Back Pain - Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

Introduction 

Back pain can affect people of all ages for several reasons. It can be acute & chronic. Injury, muscle strain, activity and medical conditions can lead to back pain. Thankfully, there are measures and treatments to prevent and relieve back pain, including medications, acupuncture, etc. 

Causes 

The human back contains a network of muscles, tendons, disks, ligaments and bones that cooperate to support the body and facilitate movement. Disks protect the sections of the spine.  

Complications in any of these components can result in back pain. The damage can be caused by poor posture, strain and medical conditions. In a few cases, the cause of the back pain remains ambiguous.  

The most common causes of back pain are damaged disks, strained muscles or ligaments, muscle spasms, muscle tension and injuries, falls or fractures.  

Strain 

Lifting too heavy articles, lifting improperly and making an awkward and abrupt movement may lead to strain. 

Structural Problems 

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis and can modify any joint, including bone, ligaments, cartilage, fat and tissues along the joint. This condition can deteriorate cartilage, change bone shape and create inflammation, resulting in pain, rigidity and immobility. 

Ruptured disks 

Ruptured discs cause pressure on nerves, which in turn causes back pain.  

Bulging disks 

It is similar to ruptured disks; a bulging disk results in more pressure on a nerve. 

Sciatica 

Sciatica is a pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the leg. This may happen when a muscle pushes, particularly on the sciatic nerve.  

Kidney problems 

Kidney stones or kidney infections may cause back pain. 

Osteoporosis 

Compression fractures are more likely when bones, including the spine vertebrae, become fragile and porous. 

Unusual curvature of the spine 

If the spine curves abnormally, it can cause back pain. An example is scoliosis, in which the spine curves to the side. 

Posture and movement  

Back pain can also result from some everyday activities, such as over-stretching, twisting, bending for a longer time, standing & sitting for a longer time. 

Other Risk Factors 

Age, smoking, improper lifting, diseases, and excess weight. 

Symptoms

• Recent injury, blow, or trauma to the back 
• weight loss 
• Fever  
• Loss of control over bowel movements 
• Insensibility around the genitals, anus & buttocks 
• Inflammation  
• Persistent back pain  
• pain down the legs 
• Pain that reaches below the knees 

When To Consult A Doctor 

• When the back pain does not improve with rest,  
• Fever linked with back pain,  
• Unexplained weight loss coupled with back pain  
• Back pain after trauma.

Prevention 

Do more exercise 

Physical activity helps in controlling back pain. Daily stretching and strengthening exercises can assist in preventing the emergence of back pain related to muscle strains and sprains. 

Maintain healthy weight 

Excess weight amplifies strain on the muscles and ligaments of the back and can lead to lower back pain.  

Quit smoking  

Nicotine decreases blood flow to the spine's disks, resulting in cracks, dryouts or rupture. Smoking also diminishes the oxygen level in the blood, which in turn declines nourishment to the muscles and back tendons.  

Be conscious of your posture 

Poor posture can aggravate back pain. Practising proper posture will keep your joints and bones in alignment. Good posture may also help in preventing muscle strain and muscular pain. 

Be cautious while you are lifting

Learning to lift properly can help to prevent further deterioration of back pain. 

Conclusion 

Millions are affected by back pain, and healthy lifestyle habits elevate back pain and promote overall health.