The private clinic Sanus Axis specializes in the treatment of back pain and spinal disorders.
Why Patients Choose Sanus Axis:
- The clinic is staffed by highly qualified spine and back pain specialists;
- Advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies are used, including equipment unique in Lithuania, enabling precise identification and treatment of the underlying causes of back pain;
- A comprehensive treatment approach is applied, combining manual therapy, physiotherapy, spinal decompression, and neural mobilization techniques;
- The average treatment course consists of just five sessions, after which patients are able to return to their normal daily activities free from pain.
The clinic’s physiotherapists and manual therapy specialists use evidence-based methods designed to eliminate the source of pain, restore mobility, and help patients avoid surgery.
Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on spinal biomechanics assessment and diagnostic evaluation.
Why Does Back Pain Occur? Causes and Risk Factors
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity – prolonged inactivity weakens the core muscles, reduces spinal stability, and impairs blood circulation.
- Poor posture – incorrect body alignment places uneven stress on the spine, leading to muscle imbalance and pain.
- Poor workplace ergonomics – improperly adjusted chairs, desks, or monitor height can overload the spine and contribute to muscle fatigue.
- Excess weight and poor nutrition – additional body weight increases strain on the spine, while nutritional deficiencies may weaken the intervertebral discs.
- Age-related changes – with aging, spinal discs lose elasticity, making them more vulnerable to degeneration, compression, and pain.
- Stress and muscle tension – emotional stress can cause muscle spasms and reduce oxygen supply to the muscles, resulting in pain.
- Genetic predisposition – inherited connective tissue characteristics or spinal structural abnormalities may increase the risk of degenerative changes and back pain.
When to See a Specialist
It is advisable to consult a back and spine specialist if your pain does not improve within a few days and begins to limit movement or interfere with daily activities.
A specialist evaluation is recommended if:
- The pain radiates into the legs or arms, or you experience numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation;
- You notice muscle weakness or difficulty maintaining body stability;
- The pain does not improve when changing position or becomes worse with movement;
- Stiffness in the lower back or neck, especially in the morning or after prolonged sitting;
- You develop problems with urination or bowel function — this may indicate nerve compression and requires urgent medical attention;
- The pain persists for more than 1–2 weeks despite rest or medication.
The earlier the underlying cause of back pain is identified, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment using non-surgical methods.
Back Pain by Location: What Does the Pain Location Indicate?
Back pain can occur in different regions of the spine — the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar areas.
The location of the pain often reflects the affected structures, such as muscles, intervertebral discs, nerve roots, or joints, helping specialists identify the underlying cause and select the most effective treatment approach.
Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Region)
Lower back pain is the most common type of back pain and is often associated with paraspinal muscle tension, degeneration of the intervertebral discs, or irritation of the lumbosacral nerve roots.
The pain may radiate into the buttocks or legs, which can indicate nerve root compression or a herniated disc. Due to significant mechanical stress, the L4–L5 and L5–S1 spinal segments are the most commonly affected.
Upper Back Pain (Thoracic Region)
Pain in the upper back is frequently linked to tension in the trapezius or rhomboid muscles, increased thoracic kyphosis, or biomechanical dysfunction of the neck and shoulder girdle.
Prolonged computer work, poor shoulder posture, and emotional stress may lead to myofascial pain that can radiate into the neck or arms.
Mid-Back Pain
Pain in the middle back region (T6–T12 segments) may result from rib joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance, or referred pain from internal organs, such as digestive system disorders.
This type of pain requires thorough evaluation, as it is often accompanied by postural changes or spinal stiffness.
Pain on the Right Side of the Back
Pain on the right side may be associated with tension in the paravertebral muscles, uneven body loading, or referred pain from internal organs, such as irritation involving the liver, gallbladder, or diaphragm.
Recurring pain on the right side should be evaluated from both a spinal and internal organ perspective.
Pain on the Left Side of the Back
Pain on the left side is often related to postural asymmetry, muscle imbalance, or disorders involving the kidneys, heart, or pancreas.
If the pain radiates into the left side of the chest or is accompanied by shortness of breath, a cardiac cause must be ruled out.
Nerve-Related Back Pain
Neuropathic back pain occurs when spinal nerve roots become compressed or irritated.
It is commonly accompanied by burning, tingling, or numbness radiating into the limbs along the path of the affected nerve. The most common cause is radiculopathy associated with a herniated disc or inflammation near the nerve.
Back Pain While Lying Down
Pain that worsens when lying down may indicate inflammation of the facet joints, disc injury, or soft tissue edema.
If the discomfort improves only after changing sleeping position or mattress, the cause may be biomechanical. However, persistent pain while lying down is often associated with inflammatory spinal conditions and should be evaluated by a physician.