When it comes to spinal health, fatigue can play a number of different roles. It can be the cause of back pain, it can be a symptom of an underlying systemic condition, and it can make existing back pain worse. In this blog post, we’ll explore each of these roles in more detail and offer some tips on how to combat fatigue for better spinal health.

1. Fatigue as a Cause of Back Pain

One of the most common causes of back pain is muscle fatigue. When the muscles that support the spine become tired, they’re not able to provide as much stability, but they can go into spasm which can lead to pain. This type of back pain is often aggravated by activities like sitting for long periods of time, bending forward, driving or lifting heavy objects. 

To prevent muscle fatigue from causing back pain, it’s important to stay active and get regular exercise as well as drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Regular exercise helps to keep the muscles strong and helps improve their endurance preventing fatigue.

2. Fatigue as a Symptom of an Underlying Condition

Fatigue can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as anemia, low blood sugar, thyroid issues or depression. If you’re experiencing fatigue along with other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, weight gain or extreme tiredness,  it’s important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

3. Fatigue as a Symptom of Back Pain

Back pain can also cause mental, emotional and physical fatigue. When the muscles and joints in the back are irritated and inflamed,  they require more energy to function properly. It can compromise life and prevent us from doing the activities we enjoy. This can lead to fatigue and exhaustion. If you’re experiencing back pain along with fatigue, it’s important to see your doctor or chiropractor to determine the root cause and the necessary treatment to improve your condition.

Methods That Chiropractors May Use to Treat Fatigue

There are many methods that chiropractors may use to treat fatigue in addressing spinal health. Some common methods include:

-Manual therapy:  Soft tissue therapy such as Active Release Technique is a form of stretching and massage that is specifically designed to relieve tension and pain in the muscles and joints as well as promoting motion.

-Electrical stimulation: This is a treatment that uses electrical currents to reduce muscle tension, inhibit pain and promote circulation. 

Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes such as: 

-Exercise: Regular exercise can help to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue as well as strengthen muscles.

-Dietary changes: Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to boost energy levels and improve overall health. It can also reduce systemic inflammation which can lead to muscle and joint pain.  

-Stress management: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, pilates or meditation can help to improve energy levels and improve overall well-being. 

Each of these methods has its own distinct benefits. You should talk to your chiropractic physician about the advantages of each before determining which is the best direction for your specific situation. 

Fatigue Can Be Felt Throughout the Entire Body 

Fatigue can play a number of different roles in spinal health. It can be the cause of back pain, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition, and it can make existing back pain even worse. To combat fatigue for better spinal health, it’s important to stay active, eat well, stay hydrated and engage in regular exercise. 

If you’re experiencing fatigue along with other symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness, it is important to see your medical doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. If you’re experiencing back pain along with fatigue, it’s important to see your chiropractor to determine the cause and appropriate treament.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Paul Quarneri of Neurolink Chiropractic has helped patients with numerous ailments improve their quality of life. He is committed to helping you with his knowledge and experience! So, if you are feeling slouchy and in constant pain or discomfort with your spinal health–or if you’re just feeling constantly worn-out–give him a call today and begin to reclaim your quality of life today.