Back pain is very common these days, earlier only old age used to experience back pain but these days even younger generation also experience it. Lifestyle habits and sedentary jobs are two of the major reasons for having back pain. Other reasons such as injury, accident, or some medical condition also cause severe back pain issues. Older people are at greater risk of having back pain as the bones become weak and degeneration of tissues takes place in some cases. Usually, back pain is caused due to swelling or injury in discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spinal cord, lower back muscles, lumbar spine, spinal cord, nerves, and tissues around the spine.
Causes:
Spine is made up of complex structures of muscles, ligaments, discs, tendons, and bones that work together to support the body, keep it erect, maintain posture, and help to move around. Strain, injury, tension, swelling, and poor posture cause problems in the spine. Some frequent causes of back pain include:
- Fracture
- Damaged discs
- Muscle tension
- Strained Ligaments
- Muscle spasm
- Ruptured discs
- Bulging disks
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Osteoporosis
- Abnormal spine curvature
- Kidney problems
- Cancer or tumor of the spine
- Infection
- Shingles
- Sleep disorders
- Cauda equine syndrome
Symptoms:
The main symptom of back pain is an ache or excruciating pain which begins at one point and spreads to surrounding muscles, bones, and joints. In most cases, the pain heals itself but in some cases, it requires regular medication, therapy, and bed rest. If the pain is persistent and you experience the following symptoms then consult a doctor immediately. Some of the symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Pain down the legs and knees
- Stiffness with swelling on the back
- Injury or trauma
- Numbness around the anus, hips, or genitals
- Difficulty in urination
- Loss of bowel control
Treatment:
- Generally, minor back pain can be treated at home by taking medications such as pain killers, or by using therapeutic gels, and heat therapy. But in most of the cases, where the pain is excruciating and there is no relief with home remedies, in those cases, other treatments are required such as
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy is provided by an expert physiotherapist who applies heat, ice, and electrical stimulation to release tension from the muscles and nerves causing the pain.
- Acupuncture: It’s an ancient Chinese technique in which needles are used at specific points to release natural pain killers called endorphins that helps in muscle relaxation and stimulation.
- Chiropractic therapy: A chiropractor uses multiple nonsurgical treatment procedures to improve body posture, pain, and any problem related to muscles, bones or the spine.
- Surgery: Surgery for back pain is recommended when there is an injury, trauma, or severe spine-related issue. Today, surgical operations are done with minimum invasive techniques that makes recovery fast and painless.
