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
Ancient Persian Secret Unlocks Perfect Sleep in 3 Weeks
If you’re among the millions tossing and turning at night, with sleep remaining frustratingly out of reach, I’ve got exciting news. Scientists discovered an ancient spice—prized for its distinctive flavor and color—might hold the key to better sleep. And unlike many sleep medications, this natural approach works without the morning grogginess or dependency potential… Two...
$5 Pharmacy Find Reverses Aging by 4 Months (Or MORE)
We’re all searching for the elusive fountain of youth. You know—the one anti-aging hack that will give us more happy, healthy years on this Earth. But what if I told you that a simple supplement you can pick up at any pharmacy today might actually slow down your biological aging? A groundbreaking new study suggests...
Why We Crave Crunchy Foods When We're Stressed
Ever notice how you tend to reach for chips, crackers, or pretzels when you’re stressed? That satisfying crunch isn’t just pleasing to your taste buds—that craving is your body’s clever way of calming itself. I’ve been researching this connection for years, and what I’ve learned explains a lot about stress snacking. Even better, it’s revealed...
Scientists Discover Hidden CAUSE of Stubborn Diabetes
If, despite diet and exercise, you’re struggling to control type 2 diabetes, this might be the most important thing you read this year. New research uncovered a microscopic malfunction in muscle cells—and it could be sabotaging your body’s response to insulin. The most shocking part? It has nothing to do with your diet, weight, or...
Mailbag: 7 Natural Allergy Fighters That Won't Leave You Drowsy
“I have a really bad allergy and take an antihistamine every 3rd day because they are bad for your health. I really need to take one a day but I suffer so I will not overdo it. Is there anything out there that is natural that really works? Thank you,” Sneezy and Allergic Hi Sneezy, It’s...
Eat 23 of These Daily to SLASH Heart Risk [DELICIOUS!]
When it comes to heart health, we’re constantly told what we need to cut out. You know the drill—ditch the salt, dump the sugar, and avoid the processed foods. But what if I told you that adding something to your diet could be just as effective for protecting your heart? A comprehensive new scientific analysis...
"Yellow Devil" Fruit CRUSHES Blood Pressure Better Than Meds
I have a confession to make. I hate bananas. Even the smell of them causes my stomach to flip. The funny thing is that I have an uncle and a daughter who are the same—so I wonder if it’s genetic. But even though I consider them the yellow devil of the fruit world, I recommend...
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...