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.
FAQs
What are the types of back pain?
Acute back pain occurs suddenly and typically lasts a few days to a few weeks.
Subacute back pain can occur abruptly or over time, lasting 4 to 12 weeks.
Chronic back pain can occur suddenly or develop gradually, lasting more than 12 weeks and persisting daily.
What are back pain medications?
Medications: Muscle relaxants, Pain relievers, Antidepressants, Narcotics and Topical pain relievers.
Physical therapy
Surgical and other procedures: Surgery, Radiofrequency ablation, Cortisone injections and Radiofrequency ablation.
Alternative medicine: Yoga, Massage, Acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
What organs can cause lower back pain?
What causes back pain in females?
Fibromyalgia is a condition with stiffness and muscle pain that may result in widespread back pain. The sacroiliac joint protects the sacrum with the pelvis and is adjoining to the bottom of the spine.
Other causes: Piriformis Syndrome, Coccydynia, Osteoarthritis in the Spine, and Medical Disorders
