
Could Your Back Pain Be KILLING You?
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
Weird Tea Trick Calms Your Mind While Boosting Focus
You know the drill… If you want to feel more alert, coffee gives you the jolt you need. But when it’s calm that you seek, chamomile tea soothes you to sleep. But what if you could drink a beverage that can do both at the same time? A natural compound found in certain teas offers...
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...