Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: February 17, 2026
Back pain is incredibly common. Not only can it develop in patients of all ages, but it’s also the leading cause of disability in older adults. But why exactly are spine injuries so common, and what can we do to target these common sources of back pain? We explore the answers to those questions in today’s blog on why back pain is so common.
Why Spine Pain Is So Common
There are a number of factors that play into why back pain is so common here in America, so let’s take a look at some of those factors and discuss how you can prevent these issues from causing problems for your spine.
- Repetitive Daily Stress – Even if you’re not all that active, your spine is going to handle a fair amount of stress throughout the day. Whether you’re sitting on the couch or walking around the office, your spine is tasked with handling the stress of your body and the forces of gravity. Every day, this stress adds up and can contribute to microtrauma that eventually erodes key areas of your spine, like vertebral discs. Every person will experience some spinal degeneration over the course of their life as a result of daily repetitive stress.
- Inactivity – Despite what we said in the above point, don’t assume that the best way to protect your spine is to be inactive. Not only is our spine still under stress when we’re seated, but key supportive muscle groups aren’t getting any stronger. In fact, they may be weakening due to inactivity. This can destabilize your spinal complex and lead to strains, sprains or more serious spinal problems. For the healthiest spine, be sure to regularly pursue low-impact exercise.
- Weak Lower Back/Core Strength – If you go to the gym, you probably focus on your upper and lower body muscles, like your calves, hamstrings and biceps, but you may overlook areas like your lower back or your core. These muscle groups play a huge role in supporting your spine, and if they are weaker and not up to the task, eventually spine problems can develop. Be sure to target your core and your lower back muscles during your workout routines, and you’ll be helping your back prepare for normal daily stress.
- Overweight – Another issue that can increase your risk of developing back pain is being overweight or obese. We already explained that your back has to handle the weight of your body and gravitational forces, and that is only amplified when you’re overweight. Dropping just a few pounds can go a long way in taking stress off your spine, and that will continue for as long as you keep the weight off. Take some strain off your spine by losing a little weight.
- Posture – Finally, our posture plays a role in the health of our spines. Whether you’re seated at a desk all day, scrolling your phone on the couch or simply hunched forward when walking, your spine may not be in an ideal alignment. When your spine is out of alignment, areas like your cervical and lumbar portions of your spine inherently take on more strain. Over time, this can speed up spinal degeneration or contribute to arthritis onset. Work to pay closer attention to your posture throughout the day and make simple adjustments if you find that your spine is out of alignment.
Spine pain is common, but you can make it less common by keeping these tips in mind and by connecting with a specialist at the first sign of an issue. For professional help in the greater Twin Cities area, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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