back pain
Back pain is very common Most people in the United States experience back pain at least once in their lifetime Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work
The positive side of back pain is that if adequate measures are taken, we can avoid this condition or reduce back pain episodes. If preventative measures don't work, simple home treatments may relieve pain after a few weeks and provide long-term improvement. Surgery to treat back pain is rare
The cause of back pain is often non-specific, so it is often diagnosed through a test or radiological examination Conditions associated with back pain:
- Muscle or ligament strain Repetitive heavy lifting or quick, jerky movements can cause back muscles and ligaments to strain. If your physical condition is weak, constant back strain can cause painful muscle spasms.
- A bulging or sequestered disc The discs are located between the vertebrae in the back and have the function of shock absorbers Sometimes, the soft material inside the disc can bulge or rupture and impinge on the nerve Seeing a bulging or sequestered disc on an X-ray does not automatically indicate back pain. Disc disease is often discovered incidentally;
- Arthritis Osteoarthritis can damage the lower back In some cases, arthritis in the spine causes the space around the spinal cord to narrow, a condition called spinal stenosis.
- Pathological bone structures Back pain may be caused by the presence of an incorrect curve of the spine Scoliosis, in which the spine curves to one side, can cause back pain, but only severe forms of scoliosis cause pain.
- Osteoporosis Compression fractures in the vertebrae also cause bone weakness and fragility
Symptoms of back pain: - Muscle pain
- Burning, sharp pain
- Pain radiating down the leg
- Impaired back flexibility or limited movement
- Limited standing upright
- When to refer Although it may take several weeks for complete pain relief, patients should notice improvement within the first 72 hours of starting treatment at home. If you do not feel better, consult your doctor
- In rare cases, back pain may indicate a serious medical problem Seek emergency medical help if your back pain:
- causes bowel or bladder problems
- is associated with abdominal pain, throbbing (pulsations), or fever
- started from a fall or other traumatic injury
See your doctor if your Get help if you have had any type of cancer, osteoporosis, used steroids, used drugs or alcohol before
