This is a question I hear often from patients, friends, and family. It’s so interesting the way the body responds to an injury, and how a specific injury or problem can cascade into other areas of the body.

Here’s a great example…many patients with lower back pain present with restricted movement in their neck or upper back. Although these areas may not be painful or uncomfortable (and many would not think they are related) I would bet that in most cases they are a huge part of the problem at the lower back. You see, the body is an amazing structure, and it compensates in many ways so it can still function fully. So if the upper back is stiff, the lower back may overstretch in efforts to reach or twist, creating an imbalance there. This over stretching can create a condition of excess mobility in the lower back, which may become a source of pain before the root of the problem (the neck or upper back) ever speaks up. And for some, the neck or upper back area may start to become bothersome after the lower back is inflamed, painful, and weak. Here comes the feeling of falling apart…

So what can you do to prevent this? Stay as healthy as possible. This includes eating a well balanced diet, and getting enough exercise, sleep, and relaxation time. Regular physical exams are important as are some regular pampering sessions. You may choose quarterly massages, chiropractic treatments, working with a physical therapist or trainer, acupuncture, Reiki, Reflexology, or any number of other alternative forms of body work or healing practices. Getting prompt treatment and care when you feel pain or discomfort is also of huge importance so any imbalances get addressed immediately and secondary problems can be avoided.