Back Pain After 60: What’s Actually Causing It (And What Helps Most)
If you’re over 60 and dealing with more back pain than you used to, it’s easy to assume it’s just arthritis or “normal aging.” That’s what most people are told, and it’s what shows up on imaging.
But that’s only part of the story—and often not the most important part when it comes to how you actually feel day to day.
What matters more is how your body moves. As we age, strength, balance, and overall activity levels tend to decline gradually. It doesn’t happen overnight, which is why most people don’t notice it until pain starts to show up more consistently. This creates a predictable cycle: less movement leads to stiffness, stiffness leads to discomfort, and discomfort leads to even less movement. Many people respond by trying to “take it easy.” While that sounds reasonable, it often backfires. The spine depends on movement for circulation, joint lubrication, and muscle activation. When you reduce movement too much, everything becomes more sensitive and less capable.
The solution isn’t just exercise—it’s the right type of exercise. Targeted, personalized movement is what makes the difference. That means focusing on the muscles that actually support your spine, improving how your body moves during everyday activities, and progressing at a pace that matches your current ability. A simple place to start is sit-to-stand from a chair. Aim for 8–10 controlled repetitions. This builds strength in the legs and hips, which are essential for supporting your back.
Over time, small improvements in strength and movement can lead to meaningful reductions in pain and stiffness. Back pain after 60 isn’t just about aging—it’s often about movement quality. And that’s something you can improve with the right approach.
At MyBackHub we have strategically utilized AI to provide the targeted, personalized movement and guidance you need. And now, eligible Medicare Part B members may have little or no out-of-pocket cost for the MyBackHub Membership.
Check your eligibility here today .
About the Author:
Rob Turk, MD, MBA
Chief Medical Advisor, MyBackHub
Rob Turk is the Chief Medical Advisor for MyBackHub, Inc. Dr. Turk has a broad foundation of talent in both medicine and business, previously obtaining his MD at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and his MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. As an entrepreneur and orthopaedic spine surgeon, he has unique and valuable insight on many topics. He is a published author in leading scientific journals such as JBJS and Arthroscopy, has written multiple book chapters, and has been a reviewer for a number of scientific journals. He is passionate about motion preservation and innovation in spine care, health equity, delicious food, and sports.
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