Back pain becomes more common as we get older, but common is not the same as normal, and accepting it as an unavoidable part of ageing can mean missing the chance to do something about it while it is easiest to change. At First Chiropractic in Napier we see people of every age in Hawke’s Bay, and many of them arrive believing their back is simply “wearing out” when there is often far more going on beneath the surface than the number of birthdays they have had.
In this article we explain why we see pain as a signal rather than a life sentence, why back pain so often seems to get worse with each episode, and how chiropractic care, along with the right exercises and daily habits, can help your body and nervous system adapt and recover.
Pain is a signal that something needs to change
Pain is one of the ways your brain and nervous system communicate with you, and its job is to get your attention when something in the body is not coping as well as it should. Rather than being a random event or a sign that you are getting old, pain is your body telling you that a change is needed, whether that is in how your body is moving, how your nervous system is processing stress and load, or the habits that fill your day.
When that message is ignored, or quietened with painkillers and rest alone, the underlying issue that triggered it is often still there. The pain may settle for a while, yet the body has not necessarily resolved the reason it raised the alarm in the first place.
Why back pain seems to get worse with time
Many people tell us their first episode of back pain came and went within a few days, but the next one lasted a couple of weeks, and the one after that seemed to linger for months. Because these episodes happen over a span of years, it is natural to connect them with getting older, and this is a big part of why back pain has become so widely accepted as a normal sign of ageing.
What is often really happening is that each episode builds on the last. When the original problem is not fully resolved, the body and nervous system adapt around it by guarding, tightening and changing the way you move, and those compensations can leave you more vulnerable the next time life adds extra stress or load. Time is the common thread, but the driving factor is usually an unresolved problem that has been quietly accumulating rather than age itself.
What may be happening beneath the surface
When your nervous system is not communicating clearly with the muscles and joints of your spine, the way your body moves and carries load can change without you noticing. Over months and years, uneven movement and ongoing strain on particular areas may contribute to faster wear and tear, which can show up later as degeneration or arthritis in the joints and discs of the spine.
Interestingly, scans of people with no back pain at all often show some degree of disc or joint change, which tells us that what appears on an X-ray does not always match how someone feels. This is one reason we focus on how your body and nervous system are functioning rather than on age or imaging alone, and why we believe dysfunction is best addressed sooner rather than later, before the body has spent years adapting around it.
How chiropractic care helps your nervous system adapt
Chiropractic care is focused on the relationship between your spine, your brain and your nervous system. Research led by Dr Heidi Haavik and others suggests that chiropractic adjustments can influence how the brain processes information coming from the body, which may help it sense and control movement more accurately and respond to stress and load more effectively.
By addressing areas of dysfunction, care aims to interrupt the cycle of guarding and compensation that keeps pain coming back, giving your nervous system the opportunity to adapt better and your body the chance to move and recover the way it is designed to. Your chiropractor will begin with a thorough assessment, so that your care is based on what is actually happening in your body rather than on assumptions about your age.
Exercises and daily habits that support recovery
Depending on your situation, your chiropractor may recommend specific exercises or postural advice to support the changes happening through your care. These might include simple movements to restore strength and control in the muscles that support your spine, along with practical guidance on how you sit, work, lift and sleep.
This kind of support can help speed up your progress and, just as importantly, reduce the chance of your back pain returning. Our goal is not only to help you feel better now, but to give you the understanding and tools to stay well as the years go by.
Frequently asked questions
Is back pain a normal part of getting older?
Back pain is common as people age, but it is not something you simply have to accept. Pain is a signal from your body that something needs to change, and many people of all ages find relief by addressing the underlying cause rather than putting it down to age.
Why does my back pain keep coming back?
Recurring back pain often happens when the original problem was never fully resolved, so the body adapts around it with guarding and altered movement. Each new episode can then build on the last, which is why it can feel as though back pain is getting worse over time.
Can chiropractic help with back pain as I get older?
Chiropractic care focuses on how your spine and nervous system work together, and it can be suitable for adults of all ages, including older adults. A chiropractor will assess your individual situation and tailor your care, which may include adjustments, exercises and postural advice.
When should I see a chiropractor for back pain?
It is best to get your spine and nervous system checked sooner rather than later, particularly if your pain keeps returning or each episode lasts longer than the one before. If you have back pain along with symptoms such as numbness in the groin area, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss or fever, seek urgent medical attention.
Where can I find a chiropractor in Napier?
First Chiropractic Napier is located at 164 Kennedy Road, Napier, and has been caring for families across Hawke’s Bay for more than 30 years.
Book a back pain assessment in Napier
If you have been told, or have been telling yourself, that your back pain is just part of getting older, we would love to help you find out what is really going on. The team at First Chiropractic Napier will take the time to understand your history, assess how your body and nervous system are functioning, and explain what we find in a way that makes sense to you.
To book an appointment, call us or book online, and take the first step towards a body that keeps up with the life you want to live, at any age.
https://www.firstchiropractic.co.nz/contact/