Overused back

In back overuse, you have overused the muscles in your back. The severity depends on the cause. Are you curious to learn more, such as its causes and treatment? Then feel free to read on. We will be happy to explain.

The possible cause of an overused back

In an overused back, you have overused the back muscles. Overuse of the back can be caused by:

• Stress
• Heavy physical activities and/or work
• Overuse of the lower back (e.g. because you bent or twisted the lower back too much)
• Too long a car journey. This can cause the back muscles to become stiff.
• A condition of the back, e.g. a herniated disc
• Exercising too often
• Pregnancy
• Old age

What symptoms do I experience with an overused back?

There are several symptoms you may experience with an overused back. We list the most common causes:

• Stiff back muscles
• A nagging pain in the lower back
• Pain when standing or sitting for too long
• Radiating pain to the buttocks and/or upper legs
• Having difficulty moving or turning your body
• Having difficulty bending or moving your lower back

Treatment

In most cases, the symptoms of an overused back go away on their own. It is important to find a good balance between exercise and rest. It is recommended to keep moving. This keeps the muscles, ligaments and joints supple. For example, you can go for a walk. However, try to take enough rest as well.

If the symptoms persist, we recommend visiting a physiotherapist or specialist. They can help you recover. Furthermore, wearing a back support can help reduce the symptoms of an overused back. You can wear these as support during daily activities. It is advised to wear these only as long as you experience symptoms.