Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Originally posted on September 27, 2022 @ 8:41 am

An injury like a pulled muscle is a frequent source of back pain (strain). Back pain may occasionally be brought on by medical disorders including a slipped disc, sciatica (a pinched nerve), or ankylosing spondylitis. Rarely, back discomfort may be a symptom of a major issue such as a fractured bone, cancer, or infection.

What is Back Pain?

Your spinal column is under a lot of pressure. The primary structural support of your body is you. It must keep you flexible enough to move while also keeping you steady enough to stand up straight. So it comes as no surprise that many people experience occasional back difficulties.

Herniated discs, fractures, sore muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as other issues in your upper, middle, and lower back, may cause the pain. Sometimes the results are immediately apparent. But back issues can get worse over time.

Causes of Back pain

Bad habits like the following are frequently to blame for our back problems:

• Having poor posture when driving or sitting inappropriately at a desk.
• Repetition of the same action or overuse of it.
• Carelessly moving, lifting, and pushing objects around

A stack of 24 bones known as vertebrae makes up the spine. If you look at the spine from the side, it has an S shape. It curls inward at your neck and small of your back, backward at your shoulders, and both. It protects and protects your spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that controls movement and sends sensations to every part of your body.

Spine in Back Pain

Straining the bands of muscles that surround the spine causes one of the more prevalent types of back pain. Most frequently, it affects the neck’s base and the low back’s curve. These areas bear a greater load than your upper and middle back, which are less vulnerable to injury.

• Accidents, falls, and sports injuries that involve contact can cause a wide range of problems, from simple muscle strains to herniated discs to fractures that damage the spinal column or cord.
• Muscle spasms, which happen when your muscles tighten and don’t relax the way they should, can cause sharp pain in your lower back.
• Osteoarthritis When the cartilage between your vertebrae deteriorates, osteoarthritis can develop. A herniated disc or a bone spur might press on a nerve.
•  Pregnancy Back pain is a common complication of pregnancy. Pregnancy adds new kinds of stressors to a woman’s spine and legs in the form of hormonal changes and weight gain.

Sometimes a hurt back might occur for no apparent reason. Non-specific backache is what that is. It might result from muscles that are too frail to support normal walking, bending, and stretching.

Additional Signs of Back Pain

Back pain is one indication that something is wrong with your back, whether it be a subtle ache or a sharp pain. You might also experience sensations in your arms or legs.

• A burning agony
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness

Muscle weakness, uncontrollable urination, or the inability to urinate could indicate a significant issue, such as spinal cord compression. Make a quick call to your physician.

Diagnosis of Back Pain

Visit a doctor, please if:

• Whenever you have pain, such as after a fall or accident,
• When your everyday activities are impeded by the pain
• If it persists for more than six weeks or spreads

Unless you are unable to move, your doctor will test your range of motion throughout the examination and assess how well your nerves are functioning. To decide what to do next, that might be sufficient.

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You might require imaging procedures like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. However, they are not always helpful, and there is not always a direct correlation between the outcomes of these tests and the severity of the pain.

Treatment of Back Pain

Depending on what’s causing your discomfort and where in your back it is, a specific course of treatment may be necessary.

Contrary to what you might believe or what you may have been told in the past, relaxing in bed is rarely the solution. It will assist in ironing out the kinks, providing stability for your spine, and enhancing your flexibility. With the help of a physical therapist, you can create a programme of exercises that will reduce your pain and help you resume your normal activities.

• The majority of back pain can be alleviated with over-the-counter painkillers, ice, and heat. Stronger medications may be prescribed by your doctor, but if you’re careless, some may cause drowsiness or dependence.

• Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic spinal manipulation are examples of complementary therapies that can reduce pain.
• You might require surgery if you have a herniated disc, a broken bone, or a pinched nerve. However, medical professionals will initially try other remedies if back discomfort persists.
• By seeking counseling, you might learn how to manage the symptoms of depression as well as chronic pain.

Prevention of Back Pain

• Exercise! You’ll be more solid and balanced if you strengthen the muscles in your core and surrounding your spine. Your lower back will benefit from walking, and it’s easy to do.
• Maintain a straight spine. When you sit, stand, and walk, try to keep your ears, shoulders, and hips in alignment. Lift objects appropriately, keeping your back straight and using your hips and knees as a force.
• Try sleeping on your side with a medium-firm mattress.
• Stop smoking It slows down the flow of blood, so your muscles and tissues don’t get enough food and oxygen.