Back Pain Myth #4 – Why Posture Isn’t the Only Problem

Greg Conlan No Comments , Back Pain, Chiropractor

Back Pain Myth #4 - Is Poor Posture the Main Cause of Back Pain?

Sitting straight isn’t the whole story when it comes to back pain. Learn about the surprising factors that play a role in your discomfort—and how to address them.

 

Back Pain Isn’t Just About Posture

We've all heard it: "Sit up straight, or you’ll hurt your back!" While posture matters, it’s not the only—or even the main—reason people experience back pain.

At Northcote Chiropractic Centre, we see many patients who believe fixing their posture is the ultimate solution to their discomfort. But back pain often arises from a mix of factors: weak muscles, stress, lack of movement, repetitive movements and overall health. Let’s dive into why posture is just one piece of the puzzle—and what you can do to protect your back.Poor posture & back pain

What Causes Back Pain Beyond Posture?
Back pain is usually the result of several factors coming together, such as:

    • Muscle Weakness: Weak core and back muscles can’t properly support your spine. Increasingly common in an era of labour saving machines and devices designed to keep us glued to a screen
    • Prolonged Sitting: Long periods of sitting, even with good posture, can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Is your work and recreation largely seated?
  • Repeated Loads: High repetition of even small loads over days, months and years leads to gradual degenerative change to joins leading to inflammation and pain.
  • Stress and Tension: Ever noticed your shoulders creeping up to your ears when you’re stressed? Muscle tension can lead to back pain over time.
  • Lifestyle Habits: Lack of exercise, poor diet, and even dehydration can contribute to discomfort.

3 Steps to Improve Back Health:

1️⃣ Mix Movement into Your Day
Even small changes—like standing up every 30 minutes, taking short walks, or stretching—can reduce stiffness and improve circulation. The challenge is to do the activity before the pain signal triggers you. It is better to have low load and high frequency of movements. For example it is better to do a few exercises 3 times per day than to do them all in one session.

2️⃣ Strengthen Your Core
Core exercises, like planks or bridges, help stabilize your spine and reduce strain on your back. Remember that no amount of strength will protect your back from poor habits. Always review your work and recreation environment to see if it can be modified and improved. 

3️⃣ Manage Stress
Techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can ease tension and prevent pain caused by tight muscles.

At Northcote Chiropractic Centre, We Look at the Big Picture
If you’ve been sitting at your desk wondering why your “perfect posture” isn’t enough, it’s time to dig deeper. Chiropractic care focuses on the underlying causes of your pain—not just the symptoms. Book an appointment today, and let’s create a plan to get you back to feeling your best!

For more on managing back pain, check out this guide to core strengthening or explore ways to reduce stress.