{"id":10738,"date":"2022-10-07T11:28:43","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T15:28:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/torontoneckandbackpain.com\/?p=10738"},"modified":"2022-10-07T11:28:43","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T15:28:43","slug":"understanding-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/torontoneckandbackpain.com\/newsite\/understanding-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Back Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article, originally published on our blog<\/a> at www.dkchiroblog.com<\/a>, provides a more in-depth look at understanding back pain. While it’s not an easy read, this article gives support to those who wonder why back pain exists and if chiropractic care has some foundation for treating the cause or source of back pain.<\/p>\n

Architectural Mechanical History<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

For thousands of years, people have built incredible structures around the world \u2014 the pyramids of Egypt, temples across Asia and India, and the breathtaking cathedrals of Europe. These buildings were created without electricity, power tools, or modern technology, yet they still stand today. They are a lasting reminder of the brilliance of ancient architecture.<\/span><\/p>\n

When we look at these wonders, one question naturally comes to mind: how was any of this possible? Laborers didn\u2019t have modern equipment, clean water systems, or proper medical care. Yet, the results of their efforts remain visible centuries later.<\/span><\/p>\n

One reason is simple: these buildings were constructed on <\/span>solid foundations<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

But when that foundation is compromised, even the greatest structures begin to fail. The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy is a perfect example. Construction began in 1173, and by the time it was finished nearly 200 years later, the tower had developed a four-degree tilt. Over the centuries, the lean worsened, creating a very real risk of collapse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fast forward to modern times and we see a similar problem with the Millennium Tower in San Francisco. This 58-story skyscraper, opened in 2009, began tilting within just a few years. By 2016, residents were informed that the building was sinking, and by 2022 the lean had reached nearly 28 inches. Engineers have been working ever since to stabilize it, but the solutions are neither simple nor guaranteed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The message is clear: <\/span>without a strong foundation, even the most impressive structures are vulnerable.<\/b><\/p>\n

So, what does this have to do with the human body and <\/span>back pain<\/b>?<\/span><\/p>\n

Like buildings, our bodies also rely on strong foundations. But unlike buildings, our posture is not purely mechanical. Humans don\u2019t simply topple over when they lean or shift. Instead, we adapt, using muscles and balance to stay upright. This unique system allows us to walk, run, bend, and twist without falling.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, those same adaptations create stress when the body is misaligned. Poor posture, repetitive movements, and uneven mechanics force the spine to carry loads in ways it wasn\u2019t designed to. Over time, that stress accumulates, leading to <\/span>chronic back pain, disc problems, and sciatica<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In architecture, cracks appear in walls when a foundation fails. In the human body, pain is often the first warning sign. Understanding back pain starts with recognizing that the spine \u2014 like a building \u2014 depends on a stable foundation for long-term strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

Levers<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Upright human posture is a first-class lever mechanical system<\/u><\/em>. When humans lean (tilt), in any direction, muscles contract in a manner to counter-balance the lean, thus keeping the human upright. A review of these biomechanical principles will further support an effort in understanding back pain.<\/p>\n

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The first-class lever mechanical system<\/u><\/em> has three components:<\/p>\n