Why Does My Back Keep Hurting? Back pain in Lanzarote

It's one of the most common problems I see in my clinic here in Lanzarote. If you've ever had back pain that seems to disappear, only to come back again a few weeks or months later, you're certainly not alone.

And one of the questions I'm often asked is:

“Why does it keep coming back?”

The simple answer is that there isn't always one reason.

Your back is part of a whole system, and things such as how you move, previous injuries, muscle strength, the amount of exercise you do, your work, and even how well you're recovering can all play a part.

It's not always about the painful area

When your back hurts, it's natural to focus on the area that's painful.

But sometimes the problem isn't actually coming from that area alone.

For example, restrictions around the hips or upper back can affect how your lower back moves. A previous injury can change the way you move without you realising it. Or perhaps you've been sitting more than usual and then suddenly spent a weekend hiking, surfing or doing something you're not used to.

Your back may simply be telling you that the balance between what you're asking your

body to do and what it's currently able to do has changed.

Why does treatment sometimes help — but the pain returns?

Hands-on treatment can be very useful for reducing pain and improving movement.

But if the factors contributing to the problem haven't changed, it's not surprising if the symptoms eventually return.

That's why, when I assess someone, I'm interested in more than just where it hurts.

I want to understand why it's hurting, what might be contributing to it and what you can do to help prevent it becoming a recurring problem.

Sometimes that means treatment. Sometimes it's exercise or rehabilitation. Often it's a combination of both.

What can you do?

If your back is bothering you, don't automatically assume that you need to rest completely.

For most uncomplicated back problems, gentle movement and gradually building your strength and fitness are important parts of recovery.

And if your pain keeps returning, it may be worth getting it properly assessed rather than simply treating it every time it flares up.

A little about me

I've been working as an osteopath for over 30 years, and I've been treating patients here in Lanzarote for many years.

I work with people of all ages and activity levels — from those dealing with everyday aches and pains to surfers, runners and other active people who want to get back to doing what they enjoy.

My approach is straightforward: listen, assess, explain what's going on and work with you to get you moving better.

If you're in Lanzarote and struggling with back pain, I'd be happy to help.

Jamie Last Osteopathy

Moving free from pain