Back pain: it creeps in like a bad habit, stays longer than your in-laws during the holidays, and somehow manages to ruin everything from sleeping to sneezing. Whether it's a dull ache after a long day or a searing pain that stops you mid-stride, you might find yourself wondering: Is this normal? Should I be doing something about this?

Well, friend, if you’re asking the question, chances are the answer is yes.

Here are 7 of the most common questions people ask about their back pain—and what they reveal about whether it’s time to stop shrugging it off and start taking it seriously.

Is My Job Causing This Back Pain?

If your 9-to-5 feels more like a 9-to-spine, listen up. Whether you're chained to a desk or lifting heavy loads all day, your job could be the cause of your spinal health.

Sitting for hours at a time (especially with bad posture) compresses your discs and weakens your core. On the flip side, physical labor can strain muscles and ligaments. If you notice back pain creeping in around work hours, then it’s not just in your head. It’s in your back.

What We Recommend: Evaluate your workstation ergonomics, stretch throughout the day. In fact, stretching is so valuable for everyone no matter what your job is. Take the time to properly stretch using multiple methods before beginning your day, & a few times throughout the day. 

How Long Should Back Pain Last Before I Worry?

That "temporary" twinge that’s stuck around for six months isn’t temporary anymore. Back pain that lingers longer than a few weeks could indicate something more serious. It might be muscular, skeletal, or even neurological. If rest, over-the-counter meds, and basic stretches haven’t helped in a few weeks, it’s probably time to take action.

What We Recommend: Either you need to seriously reconsider your furniture or bed (which should be giving your back the proper rest it needs after a day's work), or it may be time to see a physical therapist or chiropractor to identify underlying issues. Avoid the “wait and hope” method...it rarely works.

Could This Be a Sign of a Bigger Health Issue?

Before we go alarming you, we want to make it clear that these bigger issues are not as common. So, before you read on, just know that it's not as likely that your back pain is explained by these complex problems. You should let a doctor examine you and make that determination.

Sometimes, back pain isn’t just a mechanical problem. It can be a symptom of something deeper—arthritis, kidney issues, or even autoimmune conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. If your pain is paired with symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, or stiffness that’s worse in the morning and gets better with movement, it’s time to let a doctor take a look at you. 

What We Recommend: Book an appointment with your primary care doctor and get a full evaluation, including blood work or imaging if necessary.

Is This Just Aging, or Something More?

Possibly, but this one is difficult to answer. A lot of times we write off pains & discomfort as simply, "aging," when it actually boils down to not being physically active as you age. There are many people who are older in age yet seem to "miraculously," lack all of the typical injuries & pains that we associate with age. 

Joints stiffen, muscles weaken, and suddenly you’re making noises when you stand up. But not all back pain is a normal part of aging. Degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis are more common with age...but that doesn’t mean you have to live in pain.

What We Recommend: If you've started exercising, stretching, & taking part in active activities like walking and the pain hasn't decreased, it's probably time to have a doctor check you out for something more serious.

Why Does It Hurt More in the Morning?

This is probably going to be either the way you sleep (side, back, stomach sleepers), or it's your mattress. Your bed should be the place where your back finally gets the rest it needs from the things during the day that caused your back pain. 

What We Recommend: If changing the position that you sleep in doesn't help, then we'd try a new mattress. Not all mattresses are ridiculously expensive, but even the one's that are often have a "Try Before You Buy," model so that you can find the perfect mattress for you, then save up for it once you know which one you need. 

Should I Exercise Through the Pain?

It depends. Movement is medicine—but only the right kind. Pushing through sharp or stabbing pain is a recipe for disaster, while gentle stretching or core-building can actually support healing. Let the degree of pain guide that decision. If you suddenly experience severe pain, it's time to pack it up, move little, rest, & maybe get checked out by a professional.

If all you're experiencing is minor discomfort that you wish would stop, but it's not depilating, then it's best to switch to easier exercises until the pain is gone. Some view this as a loss in valuable exercise time, but it's actually not! This is a great time to focus on muscles & joint health that you don't typically dedicate your time to. 

Is This Sciatica or Something Else?

When pain radiates from your lower back down to your leg, chances are you’re dealing with sciatica. This nerve pain can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or even piriformis syndrome. Don’t try to tough it out. Nerve pain can worsen without intervention. Treatments can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory routines, or non-invasive therapy devices, which brings us to our next section that addresses each one of these questions! 

The Hatch Belt: A 3-in-1 Solution for Real Back Pain Relief

Here’s where things get exciting. When single-feature products just aren’t cutting it, the Hatch Belt steps in with a triple-threat approach: red light therapy, massage, and heat therapy—all in one sleek, wearable device.

Red light therapy targets inflammation and stimulates circulation at a cellular level. Massage nodes loosen tight muscles and promote blood flow. Heat therapy soothes soreness and improves flexibility. That’s three levels of healing working together to give your back the VIP treatment it deserves.

Unlike other options that force you to choose between features (and hope for the best), the Hatch Belt boosts your odds of relief by combining all three. It’s non-invasive, easy to use, and designed to integrate seamlessly into your daily routine—whether you're at home, at work, or out living your life.

So, if you’re tired of back pain dictating your day, and you’re ready for a smarter, multi-angled solution, it might just be time to strap on the Hatch Belt and reclaim your comfort.

Because back pain might be common—but living with it doesn’t have to be.