For most people, drinking alcohol in moderation is fine. In some
cases, such as for people with a high risk for heart disease,
doctors may even recommend a small amount of red wine or other
mild alcoholic beverage on a daily basis. As a general rule,
most people can drink socially without any long-term adverse
effects. However, for people with back pain, alcohol carries a
risk of increasing the pain caused by conditions like
degenerative disc disease, facet disease, herniated discs and
foraminal stenosis. For this reason, back pain sufferers may be
advised to avoid alcohol. Why Does Alcohol Increase Back and
Neck Pain? Doctors are not yet sure why there is a correlation
between drinking alcohol and back pain. Studies have not turned
up any conclusive data to show why people who drink experience a
worsening in their spinal conditions. However, there are a few
theories as to why the bad habit may make sciatica, bone spur
pain, and other spinal conditions worse: - Alcohol acts as a
muscle relaxant – In order to