The vast majority of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives, but that doesn’t mean the pain is always caused by a problem in your spine. Sometimes the reason a problem developed in your spine is because of an issue in another part of your body. Today, we take a look at how issues in other parts of your body can lead to spine pain.

Foot Injuries

Sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis and toe fractures can all cause pain to develop in your spine because they all share one common characteristic – they can alter your gait. If a foot injury changes the way you walk, it will undoubtedly change how your feet and your spine shoulders your weight. Some muscles may be overstressed, while other muscle groups may lose strength because your new stride has taken pressure off these areas. This can cause problems once your injury heals and you return to your “normal” gait. If you notice spine pain after a foot injury, it’s likely because your gait has been affected.

Mental Health

Stress, anxiety and depression also plays a big role in the development of back pain. For starters, stressed, anxious or depressed individuals are less likely to exercise, which is extremely beneficial in both preventing and treating back pain. Secondly, if your mind is clouded, you may struggle to fall asleep at night. Sleep is a restorative process that helps our muscles and soft tissues recover from a hard day’s work, and if sleep is interrupted, so is this recovery process. If you can’t get a good night’s sleep, you’re more likely to wake up with aches and pains. If you develop back pain and you’ve been feeling stressed or depressed, explain those feelings to your doctor.

Your Age

Unfortunately, this one is unavoidable. Our bodies wear down slowly over time, and our spine is no different. In fact, everyone experiences disc degeneration as they age, but that doesn’t mean everyone will experience pain. The “cushion” between our spinal discs slowly erodes, which can make movement painful if enough degeneration occurs. If you’re over 50, talk to your doctor about simple ways you can keep your spine strengthened as your get into your golden years.

Smoking

Although it’s technically not a health condition, it certainly is an action that affects your health. Smokers have an increased likelihood of developing low back pain because the lowered oxygen levels in the tissues of smokers can delay healing. Smokers are also at an increased risk of disc degeneration. If you’re a smoker and you’re serious about getting rid of your back pain, give up the cigarettes.

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