Back pain : Causes - Symptoms- Diagnosis -Treatment
What is Back pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to a doctor or miss work, and it is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
There are a few things you can do to prevent back pain. If prevention fails, simple home treatments often work well. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
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Medical terms
Back pain is a common and potentially disabling condition that can affect people of all ages. It can range from mild, dull and achy to excruciating, sharp and debilitating. The cause of back pain can be difficult to pinpoint, as it may result from an injury, a degenerative condition or a combination of both. Back pain can be acute, meaning it occurs suddenly and severely, or chronic, meaning it lasts for more than three months.
Back pain is an issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age. It's one of the most common complaints among adults and can range from mild to severe. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, an accident, or a medical condition like arthritis. While it can be debilitating in severe cases, there are steps you can take to reduce or even eliminate the pain.
Symptoms Back pain
Back pain can take many different forms, from a minor muscle ache to an intense, burning or stabbing sensation that often spreads down your leg.
When to see a doctor
Most back pain usually improves with home treatment and self-care within a few weeks. If your back pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, contact your doctor.
Keeps happening for more than a few weeks.
This condition is severe and does not improve with rest.
If you are experiencing pain that extends below your knee, it may be best to seek medical attention.
Decoupage can cause weakness or numbness in one or both legs.
If you experience unexplained weight loss, this might be a sign.
If you are having back pain, see a doctor as soon as possible if it is not due to an everyday occurrence. If you have back pain that is unusual for you, it might mean that there is a more serious problem.
Causes new bowel or bladder problems
Is accompanied by a fever
After being hurt in a fall, you might experience a pain in your back or another part of your body.
Causes Back pain
Spinal pain caused by spinal degeneration or injury can be a cause of low back pain.
Here is an infographic that will help you understand the passage more.
Back pain can develop for no reason that a doctor can identify with tests or imaging studies. Conditions commonly associated with back pain include:
Muscle or ligament strain.Heavy lifting or a sudden movement that is awkward can cause back pain. If you are not in good physical condition, constantly putting strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
Bulging or ruptured disks.The disks that support your spine act as cushions. If one of these disks becomes swollen or ruptures, it can press on a nerve. However, this may not cause back pain unless other factors are also present. Disk disease is often discovered when you have X-rays for some other reason.
Arthritis.Arthritis in the spine can affect the lower back. In some cases, this can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis.If your bones become porous and brittle, your spine's vertebrae can fracture.
Risk factors Back pain
Back pain can happen to anyone, even children and teens. These factors might increase your risk of developing back pain:
Age.As you get older, back pain becomes more common. It starts around age 30 or 40.
Lack of exercise.If you have weak muscles in your back and abdomen, it might lead to back pain.
Excess weight.Having too much weight puts extra stress on your back.
Diseases.Back pain can be caused by certain types of arthritis or cancer.
Improper lifting.If you use your back instead of your legs, you may experience back pain.
Mental health conditions.People who are prone to depression or anxiety seem to have a greater risk of developing back pain.
Smoking.Smokers are at a higher risk for back pain. This may be because smoking results in more coughing, which can cause herniated disks. Smoking also decreases blood flow to the spine and increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Prevention Back pain
Improving your physical condition can help prevent back pain. Proper body mechanics can help you avoid back pain in the first place.
To keep your back healthy and strong:
Exercise.Regular low-impact aerobic activities, like walking and swimming, can help strengthen your back and allow your muscles to work more efficiently. Talk to your doctor to see which activities are a good fit for you.
You can build muscle strength and flexibility by exercising.Strengthening your core muscles through abdominal and back exercises helps condition them so that they work cooperatively like a natural corset for your back.
Maintain a healthy weight.If you're overweight, losing weight can help to prevent back pain.
Quit smoking.Smoking increases your risk of developing low back pain.Smoking more cigarettes each day increases the risk. Quitting smoking will help reduce this risk.
Make sure not to move your back in ways that will twist or sprain it. Use your body properly by moving with the flow of your movements.
Stand smart.Keep your back straight. Avoid slouching. Stand in a neutral position, with your feet spaced evenly apart. If you must stand for a long time, place one foot on a low footstool to help reduce the stress on your back muscles. Alternate feet periodically to keep them active. Good posture can help reduce the stress on your back muscles.
Sit smart.Sit in a seat with good lower back support and armrests that swivel. Put a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain your natural curve. Keep your knees and hips level. Change your position frequently to keep it comfortable.
Lift smart.If possible, avoid heavy lifting. However, if you must lift something heavy, do so with your legs and keep your back straight. Keep your knees bent only a little and hold the object close to your body. Find someone to help you if the object is heavy or awkward.
During pregnancy, some women experience back pain.
Back pain during pregnancy is common and can start at any time.Most often, back pain is your body’s way of telling you that something’s wrong.If you feel discomfort in your lower back, it could be a sign that you are putting too much stress on your spine by carrying extra weight or doing repetitive tasks incorrectly. Back pain can be caused by medical conditions such as pregnancy-related sciatica or an underlying spinal condition, such as degenerative disc disease or.
Pregnancy is a beautiful time for expectant mothers and fathers.However, as with any other condition, it is not without its challenges.One of the most common complaints that pregnant women have is back pain.The muscles in the lower back are particularly susceptible to injury during pregnancy because of the extra weight and pressure on your body.Abdominal muscles can also suffer from strain due to hormonal changes at this point in your life, leading to lower back pain. It’s important.
The first trimester is generally the most comfortable period of pregnancy.That’s when most women feel good and have no back pain, as long as they are getting plenty of rest, taking prenatal vitamins and staying active.However, some women will start experiencing lower back pain in their second trimester.The pain may last from a few minutes to several hours at a time. In many cases, the pain is just a nuisance – it comes and goes and isn’t severe enough.
Back pain is common during pregnancy
If you have back pain, your doctor may prescribe bed rest.Bed rest means that you don’t have to walk around and do things all day.You can relax in bed or in a chair while resting comfortably.Some women find it hard to lie down all the time during pregnancy because they are uncomfortable with the weight of their body pressing down on their stomach and baby. Instead of lying flat, recline your chair so that you are sitting at a 30-degree angle instead of.
The back pain in early pregnancy is a fairly common complaint, and it typically comes from the weight being shifted to the front of your body.You will notice this shift in weight first when you stand up from a sitting position.The weight of the baby and uterus are now resting on your abdomen.In itself, this pressure is not an issue for most pregnant women. It can become an issue if you are carrying more than one child, or if you have already experienced back pain during previous pregnancies.
Having back pain during early pregnancy is a common complaint.The body is undergoing many changes, and it is not uncommon for the back to be among those that are affected by the changes happening with you.
back pain when breathing
When your spine is out of alignment, the natural curvature of the spine can change.This will cause pain that can run along the spinal column and to the muscles and nerves that branch off it.For example, when you have scoliosis, the curve can shift so that your spinal column is shaped like an “S” instead of an The spinal cord may not be directly affected by scoliosis but it could still cause pain in muscles.
out If you experience pain when you breathe deeply, it could be your diaphragm that hurts.The diaphragm is a muscle in the floor of the chest cavity and it is part of our breathing mechanism.Your diaphragm muscles will contract and relax as you inhale and exhale.This helps move air into and out of your lungs which delivers oxygen to the rest of your body. If this muscle becomes strained or injured, then it can cause pain when you.
What are the most common types of back pain
Back pain is the most common type of pain in the United States.It affects more than 80 percent of people at some point in their lives.Back pain is usually a symptom of an underlying problem and can be caused by injury, illness, or overuse.
Back pain is the most common health problem in the United States.It affects more than 80% of adults at some point during their lifetime and is the second leading cause of disability, according to the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services.There are many different types of back pain, including acute, chronic and recurring episodes of pain, explains Jeffrey Anderson, PhD, associate professor at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. Acute back pain is typically sudden onset.
Back pain is the most common symptom of any condition, and there are many different causes.The back can be broken into 3 sections:cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back) and lumbar (lower back).The spine includes the vertebrae, which are small, circular bones that are stacked on top of each other to form a column. Between each vertebra is a disc that acts as an intervertebral ‘shock absorber’ and allows for.
Back pain is a common condition that can be experienced by anyone, at any age.It affects the muscles and bones in your back, as well as the soft tissues.There are many different types of back pain, each with their own causes and symptoms.
back pain relief
Back pain is an incredibly common ailment that affects nearly everyone at some point in their lifetime.While the causes can be many, there are several effective treatments for relief including massage therapy and chiropractic care.These services are often extremely helpful for those who suffer from chronic back pain due to its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and muscle tension.
“It’s not just the lower back that can cause pain.The upper back, chest and abdominal muscles can become tight and stiff as well, contributing to pain in the neck and shoulders,” says Heather Cassell, a Los Angeles-based physical therapist.
If you suffer from back pain or have to deal with it regularly, you know how difficult and frustrating it can be.The pain can put a serious damper on your mood and well-being.It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications or supplements to find out if they are safe for you. You should also consider natural treatments, like acupuncture and massage therapy, that may be effective in relieving painful back conditions – particularly when used in conjunction with traditional medicine.
Buyer beware
There is no evidence that products that promise to prevent or relieve back pain actually work. In fact, back pain is so common that many products claim to do this, but there is no proof that they really do. Some people try to treat their back pain with special shoes, inserts for shoes, furniture designed to support the spine, or stress management programs. But there is no evidence that any of these things are effective.
There is not one type of mattress that is best for people with back pain. It probably depends on what feels most comfortable to you.
back pain stretches
It is a common occurrence for individuals to experience some back pain or stiffness after waking or exercising. This usually resolves on its own with a little rest, but you can speed the process along by stretching your muscles and performing some simple core exercises.
Stretching is one of the best ways to prevent injuries and ease low-back pain. Here are three simple stretches you can do to relieve your tight lower back. 1. Seated spinal twist: Sit down with both legs extended in front of you, then cross the right leg over the left and twist your torso to the right. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides. You can also bring your arms overhead and across your chest, or hold onto them behind you with.
Oftentimes, back pain can be alleviated with stretching. It’s very simple to stretch your back muscles and it does not require a lot of time. In fact, if you keep these stretches in mind, you can fit them into your daily routine without adding much time onto your schedule at all.
back pain when breathing
When you have back pain, breathing can be difficult and painful. Breathing can put pressure on your back and cause more pain. Try these tips for better breathing with back pain.
Back pain can be a tricky thing to deal with, especially if you’re the sort of person who works in jobs that require you to stay standing up for long periods. It’s not uncommon for people to feel back pain when they have been on their feet all day, and it can be an incredibly frustrating experience. So what can you do about it?.
Avoid smoking and drinking, which can cause heartburn. Also avoid foods that irritate your esophagus such as spicy food, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol. If you have back pain when breathing, lying down is probably the worst position for you to be in as it will put your body weight on the lumbar spine causing it to compress.
back pain relief
Soft Tissue Massage is one of the best treatments for pain relief. Soft tissue massage works by increasing the circulation and blood flow in your body, which helps heal muscles and tendons quickly. This also increases oxygen to all parts of your body. It is that increased oxygen that gives you better sleep, more energy and a feeling of well-being.
Exercising Back pain is a problem that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. It may be a temporary ailment or something more serious, but the reality is that back pain can have debilitating effects on your life. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of exercises you can do to help ease back pain and restore mobility to your body. Here are four you should know about!.
There are many different types of back pain, but the most common symptoms are: Back pain that gets worse when you move or change positions Pain that is felt in the lower back rather than the neck or top of the shoulders.
back pain exercises
People suffering from back pain need to do exercises that would help them relieve the pain in their back. As you know, any type of physical activity can cause muscle strain and also intense pain. The good news is that there are a lot of good exercises that can be done at home to prevent and relieve the chronic pain in your back. These exercises will not only help you get rid of the problem but will keep your body fit and young as well.
When you have back pain, one of the best ways to counteract it is with exercises. This can help alleviate some pain and might even be able to prevent it from returning in the future. Of course, as with any kind of exercise regimen, you should talk to your doctor before starting a back pain exercises program. He or she might have some recommendations for specific kinds of exercises that will help reduce or eliminate your back pain over time.
Diagnosis Back pain
Your doctor will look at your back and see how you're able to move around. They might also ask about your pain and how it's affecting your daily life.
These assessments help determine where the pain is located and how much you can move before it becomes too painful and whether you have muscle spasms. This can help rule out more serious causes of back pain.
If you have back pain and your doctor thinks it might be caused by a specific condition, they might order tests to confirm the diagnosis.
X-ray.These images show how your bones are positioned and whether you have arthritis or broken bones. These images don't show problems with your spinal cord muscles, nerves, or disks.
MRI or CT scans.These scans can reveal problems with herniated disks or bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels.
Blood tests.These are some of the things you can do to determine whether you have an infection or other condition that is causing your pain.
Bone scan.Sometimes your doctor might use a bone scan to look for bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Nerve studies.EMG tests measure the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the muscle responses. This test can confirm nerve compression caused by herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
Treatment Back pain
Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over one-fifth of the world’s population suffers from back pain and that it results in $100 billion in health care costs each year. Back pain can be caused by a variety of conditions including injuries, infections, tumors, herniated discs and degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. However, most cases are not due to any specific cause and are termed.
Back pain is a common condition that affects millions of Americans each year. Although back pain can affect anyone, it’s most commonly seen in middle-age and older adults. It’s also common in individuals who have jobs that require repetitive motions, such as waiters and those who are required to lift heavy objects on a regular basis.
Most back pain improves within a month of home treatment. However, everyone is different and back pain is a complex condition. For many people, the pain doesn't go away for a few months but for a few, the pain is severe and persistent.
If you are experiencing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers and using heat might be all you need. However, bed rest is not recommended.
Keep up your activities as much as you can. Try light activities such as walking and performing daily tasks. If home treatments don't work after several weeks, your doctor might suggest stronger medications or surgery. Therapies or medications.
Medications
If you have back pain, your doctor might recommend one of the following:
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil Motrin IB others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help relieve back pain. Use these medications only as directed by your doctor. Excessive use of NSAIDs can cause serious side effects. If over-the-counter pain relievers don't relieve your pain, talk to your doctor. If the doctor thinks you may have a headache, they might recommend taking an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
Muscle relaxants.If back pain doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, your doctor might also prescribe a muscle relaxant. Muscle relaxants can make you dizzy and drowsy.
Pain relievers that are applied to the skin.These products deliver pain relieving substances directly to your skin through creams, salves, ointments, or patches.
Narcotics.Doctors may prescribe opioids to relieve short-term pain. These drugs don't work well for chronic pain, so your prescription will usually provide a limited number of pills.
Antidepressants.Some types of antidepressants, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, have been found to relieve chronic back pain without affecting depression.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can help you improve your flexibility, strength, back and abdominal muscles, and posture. Regular use of these exercises can help prevent pain from returning. Physical therapists will also provide education about how to modify your movements to best suit your needs. If you experience back pain, you should avoid exacerbating the symptoms by continuing to be active.
Surgical and other procedures
Various procedures used to treat back pain may include:
Cortisone injections. If pain doesn't go away and if it is located near your spinal cord, your doctor may inject you with cortisone — an anti-inflammatory drug — and a numbing medication into the space around your spinal cord. This will help decrease inflammation. Neuralgia is a condition in which pain occurs around the nerve roots, but the relief usually lasts only a few weeks.
Radiofrequency neurotomy.A fine needle is inserted through your skin near the area causing pain. This interrupts the signals that would normally send pain to your brain.
Implanted nerve stimulators are devices that send electrical signals to the brain.Electric impulses can be delivered to certain nerves to block pain signals.
Surgery. If you have persistent pain and muscle weakness that is caused by nerve compression, you might benefit from surgery. These procedures are usually used for cases of pain related to structural problems, such as narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) or a herniated disc. This disk hasn't responded to other treatments.
More Information
Back surgery: When is it a good idea?
Disk replacement
Myofascial release therapy is a type of massage that has been shown to relieve back pain.
Acupuncture
Chiropractic adjustment
Diskectomy
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment for people with spinal cord injuries. It helps to improve the function of the spinal cord.
Laminectomy
Radiofrequency neurotomy
Spinal fusion
Ultrasound
Alternative medicine
There are a number of alternative treatments that might relieve symptoms of back pain. Always discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor before starting any new treatment.
Chiropractic care.A chiropractor uses their hands and fingers to manipulate your spine in order to relieve your pain.
Acupuncture.Acupuncturists use thin, sterile needles to insert them into the skin at specific points on the body. There is growing scientific evidence that acupuncture can be helpful in treating back pain.
TENS is a therapy that uses electrical currents to treat pain.A device that is powered by battery electrodes is placed on the skin to deliver electrical impulses. Some studies have shown that TENS (the electric shock therapy) is effective in relieving pain, while other studies have not shown this to be the case.
Massage.Massage might help relieve back pain if it is caused by tense or overworked muscles.
Yoga.Yoga is a broad practice that involves practicing specific postures and poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. It can stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture, although some poses might need to be modified if they cause your symptoms to worsen.
Preparing for your appointment
If your back pain doesn't go away even after trying home remedies, see your doctor. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
Make a list of:
Key personal information,Stressors such as mental or emotional problems should not be included in your life.
Your symptoms, and when they began
All medications, vitamins, and other supplements must be approved by the FDA before they can be sold to the public. you take, including doses
Questions to ask your doctor
If you can, take someone along who can help you remember what you learn.
When you have questions about back pain, you should ask your doctor some of these questions:
What is the most likely reason for my back pain?
Do I need diagnostic tests?
What do you think is the best treatment approach?
What are the possible side effects of the medications you're recommending?
What other medical conditions do I have? How can I best manage them together?
How long will I need treatment?
What self-care measures should I try?
Can I prevent a recurrence of back pain?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you questions including:
When did your back pain begin?
Have you ever injured your back?
Is the pain constant?
Does the pain affect your day-to-day activities? How much does it interfere with your ability to function?
Do you have any other symptoms besides back pain?
Do you do heavy physical work?
Do you exercise regularly? What types of activities do you enjoy?
How often do you feel down or anxious?
Do you sleep well?
What have you done so far to try to improve your condition? Anything has helped?
General summary
Back pain is characterized by a sharp, burning pain in the lower back that can last for days or even weeks. It is often caused by damage to the muscles, ligaments, and discs that surround the spine. Poor posture, lifting heavy objects, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to the development of back pain. In some cases, it is difficult to determine the underlying cause of the pain and medical treatment may be necessary to alleviate it.
Back pain is a common condition that affects a significant portion of the population. It is usually characterized by discomfort in the back muscles, joints, or nerve endings, resulting in pain that ranges from mild to severe. Many types of back pain can occur, including lower back pain, upper back pain, thoracic spine pain, and sciatica. Although back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, it can also be relieved with appropriate treatment.
