Back Pain: Types, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Back pain is a common problem nowadays, which can be seen in almost every adult. For many, this is not a serious issue, but in some cases, it can be risky. Back pain can be caused by muscle or ligament strain. Somewhere in day to day work, our back can get strained. It can occur in people of different ages. With increasing age, elderly people may suffer from back pain.
Lower back pain may not be a disorder sometimes. This usually results in some problems like ligaments, nerves and vertebrae. 90% of pain can be cured without any surgery or doctor. If the amount of back pain increases, counseling a doctor is important.
Types of back pain:
1. Herniated disc
You might experience unexpected stress on your back. This can happen as an age-related decline. This strain can be cured with some daily exercises that will help strengthen your back. Also, being overweight can cause herniated discs. Lifting heavy weights is a cause of sudden strain.
2. Spinal Stenosis
This happens when the space in the spine turns out to be excessively narrow and can put some pressure on the spinal cord. Spinal stenosis can occur primarily in the lower back or neck. Age groups above 50 years might deal with this issue. It has no symptoms, but some people experience pain, weakness, and numbness in their back due to back pressure. Also, people who meet with some kind of injury or accident can get this back pain.
3. Scoliosis
It is a curvature of the spinal cord that may appear at birth or appear later in childhood. Mostly, girls are diagnosed with this back pain more than boys. A healthy spinal cord always curves from front to back, but people with scoliosis have a sideways curve that can cause weight gain or stress. This disease can cause trouble at an early age as the problem gets worse.
4. Thoracic back pain
An issue in the upper back can cause thoracic back pain. It can cause neck pain, middle back pain, and lower back pain. Symptoms may include fever, uncontrolled weight gain, nerve pain, and physical trauma. Anyone suffering from thoracic back pain due to a recent injury can consult a doctor.
5. Middle back pain
This back pain occurs above the waist and below the ribs. Recognizing the symptoms can be very difficult and sometimes people can get frustrated. Middle back pain is associated with increased risk of obesity and lack of physical activity.
Causes
- Back pain can be caused by many reasons. The human body is very complex and the body does not support lifting heavy objects. Sometimes in some cases, the cause of back pain remains unclear.
- Back pain is usually caused by stress, tension or injury. Some recurring back pains are caused by muscle spasms, muscle strains, or some worsening of the condition. Injuries and fractures can cause back pain.
- Lifting too much weight or not lifting properly can cause strain.
Some of the higher risks seen when experiencing back pain include:
- Arthritis can be felt in joints such as hips, lower back and knees.
- Sciatica radiates pain from the lower back to the buttocks and then down the leg from the sciatic nerve. It mostly affects one side of the body.
- Certain abnormal curves in the spine can cause back pain.
- Osteoporosis occurs if there are very weak bones and few fractures.
- Kidney stones can also sometimes give you hard back pain.
You may experience some pain due to poor posture of your body. Some postures that can give you severe back pain:
- Lack of physical fitness
- overweight
- smokers
- genetic problems
- Overstretching your body can cause back pain.
- Lifting heavy weights
- Sitting in one position for long periods of time
- Long drives can cause back pain
Back pain is more common in women than in men. It is caused by hormonal elements and a lot of stress, anxiety and mood disorders.
Diagnosis
When you go to see a doctor, the first thing they will ask is, what are your back pain symptoms? Next, they will prescribe you some painkillers for your back pain. However, if your back pain persists after taking medication, the doctor may ask you to take some medication and take an X-ray. This often happens when you have a serious back injury. Some underlying causes require proper treatment.
X-rays and MRI scans will tell you all about your tissues. Another type of diagnosis that can cure back pain without medication is to consult a physical therapist. They will assist you with fixing your soft tissues.
Treatment
- Back pain exercises will help you get rid of back pain. Walking and swimming are good options for back pain exercises.
- Eating some healthy foods and working on your weight can help you relax.
- Changing your sitting posture at regular intervals.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time.
Home remedies:
- Exercise is good for those who suffer from back pain. They can help restore muscles and protect you from further pain. Certain exercises (walking on flat ground, bending over, cobra pose, etc.) are known to reduce symptoms.
- Heat and cold are successful method for relieving back pain. Ice packs are most valuable when a person uses them immediately after an injury, such as a strain. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel directly to the back can reduce inflammation. A heating pad can also relieve stiff or painful muscles. People should read and follow the instructions on any heating pad and thoroughly test the temperature to make sure it is not overheating.
- An uncomfortable mattress, wrong-sized pillows, or not getting sufficient sleep can cause back pain. Most adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Good comfort and good back alignment are essential for quality sleep and avoiding back pain in the morning. Make sure the pillow is firm enough to keep the back and neck in a straight line. If you sleep on your side, place an extra pillow between your knees.
You may also interested in:
All you need to know about Sleep apnea
Neck pain: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment