, and psychological strain.
Yet, our bodies are not built for prolonged immobility or repetitive strain. If they lack natural movement and balance, they start to make themselves heard—frequently through back pain.
The good news is that in most cases, the causes of back pain can be prevented or significantly mitigated.
What Is Behind the Rising Incidence of Back Pain?
Sedentary Lifestyle A modern lifestyle is tied to long hours of sitting—at work, during studies, and in leisure time. Prolonged sitting:
- Weakens the deep stabilizing system of the spine
- Increases pressure on the intervertebral discs
- Reduces blood flow to the discs
- Leads to poor posture
The spine is naturally adapted for movement, not for prolonged sitting.
Lack of Movement and Muscle Imbalances A lack of physical activity leads to:
- Weakening of the back and abdominal muscles
- Shortening of certain muscle groups
This results in uneven loading on the spine and the gradual onset of pain.
Poor Posture Sustained forward head posture, rounded back, or improper sitting at a computer:
- Overloads both the cervical and lumbar spine
- Leads to chronic muscle tension
Even minor posture deviations can cause problems over time.
Psychological Stress The mind plays a significant role in back pain. Stress:
- Increases muscle tension (especially in the neck and back area)
- Lowers the pain threshold
- Can prolong or worsen the difficulties
Back pain is thus often not just a "mechanical problem," but also a reflection of psychological stress.
Overweight and Obesity Higher body weight:
- Increases mechanical stress on the spine
- Accelerates its wear and tear
Natural Age-Related Changes With age comes:
- Wear and tear of intervertebral discs
- Reduced tissue elasticity
- Degenerative changes (e.g., osteoarthritis)
This naturally increases the likelihood of back pain developing.
Technology and "Digital Posture" Frequent use of mobile phones and computers leads to the typical forward head posture:
- Overloading the cervical spine
- Long-term tension in the neck region
What All Can Cause Pain in the Spine? From a neurological perspective, back pain often arises due to irritation or compression of nerve structures. A typical example is a herniated intervertebral disc, which can cause not only local pain but also shooting pain into the limbs, tingling, or a loss of sensation or strength.
These symptoms are not random—they are signals that the nervous system is not functioning optimally.
The spine is a complex system where bones, discs, nerves, muscles, and ligaments work closely together. Pain can therefore originate from various structures:
- Muscles and soft tissues – Overload, poor posture, or stress lead to painful muscle spasms (tightness), which can be very intense.
- Intervertebral discs – Their degeneration or herniation can exert pressure on nerves, causing pain to radiate into the limbs.
- Spinal joints – The small joints between the vertebrae are often a source of chronic, dull pain, especially during movement.
- Nerve roots – Compression leads to typical neurological symptoms, such as tingling, burning, or weakness in the limbs.
- Ligaments and stabilizing structures – Overloading them can cause a deep, pulling pain.
- The vertebrae themselves – For example, due to degenerative changes or osteoporosis, they can cause pain even without an obvious injury.
Furthermore, pain can manifest in different ways—from sharp, "stabbing" pain to dull pressure or unpleasant burning and tingling. Each type of pain has its significance and helps the physician determine its origin.
What Does This Mean? Back pain today is primarily linked to the fact that we:
- Move less
- Spend more time sitting
- Are exposed to long-term stress
- Have unhealthy movement habits
The Good News Most of these factors can be controlled. The key lies in:
- Regular and natural movement
- Proper posture
- Conscious stress management
- Addressing issues early
The sooner the cause of the problem is identified, the easier it usually is to resolve.
Modern Approach to Treatment Modern neurology now offers much more than just pain relief. Thanks to advanced diagnostics, such as MRI or CT, it is possible to pinpoint exactly where the problem originates and target its actual cause.
Treatment may also include targeted procedures, such as injections—whether performed in an outpatient setting or guided by imaging techniques (CT or ultrasound).
The result is a treatment that is targeted, effective, and sustainable in the long term.
We Are Here for You If you are troubled by back pain, tingling in your limbs, or restricted movement, there is no reason to wait. Your body is giving you a signal—and neurology can help you understand it and find a solution.
At INCARE, we approach each client individually and look for a solution that corresponds to their specific needs.
If you are unsure what your symptoms mean, a neurological examination can bring you answers and peace of mind. At INCARE, we are here for you.
We are happy to provide more information or help you book an appointment:
Tel.: 222 501 666
E-mail: incare@incare.cz
