Why Chronic Low Back Pain Is More Than Just a Back Problem

Low back pain is something nearly everyone experiences at some point in life. In fact, research estimates that up to 80% of adults will deal with low back pain, making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. When back pain becomes chronic, many people wonder: "Should I just strengthen my core?" Or... "Can I still lift weights?" A recent randomized controlled trial suggests the answer may surprise you. The Study Researchers followed adults with chronic low back pain for 12 weeks . Everyone participated in a weekly rehabilitation exercise class. However, half of the participants also completed one additional 45-minute whole-body strength training workout each week using resistance machines. The researchers wanted to know if adding full-body strength training would improve: Pain Strength Function Pain sensitivity compared to rehabilitation exercise alone. The Results Both groups reported improvements in pain over time. But the group performing whole-body strength training experienced several additional benefits. They demonstrated: Increased trunk (core) strength Reduced sensitivity to pressure over the low back Continued pain improvements one month after the program ended Perhaps most importantly, the researchers found that stronger trunk muscles were associated with lower pain sensitivity. What Does "Pain Sensitivity" Mean? Pain isn't always about damaged tissue. When someone has chronic low back pain, the nervous system can become more sensitive over time. Think of it like a car alarm that's become overly sensitive. Instead of only going off when someone hits the car, it starts sounding because of rain or wind. The same thing can happen with chronic pain. Normal movement begins to feel painful even though the tissues themselves may be healthy. The study found that whole-body strength training helped decrease this sensitivity, suggesting it may positively influence how the nervous system processes pain—not just strengthen muscles. Why Whole-Body Strength Matters Many rehabilitation programs focus almost entirely on "core exercises." While core stability remains important, your spine doesn't function in isolation. Everyday activities require your entire body to work together. Whether you're: Carrying groceries Lifting your child Playing golf Gardening Returning to the gym Working a physically demanding job your hips, legs, shoulders, and trunk all contribute to protecting your back. Improving total-body strength allows these muscles to share the workload, reducing unnecessary stress on the lumbar spine. Does This Mean Heavy Lifting Is Safe? For many people—yes. When appropriately prescribed and progressed, resistance training is considered one of the recommended treatments for chronic low back pain. That doesn't mean jumping into maximal deadlifts on day one. Instead, it means gradually building strength with exercises matched to your current abilities and goals. Movement Is Medicine One of the biggest messages from this study is that avoiding movement isn't usually the answer. Many people with chronic back pain become fearful of bending, lifting, or exercising. Unfortunately, prolonged inactivity often leads to: Muscle weakness Deconditioning Reduced confidence Increased stiffness Greater pain over time A structured strengthening program helps reverse that cycle. How Occupational Therapy Can Help At Thrive Sports & Spine, occupational therapy isn't just about reducing pain—it's about helping you return to the activities that matter most. Treatment may include: Progressive strengthening Functional lifting mechanics Core stabilization Mobility exercises Balance training Manual therapy Activity modification Home exercise progression Rather than avoiding movement, we help you build confidence so you can safely return to work, exercise, hobbies, and everyday life. Chiropractic Care Can Complement Strength Training Joint stiffness can contribute to altered movement patterns and muscle compensation. Our chiropractors work alongside occupational therapy to restore mobility where needed, allowing strengthening exercises to be performed more comfortably and efficiently. Acupuncture May Help Manage Chronic Pain For patients whose pain limits exercise participation, acupuncture may help: Reduce pain Decrease muscle tension Improve relaxation Support recovery between therapy sessions This can make it easier to stay active while progressing through rehabilitation. The Takeaway For years, chronic low back pain was often treated with rest. Today's research tells a different story. This study suggests that adding whole-body strength training to a rehabilitation program can improve trunk strength and reduce pain sensitivity, while also supporting meaningful improvements in chronic low back pain. The goal isn't simply having a "strong core." It's building a stronger, more resilient body that allows you to move with confidence again. Ready to Get Stronger? If chronic low back pain has been keeping you from doing the things you enjoy, our multidisciplinary team can help. We'll evaluate how you move, identify the factors contributing to your pain, and create a personalized rehabilitation plan designed to help you get back to living—not just managing your symptoms. Reference Tomschi, F., Meder, K., & Hilberg, T. (2026). Effects of Whole-Body Strength Training on Pain and Strength in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Running is one of the easiest and healthiest forms of exercise. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon, running improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones, and boosts mental health. Unfortunately, it also comes with a downside. Research shows that 25-30% of all running-related injuries occur at the knee , making it the most commonly injured joint in runners. The good news? Many of these injuries are preventable.  What Causes Running Knee Injuries? A recent systematic review analyzed 20 different studies involving endurance runners to identify what consistently increases the risk of knee injuries. Instead of finding one single cause, researchers discovered that knee pain usually develops from multiple factors working together. The three biggest risk factors were: Previous knee or running injury Training too much or progressing too quickly Biomechanical factors (how your body moves while running) The Biggest Predictor: Previous Injury One of the strongest findings from the review was that runners who had been injured before were much more likely to get injured again. Why? After an injury, many runners return to training before they've fully recovered. Even if the pain is gone, there may still be: Muscle weakness Poor balance Reduced flexibility Changes in running mechanics Decreased shock absorption Without addressing these issues, the body often compensates, increasing stress on other joints and tissues. More Miles Isn't Always Better Many runners believe that more training automatically leads to better performance. Not necessarily. The review found that rapid increases in weekly mileage, longer training hours, and higher overall training loads consistently increased the risk of knee injuries. Your body needs time to adapt. When muscles, tendons, and joints don't have enough recovery time, repetitive stress begins to build faster than your body can repair it. This is when overuse injuries begin to develop. Running Form Matters Researchers also found that movement patterns can influence injury risk. Some runners demonstrated: Increased pelvic tilt Poor hip control Excessive trunk lean Abnormal knee loading Reduced shock absorption These movement patterns may place additional stress on structures around the knee, especially during longer runs. It's important to remember that there is no single "perfect" running form. Instead, the goal is to identify movement patterns that may be contributing to your specific pain. Common Running Knee Injuries The review highlighted three conditions that occur most often. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee) Often felt around or behind the kneecap. Pain usually worsens with: Running hills Stairs Squatting Sitting for long periods Contributors include poor hip strength, altered mechanics, and training errors. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band Syndrome) Pain develops on the outside of the knee. This condition is commonly associated with: Increased training volume Hip and pelvic control deficits Running biomechanics Previous injury history Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee) Pain occurs just below the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches. Risk increases with: High training volume Tight hamstrings Previous knee injury Poor load management How Occupational Therapy Can Help At Thrive Sports & Spine, occupational therapy focuses on helping runners return to the activities they love. Treatment may include: Strengthening weak hips and legs Improving flexibility and mobility Addressing balance and stability deficits Correcting movement patterns during functional activities Building a gradual return-to-running program Reducing pain while improving performance Rather than simply treating symptoms, we work to identify why the injury developed in the first place. Chiropractic Care Can Improve Movement Restricted joints can alter the way forces travel through the body while running. Our chiropractors evaluate spinal, pelvic, and lower-extremity mobility to help restore efficient movement and reduce unnecessary stress on the knees. Acupuncture Can Help Manage Pain For runners dealing with persistent soreness or overuse injuries, acupuncture may help: Reduce pain Decrease muscle tension Promote relaxation Support recovery between training sessions Prevention Is Better Than Recovery The biggest lesson from this review is that most running injuries don't happen because of one bad run. Instead, they develop gradually through a combination of previous injury, excessive training, and movement patterns over time. If you're preparing for a race—or simply enjoy running for fitness—taking the time to improve strength, mobility, and recovery can help keep you healthy for miles to come. Ready to Keep Running Pain-Free? Whether you're training for your next marathon or just getting started, our multidisciplinary team can help you move better, recover faster, and reduce your risk of injury. From gait assessments and strength training to manual therapy and personalized rehabilitation, we'll build a plan that keeps you doing what you love. Reference Senthil, K., Whitaker, S., Goodloe, J., et al. (2026). Common Risk Factors for Knee Injuries in Runners: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine.

As we get older, aches and pains often become part of everyday life. Back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness can make it harder to stay active and enjoy the things you love. Many older adults are interested in chiropractic care but wonder if it is safe for their age. A new systematic review published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies helps answer that important question.

Heel pain can make even simple activities like walking the dog, exercising, or standing through a work shift uncomfortable. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition involving irritation of the thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. While many people improve with stretching, supportive footwear, and activity modification, others continue to experience pain for months despite trying multiple treatments. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine examined how radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) affects patients with chronic plantar fasciitis that had not responded to conservative care.

Low back pain affects people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you enjoy working out, playing sports, gardening, or simply want to keep up with your family, back pain can make everyday activities more difficult. A recent study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation found that a structured whole-body strength training program significantly improved pain, strength, and function in people with chronic low back pain. The findings support an approach that combines proper movement with progressive strengthening to help people recover and stay active.

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