Could Your Back Pain Be KILLING You?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 27, 2018
Mark was in my office to get his blood drawn and casually mentioned (as he was about to leave) that his back had been hurting.
“Hold on,” I said, “Come back and sit down. Tell me what you mean.”
Mark, like many men, had gotten used to back pain.
But sometimes back pain is not just back pain — there are many serious conditions that can look exactly like back pain.
If you have chronic back pain (lasts for more than a few days), you need to make sure it is not something else that could require immediate medical attention.
Let’s take a look.
Yes, back pain can be just back pain. But it can also be much more.
Let me help you figure it out:
- Is it how you sit? Back pain can result from how you sit. Many of us sit in a way that puts an unnatural curve in our backs. You know this is you if you were to maintain your sitting posture and stand, your head would be far forward. The pain from poor sitting is usually due to muscle strain and it is fixed by learning to sit up straighter.
- Is it stress? If you are constantly under stress, this creates tight shoulders and upper back. Your best way out of this is to learn to reduce stress by exercising, stretching, and taking calming herbs like chamomile, passionflower, hops and valerian.
- Cancer? There are two types of cancers that commonly mimic back pain. The first is lung cancer and the second is bone cancer. These typically present as a slowly increasing pain over time – for no obvious reason. If your pain has been around a long time and nothing seems to make it better, then go to the doctor.
- Kidneys? Your kidneys are located just below your ribs on both sides of your back. Typical kidney stone pain radiates from the back and around to your groin area. Kidney stones are incredibly painful.
- Is it the flu? The flu and other illnesses make your bones and muscles sore. You know this might be the cause of back pain if you have other symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or fever.
- Does it hurt when you inhale? Taking a deep breath typically hurts when you have a cracked rib, a rib out of place, or (more worrisome) when you have a pulmonary embolism (usually a blood clot in your lungs). Pulmonary embolisms usually present with shortness of breath or coughing of blood. Call 911 if you have blood clotting issues and you suspect an embolism.
Consider going to the doctor if the pain is getting worse or not getting better after a few days.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
"Invisible" Food Ingredients SABOTAGE Blood Sugar
If you’re trying to keep your blood sugar in check, you know the drill. Cut way back on sugar in your diet. While you’re at it, rein in your fat intake too, which can lead to insulin resistance. And don’t forget the extra calories—they add up fast and can sabotage your blood sugar control. But...
The Alarming Microplastic Secret Hidden in Your Chewing Gum
Today I want to honor and thank mothers and mother figures whose caring hearts have guided us through life’s journey. Your love has shaped generations. Happy Mother’s Day! That pack of gum in your pocket may be doing far more than just freshening your breath. A disturbing new study finds chewing gum is a surprising...
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...